The petition, filed with the city, says Williams has not responded to residents’ emails, letters and other messages about matters they consider important. It also points to her positions on Project Taurus, a proposed data center near Garden of the Gods Road; the closure of the Meadows Park Community Center; and the dissolution of the voter-approved Colorado City Downtown Development Authority.

Williams said she has relied on council staff to respond to residents and listen to their concerns, but she is taking the criticism seriously. She said she recognizes that residents may respond differently when a staff member, rather than the councilor, answers them, and that she can reply directly while copying staff.

The city official cited in the petition process said organizers must collect nearly 4,350 valid signatures from people who live in Williams’ district to trigger a recall election. Her district covers the southwest corner of Colorado Springs, including Old Colorado City and parts of downtown.

Williams is the second councilor in the current term to face a recall petition. Former Councilor Tom Bailey resigned in March rather than face a recall election.

Williams said repeated recall efforts could discourage people from seeking public office. Colorado Springs councilors earn about $6,000 a year, she noted, adding that it can be difficult to attract people who want to serve when they feel they must constantly watch for a recall campaign.