King County Assessor John Arthur Wilson has been accused by his former domestic partner of stalking and harassment. She twice sought restraining orders against him.
To be sure, such accusations are disturbing.
Wilson is also a candidate for the open King County Executive position. Two of Wilson’s opponents, County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay, joined other elected officials, including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, in calling for Wilson to resign after the allegations were the subject of news reports. That’s a logical response from fellow public officials to such serious allegations.
What’s not logical, though, is for Balducci and Zahilay self-servingly to join their fellow Metropolitan King County Council members in a vote of no confidence in Wilson. Balducci proposed the no-confidence vote, which is merely symbolic. It adds no weight to their already stated disdain for what Wilson is accused of doing.
Besides, the council does not have the power to remove Wilson from office, one he has held for 10 years. That would be up to the people who put him there; the voters have the right to file a recall petition.
Still, Wilson, like all people, has the right to due process; a right that public officials, especially during this political climate, should understand and respect.
In the eight-person race for County Executive many pressing issues are before the candidates, including public safety. Voters want candidates who can tout their accomplishments and articulate a vision for the future, not use their public office to seek advantage over their opponents.
