On a radio talk show Wednesday, Daniels recalled remarks she made in a meeting with high school students to WXYT-AM (1270) host Charlie Langton.
"I said that a doctor could be brought in ... and talk about the dangers of the homosexual lifestyle. Just the same as I could find a doctor to come in and talk about the dangers of the smoking lifestyle," Daniels said.
On Tuesday, the recall movement presented about 9,300 signatures to the Oakland County Elections Division, in excess of the 7,985 signatures needed. The effort was prompted by statements Daniels made about homosexuality before and after she took office, perceived disregard of the city charter and City Council protocol, and her vote against the city's transit center.
John Kulesz, 41, an attorney helping to lead the Recall Janice Daniels campaign, said he thought the mayor was using her position inappropriately as a bully pulpit.
"I was again horrified. I think the job of a mayor is to help promote a community," he said.
Daniels told the Free Press the conversation about homosexuality is being foisted on her. She said she continues to strive for small government, less regulation and improving the city's revenue base. She said she recently voted against the city's proposed budget because it contained a millage she deemed unnecessary.
"I'm not the person my political opposition is trying to paint me as," she said. "I'm working on building a vibrant synergy in Troy."
Daniels has had a rocky six months in office.
After winning her election by 600 votes in a city of 81,000 in which only a quarter cast ballots, she changed the city's oath of office to exclude fidelity to the charter, calling it a capricious document. She also sparked controversy when an antigay Facebook comment she made before the election surfaced. She then made the statement about doctors and the dangers of being gay.
Daniels voted against the city's transit center to the dismay of the business community and remained the only "no" vote on a stripped-down version of the federally funded center. The movement to gather recall signatures started about three months ago, once the Elections Division approved the petition language. If the signatures are found valid, the recall language will be on the November ballot.
Daniels said she is confident she will beat the recall efforts. But Kulesz said the recall effort is also confident it will be successful.
