This petition was started by Wilkinsburg, PA resident, Rose Price:

The people demand that Marita Garrett vacate her seat as the mayor of Wilkinsburg due to poor representation, misbehaving in office, and violence toward citizens.

On June 30, 2020, Wilkinsburg, PA mayor, Marita Garrett threatened peaceful protestors with a gun as her mother, Beverly Garrett, taunted and laughed at the family of slain Romir Talley before trying to fight one of the citizens and ultimately physically attacking another one for recording her.  This all came after Mayor Garrett canceled a public safety meeting 1 hour prior where the advocates intended to attend to confront Garrett regarding the investigation into Romir’s death that came at the hands of the police.  

It would be a grave mistake to let the violent actions of Marita Garrett to go without consequence.  She is a representative of public office.  To allow her to continue to serve as mayor after compromising the safety of her own people will set precedence for public officials everywhere who do not want to be held accountable for not doing their jobs.

Marita Garrett cannot continue to sit as mayor after unapologetically destroying the safety of the town.

Since being in office, Garrett has shown no interest in the community of Wilkinsburg.  She has abandoned her civic duties by not being present and participating in monthly council meetings in over a year.  She has a history of violently targeting individuals who dare to hold her accountable.

Marita Garrett’s actions on June 30, 2020 are not new for her.  This is just the first time her acts of violence were caught on film.

Wilkinsburg needs and deserves leadership.  Marita Garrett is actively refusing to be that.  

We are unsafe every minute Marita Garrett remains in office.  The only option is for her to vacate the seat and let someone who values the community, transparency, and accountability to take office.