Longview taxpayers have now spent more than $250,000 resolving an Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) lawsuit involving members of the City Council. That total includes an $80,000 settlement and well over $170,000 in legal expenses paid with public funds.

The lawsuit alleged that council members discussed major city business outside of public meetings, including the termination of the city manager, the selection of an interim city manager, and the selection of the mayor. While the city settled the case without admitting wrongdoing, the financial cost to taxpayers was significant, and the city agreed to review its Public Records Act policies and implement a cell phone policy for elected officials.

For many residents, this isn't about political parties or policy disagreements. It's about transparency, accountability, and trust.

When hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars are spent responding to allegations involving the public's right to open government, it's reasonable for residents to ask whether their elected officials still have the confidence of the community.

This petition is a call for accountability through voluntary resignation. It is not a legal recall petition. It is an opportunity for residents to express that they believe Longview deserves leadership that earns and maintains the public's trust.