Seattle Hasn't Recalled a Mayor in 95 Years. Here's Who Got the Boot A King County judge is currently reviewing the legal merits of a recall effort targeting Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, marking the first such challenge in nearly a century. While Seattle voters have historically faced recall campaigns against mayors, the city’s record shows that actual removals from office have been exceptionally rare. The last successful recall occurred in 1931, when Mayor Frank Edwards was ousted, and no mayor has since been removed through a recall vote. The history of mayoral recalls in Seattle dates back to 1911, when Hiram Gill became the first mayor to face such a fate. Gill, Seattle’s first elected mayor, was recalled after a contentious campaign that highlighted accusations of corruption and tolerance for vice. Newspapers of the time criticized him for his policies, which included leniency toward gambling, alcohol sales, and prostitution. Casey McNerthney of the King County Prosecutor’s Office described Gill’s downfall as a response to public frustration, noting that voters ultimately decided they had had enough of his approach. Two decades later, Seattle voters again exercised their recall power in 1931, removing Mayor Frank Edwards. The recall followed a dispute over Edwards’ decision to fire J.D. Ross, a prominent figure at Seattle City Light. Ross was a key leader in developing the city’s infrastructure, including the construction of Ross Lake, which bears his name. McNerthney explained that Edwards’ firing of Ross angered voters, who viewed the move as a betrayal of public interests. This recall remains the last successful removal of a Seattle mayor, underscoring the rarity of such events.#seattle #casey_mcnerthney #king_county #katie_wilson #ross_lake
More than 30 people charged in connection with UW building takeover during pro-Palestinian protest More than 30 individuals have been charged with misdemeanor criminal trespassing in connection with the occupation of the University of Washington’s Interdisciplinary Engineering Building during a pro-Palestinian protest last May. Prosecutors stated that while the trespassing charges are sufficient, they cannot determine who caused the damage to the building, which is why felony charges are not being pursued. Casey McNerthney, a spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, explained that trespassing alone does not constitute a felony without additional evidence. “If we could show exactly who caused the damage, then we would be looking at a felony case,” McNerthney said. The misdemeanor charge carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and significant fines. Authorities reported that the group occupying the building caused approximately $1 million in damage. Arraignments for the charged individuals are scheduled for March 25. The group responsible for the takeover, SUPER UW, claimed responsibility for the incident and issued a statement demanding that the university sever all ties with Boeing. The organization called for the university to return existing donations, eliminate financial investments, and prohibit Boeing executives and employees from influencing academic programs or teaching classes. Boeing, a major defense contractor and airplane manufacturer, has had a long-standing relationship with the University of Washington, dating back over a century. The university has not yet responded to the demands from SUPER UW.#boeing #university_of_washington #super_uw #casey_mcnerthney #king_county_prosecuting_attorney
