A recall could force two costly special elections. Ward 6 has no primary election this June, because Charles just won reelection 18 months ago. That means, if the recall organizers collect enough signatures quickly enough, they could force a special election this summer. That’s their goal, because low turnout in a summer election works in the recall’s favor.
Worse, if the recall measure passed (whether in the summer or on the November ballot), the Board of Elections would have to schedule yet another special election to fill the empty Ward 6 seat within 174 days. That would cost taxpayers millions of dollars. I’m pretty sure you and I could think of hundreds of better ways to spend your tax dollars.
If the recall passed, we would lose City Council representation. The recall would rob Ward 6 of representation by our councilmember, including his staff, for up to 6 months as the special election played out. Our community would have no voice on the future of the football stadium, neighborhood schools, and yes, public safety. We’d also lose our constituent services.
Please tell your friends and neighbors: Decline To Sign! Raise your voice with other recall opponents, including Planned Parenthood, DC Firefighters, Ward 6 Democrats, the Sierra Club, and countless local business owners and labor organizations. They know what’s at stake, and you do, too.
