Recall effort launched over Wilson public safety policies, police chief’s ouster

A Seattle couple has launched a recall effort against Mayor Katie Wilson claiming the first-year mayor has failed to maintain public safety and enforce city laws as mandated by the city charter.

The filing from Melinda Jacobson and Dale Osterud cites Wilson’s policies around Seattle Police Department surveillance cameras, street disorder in areas like Aurora Ave and the International District, and her decision to demand the resignation of Chief Shon Barnes following the fatal shootout at the Bite of Seattle. The petition asserts that the removal of Barnes created instability within SPD.

CHS reported here on Wilson’s launch of a new community-focused search for a new chief.

According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecutors will draft a ballot synopsis for review by a Superior Court judge.

If the court determines the charges meet legal standards for misfeasance or malfeasance, organizers must then collect signatures from registered voters to place the recall on a ballot.

State law requires collecting signatures equal to 25% of the total votes cast for all candidates in the preceding election for that office. Proponents would need to collect around 70,000 valid signatures in that scenario.

In 2021, District 3 voters narrowly defeated a recall effort against City Councilmember Kshama Sawant.

The recall effort comes amid a spike in gun violence across Capitol Hill.

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