The President of the Centralia NAACP and CORRDE Committee ask that Bryan Kuder not be seated as Mayor until all issues are resolved.
The letter was one of two presented to the city council Monday night seeking to delay the seating of Kuder as Mayor. There was no discussion on the letters or action to delay the seating.
The letter from the CORRDE Committee, which includes its Chair Marion ‘Bunnie’ Garrett and NAACP President Eric Collins, says they are formally lodging a protest based on several issues. They include Kuder’s court case not yet been resolved that was brought after he was not seated following the last election two years ago. It also argues Kuder’s name should not have been allowed on the ballot due to residency. The signers claim Kuder owns and lives in his residence in Washington County and he’s being dishonest when he says he is not. They are also unhappy no action was taken last October and November when an objection was made that they were told was not a ‘legal’ document because it was not in triplicate and was not done by an attorney. The letter also says there is knowledge that Kuder accepted money during his legal proceedings which was not filed with the Election Board or his taxes.
A second letter was read from Centralia resident and voter Otis Downey who also expressed his disappointment on how the past election was conducted and handled.
After being read to the council by City Clerk Kim Engh, the only mention of the letters was by Mayor Herb Williams who asked the members of the council receive copies of the letters after at least one indicated problems in hearing Engh. Williams was appointed to serve as Mayor until the new council and mayor were seated after the council found Kuder did not meet residency requirements in the election two years ago.
It would be up to the current city council if another challenge to seating Kuder will take place.
Engh reported the two new councilmen and mayor will be sworn in at either the April 26th meeting or the May 10th meeting dependent on when the certified election results are received from the county clerks.
