What?! Another Recall in Palmer?
Contributed by Steve Carrington, Palmer Mayor
In 2022 there was a Recall for 3 city council members. Now there’s a move to recall the Steve Carrington, Palmer Mayor. But is this recall attempt different?
Back in 2021 the city had an investigation done by an outside attorney which ended with a report with findings. After that, a recall effort was launched. For a Recall, there’s an application, petitions, and a special election. The 2022 recall was centered around Open Meetings Act violations.
So, what is the 2025 Recall Steve Carrington, Palmer Mayor about? The wording of the petition is that Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington “abused executive power by seeking outside legal counsel.” This was to draft an agreement to end the previous manager, Stephen Jellie’s, contract based on said contract. It seems the issue is it was done without the city council knowledge. Ironically, at the end of the Oct. 9 Emergency Meeting, the city council unanimously approved this agreement.
The wording of the petition is that Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington “abused executive power by seeking outside legal counsel.” This was to draft an agreement to end the previous manager, Stephen Jellie’s, contract based on said contract. It seems the issue is it was done without the city council knowledge. Ironically, at the end of the Oct. 9 Emergency Meeting, the city council unanimously approved this agreement.
So, how have I led the council? In spite of the disagreements in recent times, I have run the Palmer City Council meetings calmly and patiently. I endeavor to let each person be heard at the appropriate time. I try to steer away from gossip and hearsay and lean into facts and rational thought.