The petition representative(s) shall file with the city clerk as part of the petition, a statement of not more than 200 words stating the reasons for the recall of the elected officer sought to be removed. The city clerk shall, not later than three business days after the petition has been filed, mail a copy of the petition by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the elected officer sought to be recalled, who may file with the city clerk a statement, containing not more than 500 words, in response to the charges made against him or her. The elected officer sought to be recalled shall file his or her response, if any, within ten days of the date the petition was mailed.