Centralia’s new City Manager William Kory Smith was sworn into office Monday night.
Smith promised to do the job to the best of his ability and hoped everybody would give him an opportunity to show he cares and wants to do good.
He was welcomed by each member of the city council, starting with Jeff Castellari.
“I think you will work well with us and likewise we will work with you. I think it’s very monumental. We’ve heard it enough in the public eye that they want somebody local. I think it’s time. I think you’ll have a long tenure in your position and do Centralia very proud. I’m very happy.”
Councilman Spanky Smith told Kory Smith he would be a great addition.
Councilman Blake Griffin says he has high hopes.
“Really happy for you and your family and friends. But most of all I’m happy for Centralia to be honest with you. It’s been a long time coming since we’ve had a young, local, homegrown superstar I think.”
Councilman Rob Jackson says he sees bright days ahead for the city and feels they now have the right leadership in place.
Mayor Bryan Kuder says he’s excited because Smith is entering the job with such enthusiasm.
“After we had decided this is the route we were going to go and the time frame and everything. To have him go I wish it was the 26th of April already because he was that excited to get to work I told him to talk to me on the 27th or 28th and tell me if that’s what you’re still looking for.”
The council and mayor also praised the work of City Clerk Kim Enke during her tenure as acting city manager.
“For 1 I appreciate the support and confidence that the council has had in me over this time. The council is wanting to continue to move the city forward and now with a new city manager in place who is local and with experience and knows the background of what is happening in the city we are looking forward to working with him.”
Among Enke’s accomplishments were moving the new water treatment plant planning process and other projects forward as well as organizing a city-wide cleanup.
Kuder said the city would now move quickly to name a new city attorney to replace Smith in that position.
