Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson faces recall effort over public safety

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing a recall effort less than a year into her term. Residents Melinda Jacobson and Dale Osterud filed the recall charge, alleging Wilson has been ‘derelict in her duties’ regarding the city’s public safety.

Critics specifically cited Wilson’s decision to remove Police Chief Shon Barnes following a mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival in July, an event that resulted in three deaths. The removal of Barnes has drawn criticism from various organizations, including the NAACP and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle.

In addition to public safety concerns, Wilson has faced backlash for proposing higher taxes on Seattle’s wealthiest residents and businesses, as well as supporting Washington state’s new millionaires’ tax.

If the recall proceeds, King County Elections must conduct a technical review and a judge must determine if the charges meet legal requirements. Should the process continue, supporters would need to gather approximately 69,000 signatures within 180 days to qualify for a recall election.