Yeah, I've spent enough time there to know what Seattle is like but even this is a bit over the edge... Now SFO or Berkeley on the other hand...
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002430845_garrett10m.htmlChallenger argues for place on ballot
By Jim Brunner
Seattle Times staff reporter
James C. Garrett, a fringe candidate for mayor of Seattle, argued at an administrative hearing yesterday that his name should appear on the primary-election ballot despite a felony conviction for assaulting then-Mayor Paul Schell with a bullhorn four years ago.
At yesterday's hearing, Garrett, 59, offered a rambling challenge to the authority of the U.S. government and said he suffered from "post-traumatic slavery syndrome."
Garrett said he was still challenging the validity of his felony conviction in federal court and claimed he never received notice that he could not register to vote again after being released from prison.
Garrett, also known as Omari-Tahir Garrett, was sentenced in 2002 to 21 months in prison for the assault on Schell. As a convicted felon, his voting rights were revoked.
King County elections officials allowed him to register to vote again last year and accepted his mayoral candidacy on June 29 despite records indicating his voting rights had never legally been restored.
Felons who serve their time and pay all outstanding court fees can petition a judge for restoration of their rights.
King County prosecutors filed a challenge to Garrett's registration last week after questions were raised about his legal status. Under state law, candidates for public office must be legally registered voters.
The hearing was presided over by Dean Logan, director of the county elections office. Logan said he will issue a written ruling within a few days on Garrett's status as a voter. If Garrett's registration is revoked, county officials would move to have his name deleted from the ballot.
Garrett was one of seven little-known challengers who filed last month to run against Mayor Greg Nickels, who is seeking a second term.