The Marion County Board voted 7-6 to have Matt Huelskoetter fill a District One seat on the board until after the November general election. Some board members were critical of Huelskoetter and their wife for being disrespectful while attending county board meetings the past few years.
However, others felt they were just exercising their rights as citizens to attend the meetings.
Those voting in favor of Huelskoetter’s appoint were Tracy Murray, Dr. Michael Douglas, Jack Riley, Shawn Richards, Jeff Dunahee, Cody Rose, and David Iossi. No votes came from Sharon Woodward, Judith Meeks-Hakim, Deb Reed, Chris Krupp and Debbie and Adam Smith.
After the confrontational vote, Coroner Claude Howell, who is also a minister, asked the board to work together for the betterment of county residents.
“I am honored to be the coroner of this county, but I would be even more honored if we would know that no matter if we disagree that we could walk away and we won’t be disagreeing anymore. I think that’s the key. That’s what we try to do in church, and I think that’s what we need to try and do here. God bless you. Have a good night.”
After the meeting, Huelskoetter said everyone is entitled to their opinion and he feels he can work with the board.
“Coming for about the last three years for the meetings, and I think its heading in the right direction. I want to be part of it.”
Huelskoetter plans to run for the District One seat in the November election. The board also appointed Tom Reese to the Iuka Fire Protection District Board, Steven Murphy to finish the term of Jim Somer on the Salem Fire Protection District Board, and Centralia Fire Chief Blake Perez to the 911 emergency telephone board to replace retired Centralia Fire Chief Jeff Day.
