Raceland names Wilson mayor for interim

Dec. 13—RACELAND — Three Raceland citizens threw their name in for Mayor during Tuesday evening's city council meeting.

Kevin Jackson, Tony Wilson and Stephanie Blevins-Cook nominated themselves to fill the seat of Eddie Cumpton, the former mayor who was ousted in November. Tony Wilson, 56, who has served on Raceland City Council for three years, was named Mayor at Tuesday night's council meeting, garnering a majority vote from the council.

"We all have strengths and weaknesses," Wilson said after taking the oath and being sworn in by Dustin Burchett, Raceland's city administrator. "I hope that we can all bring our talents and gifts together and continue to improve this community. I am going to do my best to bring some unity and some pride back to Raceland."

Jackson, a resident of Raceland for 42 years, was the first to address council as he expressed interest in the position.

"The most important thing that we need is to reestablish the public's trust," Jackson said. "That's key, and I would like to be part of that. I'd like to help the city go forward even if it's on a temporarily basis.

"I care about the city. I would love to be part of the rebuilding process."

Jackson told the council the actions taken on removing the past mayor was encouraging and somewhat pushed him to come forth regarding the position.

"I was really encouraged how it unfolded," Jackson said. "It reassured me that there is people who care about the city and have the courage to come forward. In the past that hasn't occurred. I'm proud of you — the people involved — to take that action, and I think it's a step forward."

Blevins-Cook, a resident of Raceland for 25 years, was second in addressing council on why she should be mayor.

"I have worked every event that we have had in the city with the exception of movie nights," she said to the council. "I secured an endorsement from the City of Catlettsburg mayor and I have the support of (Russell) Mayor Ron Simpson.

"I am also a licensed life and health agent and bound by the state to be ethical and act with the greatest of integrity in all of my dealings having completed many hours already of training in the field of ethics for my profession."

In Wilson's address to the council, he said he has witnessed first-hand Raceland climbing out of a financial hole.

"I would like to put myself forth as a candidate for that seat, not because I want to be in charge, but because I feel like we worked together so well that we can continue to work together and make progress. We are on a right trajectory. Together we can continue on that path.

"Over the last three years, together with this council we have had to face some tough decisions ... be in some awkward positions. Even though we have gone through two mayors in the last three years, I believe we have finally come to a position where we're being transparent and there is integrity once again in the city council and in the mayor's office."

Burchett gave a shout-out to the city clerk for her bravery and coming forward reporting the misconduct.

"I personally want to thank our city clerk (Suzie Gibeaut) who is sitting to my left," Burchett said. "She is one of the most honest individuals I have ever known, and it's a privilege working with her. When someone is put in position like she was they don't always do the right thing, but the people of this city and county should know when it comes to Raceland, our city clerk does the right thing."

The council is eyeing to change its form of government, giving less power to the mayor and something more similar to a mayor-commissioner form of government where the authorities will be a bit more equalized and not all placed in one seat.

"If we were to consider changing our form of government it would have to go to you, the people, in a ballot measure hopefully in November," Burchett said.

Bill Bare, a councilman, posed the question of changing the form of government to the three candidates.

"I do believe in the past we have elected kings," Blevins-Cook responded. "We have had mayors that have been ousted in the last three years, or resigned — we've had other situations in our past here in the City of Raceland where there have been mayors that have been impeached. All of it to me is because of the abuse of power.

"I believe the form of government does need to be changed. I am all for putting that vote to the public and allowing them to make that decision."

Wilson said the change of government would be a win for everybody.

"I would have no problem with that," Wilson said. "I think It would be beneficial for everybody. It would also keep the mayor more accountable to the people and give the council a little more influence in areas that they may not have influence in. It's a win-win either way, and I would certainly be for it."

The vote

Blevins-Cook was the first to make a motion but failed to obtain a second from other council members, therefore, stopping her in her tracks, not being able to bring a vote to the floor.

"Need I remind you when times get tough I was the one to make the motion for the removal of mayor," she said to the council.

Wilson made a motion for himself, receiving a second from councilman Carlos Holbrook. In a 3-1 vote, Wilson received the majority vote with Blevins-Cook voting no.

"At this time councilman Wilson has received the majority of the vote and will fill in the temporary term vacated by the prior mayor," Burchett said.

Jackson failed to garner a motion and a second from the city council.

The process will soon start over, this time with filling the vacated seat of Councilman Wilson. He will serve for the year of 2024 and he is up for re-election next November.

Other agenda items in brief:

—The Christmas dinner and Shop with a Cop program raised more than $22,000 for this year's budget. As of Tuesday, 110 kids are signed up and projected to take part in the event.

—Burchett announced a bid of $11,300 to tear down a section of an old meth house on 309 Crump St. He said rehabilitating it and tearing it down is still in question.

—AMVETS was recognized for its healthy contribution to the Shop with a Cop program. It donated $10,000.

—Don Sammons, Raceland police chief, requested nine vehicles to be declared as surplus. He said applying for titles has began and they are waiting after the holidays to get them ready.

—A resident living on Brown Street complained to the council about vehicles speeding in the school zone. He added, with a sidewalk stopping halfway, it makes for a dangerous outcome to follow. He said a neighbor walking nearby almost got hit.

—Michael Gibson and Chuck Boyles, neighbors on Brown Street, asked the council to do something to resolve the issue of potholes on a freshly made turning lane.