SEATTLE — Seattle resident Melinda Jacobson and her husband have filed a recall petition against Mayor Katie Wilson.
The filing alleges that the mayor has ignored public safety concerns and made mistakes while in office. King County Elections confirmed that the recall petition had been filed on August 11.
Public safety and municipal management form the core of the petition.
Jacobson cited the mayor’s decision to request the resignation of the city’s police chief during a murder investigation stemming from a shooting at the Bite of Seattle event as a primary factor in filing the recall.
But she cited many different reasons for why she believes the mayor should be recalled.
Jacobson said the mayor has largely ignored calls from residents in several Seattle neighborhoods, including North Aurora Avenue, the Chinatown-International District, downtown and Belltown.
Community members in those areas have requested an increased police presence and stronger law enforcement measures to address crime. The recall effort also addresses city technology policies.
Mayor Wilson has expressed concerns about using security cameras to combat crime due to privacy issues and the potential that outside agencies might access the footage.
Jacobson maintained that the cameras should be utilized.
Additionally, Jacobson claimed the former police chief Shon Barnes was being used as a scapegoat for the city’s response to the Bite of Seattle shooting and the subsequent response.
Jacobson, who acknowledged she was new to the recall process and conducted her own research before filing, criticized the mayor’s handling of the public briefing following the incident.
“I saw on KIRO 7, as a matter of fact I was going to watch a program, but it kept breaking for breaking news, and finally at 10:45 there was a news conference,” Jacobson said. “Now you can’t tell me that she didn’t know what was going on and blame it on the police department. I’m sorry her communication skills are deplorable.”
The mayor’s office so far has not responded to requests for comment regarding the petition.
According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecutors will prepare an official synopsis of the recall petition and submit it to both Mayor Wilson and the Superior Court.
The court will then review the filing to determine if the matter can move forward to a legal hearing where both sides may present their arguments.
If approved by a judge, recall sponsors will have 180 days to collect enough signatures to place the recall question before voters.
KIRO 7 has reached out to Mayor Wilson’s office for comment and is waiting to hear back.