Coulee City recall decision reversed

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Supreme Court determined the recall of Coulee City's mayor won't move forward.

The court unanimously voted to reverse Grant County Superior Court Judge John Knodell's decision. Knodell determined two of the 11 allegations brought by former city Councilmember Jennifer Schwartz rose to "the level of malfeasance, misfeasance or a violation of the oath of office," if they did happen.

The offenses included purchasing a $15,000 truck without going through the bidding process and the destruction of a packet of allegations after a city council meeting.

Heiberg previously admitted to purchasing the truck, saying he was unaware of the regulations and denied destroying the packet, saying it was taken away from him.

The justices reviewed the case without taking arguments from either side, and plan to release an opinion in the future.

Communications Officer Lorrie Thompson said there isn't a set date for the justices to release the opinion.

Heiberg said he is extremely pleased by the justices' decision.

"I believe the Supreme Court has confirmed that there are no grounds for this recall," he said. "It was unanimous. It wasn't a five-to-four vote. It wasn't a six-to-three vote."

Schwartz said she plans to wait until the opinion is released before deciding what to do next. She can possibly file a motion for the court to reconsider its decision.

"I'm just taking it as news, but not bad news," she said. "We're waiting to see the opinion, from there we will follow through with whatever we can do. We have 114 signatures (on the recall petition.) We need to do what's best for the community."