NORMAN, Okla. — Some citizens are launching a recall petition against the Norman mayor and half the city council because they’re upset over cuts to police funding and orders to wear masks in public.
The group, “Unite Norman,” is unhappy with the council for its decision last month to reallocate $865,000 or about 3.6% of the police department’s annual budget. The money was shifted to community development programs and to create an internal auditor position to track police overtime spending and outlays.
City leaders voted on the proposal following an 11-hour city council meeting.
Many residents in Oklahoma’s third-largest city are upset with Mayor Breea Clark’s decision this week to impose a requirement that people wear masks in public following a surge in COVID-19 cases. Clark also came under fire for her decision to keep some businesses and houses of worship closed, even as the state loosened its restrictions.
A spokeswoman for the mayor says she plans to release a statement on the recall effort later Friday.
