CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to the legal representation of Mayor Jenny Durkan in judicial proceedings concerning a recall charge; paying expenses necessary to defend Mayor Jenny Durkan in those proceedings; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.
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WHEREAS, on June 15, 2020, a statement of charges was filed with King County Elections Department seeking the recall of Mayor Jenny Durkan for acts arising from the scope of her official duties and while performing in good faith her official duties; and
WHEREAS, on June 25, 2020, the King County Prosecuting Attorney petitioned the Superior Court of King County to conduct a hearing to determine the sufficiency of the recall charges and the adequacy of the ballot synopsis pursuant to RCW 29A.56.130(2); and
WHEREAS, on July 10, 2020, King County Superior Court Judge Mary Roberts dismissed as factually and legally insufficient all charges, except one charge which was allowed to proceed; and
WHEREAS, on August 12, 2020, Mayor Jenny Durkan filed a notice of appeal seeking the Washington Supreme Court review of the trial court's decision; and
WHEREAS, on October 8, 2020, the Washington Supreme Court considered en banc and unanimously decided and ordered the recall charges against Mayor Jenny Durkan be dismissed as factually and legally insufficient; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 4.96.041(3), Mayor Durkan has requested that The City of Seattle pay the necessary expenses of defending her in legal proceedings to determine the sufficiency of the charges; and
WHEREAS, the City Council deems it appropriate to pay those legal expenses; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Pursuant to RCW 4.96.041(3), the necessary expenses of defending Mayor Jenny Durkan in any and all judicial hearings to determine the sufficiency of a recall charge shall be paid by The City of Seattle, including all costs associat...
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