Council defers vote on Balducci motion of no confidence until next week to allow Assessor Wilson to respond

Following the introduction of legislation by King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci Tuesday stating that the Council has lost confidence in King County Assessor John Arthur Wilson to carry out the duties of his office and calling for his immediate resignation, a majority of the King County Council voted against a motion to take the item up immediately, effectively deferring action on the motion until next week. The majority’s stated rationale was procedural, saying they felt it important for Assessor Wilson to speak to the allegations before taking action on the legislation.

A procedural vote to take up the legislation today failed by a vote of 3-5 (Balducci, Mosqueda and Zahilay voting in favor, Perry excused), after which Council Chair Zahilay committed to place the item on the agenda for a vote on June 10.

Councilmember Balducci released the following statement:

“While I strongly support due process for those accused of crimes or being stripped of rights, this is different. This is a statement of the position of the Council; not an action that removes any rights from anyone. And Assessor Wilson has had every opportunity to respond to the allegations for months, but has refused to do so. He has never publicly denied the reports of stalking, harassment or coercive behavior. Courts have twice reviewed the allegations and decided they merited issuance of a restraining order.

“We don’t accept this type of behavior from those who work for us at King County government, and we should not accept it from those in positions of leadership who are given the public’s trust.

“I have lost confidence in Assessor Wilson’s ability to live up to the responsibility and public trust necessary to be an elected official in our County and have called for his immediate resignation. I look forward to taking this up next week and having the full Council formally join in this call.”

Because Wilson is an independently elected official, he cannot be forced out of office except through a recall vote of the people. But a motion of no confidence by the county council is extremely rare and carries significant gravity.