Special Election indicates 68% want Pepper out!
Black Diamond voters made a strong statement in Feb. 13, 2018 Special Election – they want Councilmember Pepper removed from office! Initial election results indicate 2 to 1 in support of Pepper’s recall.
Neighbor to Neighbor Black Diamond spokesperson Johna Thomson said, “Voters used their ballots to hold Pepper accountable for her actions over the past two years, while she made an abundance of illegal decisions that were embarrassing and costly to Black Diamond residents. Voters made it clear that they are done with her poor leadership.”
On January 26th, 2018, King County Superior Court Judge Janet Helson ruled that Pepper broke the law at least six times. Judge Helson ruled no trial was needed for a verdict against Pepper on those six counts, and that the evidence was “undisputed.” The remaining allegations against Pepper in this lawsuit were dropped when she cut a deal to end the litigation. (KCSC Case No. 16-2-29091-4 KNT)
Even though Pepper was found guilty of breaking the law while in office, she had the right to keep her seat on the city council. In Washington State the only way to forcefully remove an elected official from office is through the recall process. Fortunately, residents of Black Diamond initiated a recall against Pepper nearly a year ago that culminated in last night’s unequivocal verdict of “Guilty!”
When the election is certified on Feb. 23, the recall against Pepper will be finalized and her seat will be vacated. The last successful recall in King County was in 2013 when Cy Sun, the mayor of the City of Pacific, was thrown out of office by a 65.4% vote. Support for Pepper’s removal from office is on track to far exceed the notorious Cy Sun recall.
For recall documents and more information: www.RecallBD.org
Johna Thomson, Secretary
Citizens to Recall Pepper
