McKinney, Texas – A petition to recall Mayor Bill Cox and three city council members has met the city’s signature threshold, clearing the way for a potential recall election. The city’s November 12 report shows that 6,608 of the 7,422 submitted signatures were verified as valid, exceeding the charter requirement of 5,805.
Recall petition details
The petition names Councilmember Ernest Lynch (At‑Large Place 1), Councilmember Justin Beller (District 1) and Councilmember Geré Feltus (District 3) alongside Mayor Cox. Recall organizer John Aselton praised the effort, stating, “Congratulations to the people of McKinney. The City confirmed we greatly surpassed the number of verified signatures the charter requires.” He added thanks to volunteers who canvassed neighborhoods in the Texas heat.
Reasons cited by organizers
The recall committee’s sworn affidavit cites a “loss of public confidence” in the officials’ ability to represent McKinney residents. Organizers highlighted concerns about city spending, transparency, rapid growth, infrastructure, and whether City Hall is listening to constituents. Recall supporter Jeff Hall told The Dallas Express that specific issues include the proposed airport expansion and the city’s overall development strategy.
Next steps in the recall process
City Secretary Empress Drane is scheduled to submit certified results to the council on Tuesday, November 17, at the 6 p.m. council meeting. The agenda indicates the council will receive the findings but will not vote on the matter at that time.
Under Section 146 of the McKinney city charter, once Drane certifies the petition as sufficient, she must forward it to the council and notify the named officials. Each official then has five days to resign after receiving notice. If any official does not resign within that window, the council is required to order a citywide recall election under state law.
The council’s agenda summary notes that the election must be scheduled at the next regular council meeting once the resignation deadline passes. The city report does not specify when each official will receive notice, nor does it set a date for the recall election or an early‑voting schedule.
Community response
Local residents have expressed a mix of support and concern. Some see the recall effort as a necessary check on elected officials, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility and transparent governance. Others worry that a recall could distract from ongoing projects and create uncertainty for businesses and families in the rapidly growing city.
Regardless of the outcome, the verification of the petition marks a significant milestone in the democratic process, giving McKinney voters a clear avenue to voice their confidence—or lack thereof—in their local leaders.
What voters should know
If a recall election is scheduled, voters will receive information on polling locations, voting dates, and any required identification well in advance. The city will also provide sample ballots and instructions on how to cast a vote, ensuring that the process remains accessible to all eligible residents.
For now, the focus remains on the certification process and the upcoming council meeting, where the formal steps toward a possible recall election will be set in motion.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
