Residents of McKinney, Texas, are mobilizing to remove the city’s mayor and several city council members following a controversial vote last month approving the site plan for a mosque.
Earlier this month, the city council approved the McKinney Islamic Association’s proposed plans for a mosque on Virginia Parkway, stating that the group’s plans complied with city development rules. Now, a group of residents is calling on other community members to sign a petition to remove Mayor Bill Cox, and councilmembers Ernest Lynch, Justin Beller and Geré Feltus.
The group said in a social media post that this recall is not motivated by one issue, but a “pattern.” The group said they are concerned over the council’s spending and “what they prioritize and whether they listen."
"That loss of confidence concerns a broader record of representation, spending, infrastructure, transparency and responsiveness," the group shared.
Mayor Cox said in a statement that he and the council respect the residents’ right to vocalize their concerns.
“Our focus remains on serving the people of McKinney and continuing the important work before us,” he said. “To that end, we will continue to work together to keep McKinney moving forward."
But Representative Keith Self (R-TX), who represents McKinney, said shortly after the mosque approval vote that he will be signing the recall petition himself. He is now encouraging residents to do the same.
“Win or lose, this is a statement to the City Council that they cannot ignore the citizens of McKinney,” Rep. Self said in a video posted on X.
Rep. Self said the threats those supporting the recall are facing within their community didn’t surprise him, as it’s something he believes conservative lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are all too familiar with.
“What you’re experiencing today, the intimidation, the bullying tactics, the threats, that’s what conservatives in Congress experience every single day in D.C.,” he expressed.
The Texas congressman said he encourages his constituents to continue to advocate for the recall.
“This is your time,” he affirmed. “I stand with you. I will have your back. If the threats of intimidation and retribution come true, I will have your back. Sign the petition.”
