The deadline for signing a petition to recall Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek has passed, but the City of Calgary will not release the results until 45 days later. The petition was initiated by Landon Johnston, who had until April 4 to collect over 500,000 signatures from Calgarians eligible to vote. Johnston cited reasons such as the passage and quick repeal of the single-use plastics bylaw, alongside the affordability crisis and arena deal, as motives for starting the petition. Once submitted, the petition will undergo a 45-day process involving the counting and verification of signatures by City clerks and Elections Calgary officials.
Johnston submitted 72,271 signatures, acknowledging that the 514,284 threshold was unrealistic, but still managing to garner significant support from Calgarians. He expressed frustrations with the flawed recall legislation and called for changes to ensure the fairness and accountability of elected officials. Despite falling short of the required number of signatures for the mayor’s resignation, Johnston emphasized the importance of the people’s power to hold officials accountable through recalls. He urged for the legislation to be utilized across Canada, emphasizing the need for elected representatives to prioritize the well-being and interests of the public.
Political scientist Lori Williams highlighted the involvement of organized political groups like Project YYC in supporting Johnston’s petition effort. The recall campaign aimed to gather support for the recall petition, emphasizing the importance of a citizen-led initiative. Williams suggested that the recall legislation should be re-evaluated to address gaps, such as the impossibly high thresholds in large cities like Calgary. She proposed defining specific reasons for initiating a recall petition, such as ethical violations or misconduct, to ensure legitimate grounds for recall.
Mayor Gondek remained committed to her role amidst the recall campaign, emphasizing her dedication to serving the people of Calgary and delivering essential projects and services. Gondek refrained from commenting on the petition until the results are released, expressing an eagerness to learn of the outcome from the city clerk and chief administrative officer. Project YYC lauded the recall petition as a “great achievement,” highlighting their support for Johnston’s efforts and their mission to elect “common-sense conservative” leaders in the next municipal election.
The recall petition against Mayor Gondek sparked discussions about the recall legislation and the need for potential revisions to address existing gaps and ensure fairness in the process. Williams stressed the importance of acknowledging public frustration and providing clearer information on the roles and responsibilities of city council members. The recall campaign served as a platform for citizens to express their concerns and hold elected officials accountable, prompting calls for reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in local governance.
