Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson responds to recall effort against her as hearing date approaches

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson addressed reporters Wednesday who asked about the recall petition filed against her while speaking about an unrelated executive order.

“That is a legal process that will be playing out,” Wilson said. “I’m focused on leading the city and on making it an affordable place for people to live, and that’s the work that we’re here to discuss today.”

The answer came after the matter was assigned to a King County Civil Superior Court judge on Tuesday.

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The petition was filed by Seattle resident Melinda Jacobson and her husband, Dale Osterud, on Aug. 11. The filing alleged that the mayor has ignored public safety concerns and was “derelict in her duties” in office.

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.

She also said the mayor has largely ignored calls from residents in several Seattle neighborhoods, including North Aurora Avenue, the Chinatown-International District (CID), downtown and Belltown.

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.

To move forward, the recall petition must clear significant legal and logistical hurdles. The hearing is the next step.

Judge Patrick Oishi will oversee the hearing on Aug. 31.

“The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the acts stated in the charge satisfy the criteria for the recall petition and the adequacy of the ballot synopsis. That criterion for this case – whether the mayor has committed acts of maleficence – is outlined by state law (RCW section 29A.56.110),” the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said.

Experts said it’s not an easy hurdle to clear.

“It’s really a very high bar,” said Chryssa Delganis, Assistant Professor of Law at Seattle University School of Law. “And historically, past efforts have usually been unsuccessful.”

Delganis said the judge will be looking to see if the complainants have alleged specific acts that would amount to unlawful conduct or a breach of official duty.

“They can’t just allege general dissatisfaction,” she said.

Whatever the judge decides could be appealed.

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If the petition ultimately clears the legal hurdle, sponsors of the petition then have 180 days to get enough signatures to get it on a ballot. In this case, they would need just under 70,000.

The elections office will then verify those signatures. If they are verified, then the recall will head to the ballot for voters to decide.

Wilson told KIRO 7’s Madeline Ottilie she would not personally attend the hearing, but would be represented by counsel.

Her comments follow a statement her office issued on Aug. 13.

“While it does not appear to have merit, our focus remains where it belongs: on making life safer and more affordable for the people of Seattle,” a representative for Wilson’s office wrote. “Since taking office, we’re delivering meaningful progress: expanding community crisis responder hours, accelerating shelter expansion, launching universal school meals this September, banning rental junk fees, expanding transit, investing in our libraries, and taking on unfair pricing at grocery stores. That work continues.”