Steve Johnson and Kim Sieckmann recall, Gladstone City Council, Oregon (2017)
| Gladstone City Council recall |
|---|
 |
| Officeholders |
Kim Sieckmann |
| Recall status |
| Recall election date |
| May 23, 2017 |
| See also |
| Recall overview Political recall efforts, 2017 Recalls in Oregon Oregon recall laws City council recalls Recall reports |
Gladstone City Councilman Steve Johnson and City Councilwoman Kim Sieckmann were recalled from office on May 23, 2017. The recall was initiated by Bill Osburn, a former city council candidate, over allegations of unprofessional behavior and illegal contracting practices. Johnson and Sieckmann countered in their official responses that Osburn's allegations lacked factual evidence.[1]
The Gladstone City Council consists of seven members elected at large to four-year terms. Johnson and Sieckmann were last elected in 2014. Sieckmann was the council president.
Recall vote
A mail-in recall vote took place on May 23, 2017. This date was the deadline for receipt of mail-in ballots at locations designated by the county clerk. Voters were asked to decide for or against the recall for each official.[2]
| Recall of Steve Johnson[3] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
 Recall | 890 | 57.09% | ||
| Retain | 669 | 42.91% | ||
| Recall of Kim Sieckmann[3] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Recall | 889 | 56.66% | ||
| Retain | 680 | 43.34% | ||
Recall supporters
Osburn made the following allegations against Sieckmann:
| “ |
Illegal contracting: Sieckmann has repeatedly shown a marked bias favoring contracting practices that disallow fair and open competition for consulting services. Unprofessional and a bully: Sieckmann supported in the undermining of council members, voting against allowing council members to view and verify charges from the city attorney. He was a key player in driving off former council members including the previous Mayor. Questionable hiring practices: Sieckmann supported and participated in the interview and hiring process of Interim Assistant City Administrator without public posting of the job nor public input, leaving out key members of the council. Unethical behavior: Sieckmann attempted to influence an election by using his title and influence in an unethical attempt to discredit those who would challenge his power. He made slanderous and exaggerated comments to influence and deceive Gladstone voters. Cost Gladstone our new library: Sieckmann was a key player in the library debacle. He supported the lawsuit instead of working to be compliant with the agreement with Clackamas County.[1][4] |
” |
| —Bill Osburn (2017) | ||
Osburn made the following allegations against Johnson:
| “ |
Illegal contracting: Johnson has repeatedly shown a marked bias favoring contracting practices that disallow fair and open competition for consulting services. Questionable hiring practices: Johnson supported and participated in the interview and hiring process of Interim Assistant City Administrator without public posting of the job nor public input, leaving out key members of the council. Unprofessional behavior: His questionable meeting practices and representation of the city on local and regional matters detracts from the cooperative and high standard expected by the citizens of Gladstone. He also has been disrespectful and heckled members of the community while they tried to address concerns during council meetings. Fiscal irresponsibility: Johnson promoted and approved a substantial Information Technology project that was not previously accounted for or approved by the budget committee. This contract award was $300,000. Violation of ORS 260.532: False publication relating to measure: Johnson falsely stated in the fall 2015 Voter's Pamphlet the city would not sell city owned park property to fund the Police Dept. / City Hall Capital Project, with the full knowledge and intent of selling the Gladstone Nature Park which is listed on the city website as a park.[1][4] |
” |
| —Bill Osburn (2017) | ||
Recall opponents
Sieckmann provided the following official response to the recall:
| “ |
Vote No on the recalls. It is unfortunate it has come to this. The Chief Petitioner of this recall ran and did not win in the last election for City Council. So now he may feel he can recall a couple councilors and have a chance to be appointed. He has made 5 claims against me. The claims are not factual. 4 of the 5 claims were decisions made by the City Council as a whole. Not me individually. The State of Oregon takes illegal and unethical behavior serious. I am not under any investigation for any these complaints due to the fact they are not justified. I did submit an opinion piece in the newspaper for the November Election. I had been asked my opinion by many citizens. With 10 items on the Gladstone Ballot people had questions. This is well within the rights of an elected official to do so. Over the last 2 years I have been part of the council team making tough decisions after 30 years of status quo. Only being allowed 200 words here to defend against these baseless allegations is a challenge.[1][4] |
” |
| —Kim Sieckmann (2017) | ||
Johnson provided the following official response to the recall:
| “ |
The recall claims against me are unfounded and entirely untrue. During my time serving on your city council I have:
These accomplishments and many more were all completed within the budget and without raising taxes. I believe Gladstone is in a better position because of the work that I've done for you. I'm asking you to vote to keep me on the council to continue to serve you in a fiscally responsible manner. |
” |
| —Steve Johnson (2017) | ||
Path to the ballot
- See also: Laws governing recall in Oregon
Osburn initiated the recall effort by filing a petition with the county clerk. After approval of the petition, Osburn gathered signatures and submitted within 90 days of approval by the clerk. His petitions required at least 15 percent of the votes cast for governor in the council districts for Johnson and Sieckmann. State law prevents recalls against public officials until they have served at least six months in their current terms.[5]
Recent news
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See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Clackamas County, "City of Gladstone Recall Election," April 27, 2017
- ↑ Clackamas County, "May 23, 2017 Recall Election," accessed May 15, 2017
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Clackamas County, "City of Gladstone Recall Election," May 23, 2017
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Oregon Secretary of State, "Recall an Elected Official," accessed May 15, 2017
