By Staff
Northwest Asian Weekly
The ballad of Pacific Mayor Cy Sun seems to be reaching its finale as early returns from the City of Pacific’s June 25 special election show that their mayor is likely to be recalled.
As of July 2, nearly two thirds of the counted votes have authorized the recall, with 941 votes yes versus 500 votes no. The voter turnout represents almost half of Pacific’s nearly 3,000 registered voters and has already eclipsed the turnout for the last Mayoral election in 2011 where Sun won with 462 write-in votes. In that election, 1,205 Pacific citizens voted.
Following his victory, the 83-year-old Korean War veteran immediately went to work, forcing out a community-services director, multiple city clerks, a city engineer, a finance director, a public-works director, and multiple police chiefs.
In July 2012, Sun was arrested by Pacific police after trying to enter the locked city clerk’s office. Sun then fired the clerk and the police officers who arrested him. The clerk filed a $2.2 million wrongful termination suit against the city. In total, over $11 million worth of lawsuits have been filed against the city, which has a yearly budget of $15 million.
Possibly the most memorable highlight of Sun’s tenure, the City of Pacific nearly ceased existence in December, as the city’s insurance company refused to extend coverage due to the number of vacancies in City Hall.
King County will certify the results of the election July 9, following which Sun would be forced to resign. If he is recalled, the city council would appoint a replacement to finish serving the remainder of Sun’s term. (end)
Northwest Asian Weekly staff can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.