Sawant recall petition now awaiting state Supreme Court ruling

Last week the final legal briefs were filed with the Washington State Supreme Court in Councilmember Sawant’s challenge to a recall petition. In late September four charges against her were certified by a King County Superior Court judge, and Sawant subsequently appealed that decision. Now it’s up to the Supreme Court to decide whether any of the charges can continue on to the signature-gathering phase.

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Council again considers whether to exempt itself from recusal for financial conflict

In June 2016 the City Council considered an update to the city’s conflict of interest rules that would allow Council members to continue to participate in a legislative act in which she or he has a conflict of interest if that conflict is publicly disclosed first. After a contentious debate, it was referred back to committee, where it has languished for almost two years. This week it will be revived and get another hearing in committee.

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