Voters in Palmer will head to the polls next month for a special election to decide whether to recall Mayor Steve Carrington, following accusations of official misconduct related to his handling of a contract termination for former City Manager Stephen Jellie.
Early voting in the recall election starts May 5 and continues through May 19 at the City of Palmer Council Chambers, 231 W. Evergreen Ave, Palmer. Hours for early voting are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
The recall effort centers on Mayor Carrington’s decision to engage outside legal counsel to draft a modification — or “overlay” — to Jellie’s contract without prior authorization from the Palmer City Council. Critics, including City Attorney Sarah Heath, argue this action violated Palmer Code Section 3.4, which states the mayor is empowered to execute official documents only with council authorization.
According to the ballot statement supporting the recall, Carrington’s unauthorized action resulted in the city entering into an amended agreement that allegedly harmed Palmer’s interests. The modified contract included a $75,000 severance package, a non-disclosure agreement, and legal immunity for Jellie against any known or unknown potential liabilities tied to his tenure.
“This abuse of executive power by Mayor Steve Carrington constitutes unlawful behavior by a public officer in relation to the duties of his office, willful in character,” the recall ballot statement reads.
In response, Carrington issued his own statement that appears on the ballot, which defends his actions and criticizes the conduct of the city attorney and certain council members. He says that on Oct. 8, 2024, City Attorney Heath planned to publicly read an accusatory email against Jellie at a council meeting. Carrington says he advised against this course, suggesting instead a closed session to address the matter.
Heath proceeded with the public disclosure, according to Carrington, resulting in a “highly emotional” meeting with over two dozen audience members — many of them city employees — calling for Jellie’s termination. Carrington alleges that Heath encouraged these individuals to claim whistleblower protection, despite legal ambiguity about their eligibility for such status.
Amid the fallout, council members Carolina Graver and Victoria Hudson called for an emergency session on Oct. 9 to discuss Jellie’s contract. Carrington says that, in response to the unfolding legal uncertainties and without confidence in the city attorney’s guidance, he contacted an outside attorney to draft a termination agreement. The resulting $75,000 severance, Carrington notes, was consistent with the terms of Jellie’s previously approved contract, and the final agreement was used with unanimous council approval.
Palmer residents will get to weigh both sides as they cast their votes in the recall election. If the recall is successful, Carrington will be removed from office immediately, and the City Council will determine his successor. If the recall fails, he will remain in his position.
Learn more about voting in this election at this link. The exact ballot is here:
Adios.
Run ’em.
Gross incompetence.