Centralia has a new mayor.
More than two years after being elected the first time, Bryan Kuder was seated as Mayor Monday night without opposition after winning his second election last month.
“Just want to thank everybody for their continued support. This has been a long road but from here on out it’s going to get better I promise you that….Thank you very much.”
Kuder’s two attorneys who were leading his court fight to be seated after the election two years ago after the city council declared he was not a city resident were in attendance Monday night. Kuder said they wanted to attend to show support and he did not expect any last-minute issue with being seated. The judge in the case still has motion arguments made in March under advisement, but Kuder says he no longer sees a purpose in the case since he is seated.
Centralia City Clerk Kim Enke swears in new City Councilman Jeff Castellari. Photo Credit – Bruce Kropp
Two new councilmen were also seated after taking the oath of office starting with Jeff Castellari.
“I’d like to thank family, friends, and everyone who voted. This is a changing of the guard and I’m very excited about it. I think everyone on the council are in line and we are ready to make great changes for the City of Centralia.”
Rob Jackson was next.
“Thank you, everyone. We are just ready to dive in and get started. It’s exciting times for the city and I hope everybody feels the same way. We are ready to get started and move forward making Centralia a better place to live for all of us. Thank you to everyone who voted, and I’m looking forward to serving.”
Centralia City Clerk Kim Enke (right) swears in new City Councilman Rob Jackson. Photo Credit – Bruce Kropp
Before the swearing-in, departing Mayor Herb Williams and councilmen Andre Marshall and Howard Jones made their farewell remarks thanking their families as well as the city staff during their tenure.
In their first action, the new city council appointed Councilman Robert “Spanky” Smith as Mayor Protem.
