King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert removed from leadership roles

King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert is being removed from council leadership positions and all external boards and committees where she represents the council.

This action is the result of an offensive campaign mailer she sent out that used what many feel, including members on the council, are racist images.

Lambert agreed with Tuesday’s motions removing her from many of her leadership roles and voted for them. The council approved the motion Tuesday by a vote of 9-0.

King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert apologizes for ‘racist’ campaign mailer

“The mailer and subsequent statements have undermined our ability to work with each other, our staff’s confidence in us as leaders, and our reputation and relationships with outside organizations and agencies. Based on those impacts, it was imperative that we take concrete action quickly,” said Council Chair Claudia Balducci in a written statement.

“This reorganization was essential to protect the integrity of the Council and allow us to continue — without distraction — the important work that King County residents depend on us to do day in and day out,” she added.

There has also been a request to investigate whether the mailer violated the council’s harassment policy.

Ross: King County race shows what happens when politics get nasty

Lambert joined KTTH’s Jason Rantz Show on Tuesday to explain what happened in her own words:

In November’s general election, Lambert is up for re-election. Her challenger for Council District No. 3 is Sarah Perry.

The KIRO Radio Newsdesk contributed to this report.

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