Recall Effort Launched Against Fullerton Council Members

They are accused of not speaking out about Kelly Thomas' death.

A group of Fullerton residents began an effort Friday to recall three members of the city council, including Mayor F. Richard Jones, in the wake of the death of a homeless man, Kelly Thomas.

Thomas died five days after a confrontation with six Fullerton police officers at the city's bus depot.

The recall effort is also aimed at the Mayor Pro Tem Don Bankhead and Council Member Pat McKinley.

Supporters of the recall move described the trio on Twitter as "the Silent Three."

A member of the Fullerton School Board who is part of the recall effort told the public comment portion of the City Council meeting that these three people have not been active enough since the incident in early July.

Chris Thompson  told the council "for the sake of the city" these three people should consider resigning.

Papers to begin the recall process were filed Friday morning at Fullerton City Hall. Thompson and Tony Bushala, a Fullerton blogger, are organizing the recall effort.

Thompson said there is a growing disgust with how the government is run and the Thomas beating is simply a catalyst.

The petition they filed Friday morning had 20 signatures on them as part of a notice of intent to recall the three.

If the effort goes forward, the special recall election could be on the June 2012 ballot.

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