Unite Norman Files Petition To Recall Mayor, 4 City Council Members

Petitioners are allowed to begin getting signatures to recall five city council members, according to paperwork filed Friday.

"When the City Council reallocated the budget and took money away from the police, we thought it was disrespectful," said Unity Norman member Russell Smith.

The City Council voted on June 17 to take $865,000 away from the police budget. It was a vote that prompted the Unite Norman group to act.

"We have 30 days from today to gather enough signatures," said Smith. "We have to get 25% of registered voters from each ward to recall that respected council member."

Ward 1 councilwoman Kate Bierman, Ward 3's Alison Petrone, Ward 5's Sereta Wilson, and Ward 7 councilman Steven Holman are all targeted by the petitioners alongside Mayor Breea Clark.

Clark posted a statement to Facebook Friday in response to the petition saying in part:

"The grounds for recall alleged in the petition are false and baseless, and my record on those issues speaks for itself. From hosting police events at my home and participating in ride alongs with both NPD and NFD to getting to know and supporting police officers personally, I will unequivocally state that I support law enforcement and public safety in our city."

More than 200 volunteers are working for the Unite Norman group. They will walk door-to-door through Norman to gather signatures starting Saturday morning.

"We want to be represented by our leaders, not ruled," said Smith.

Unite Norman wants people to know this decision was not brought on by the face mask ordinance.