Richardson Rebukes Sumner City Council

Former Sumner City Councilman Matt Richardson lashed out at some of his former colleagues Monday regarding  during a weeks-long leave of absence.

Richardson declared “My opponents acted with malice” when he spoke to the council during the public comment period at the July 18 regular city council meeting. He was referring to the majority vote not to excuse his absences from study sessions and council meetings while abroad earlier this year. 

Richardson said that he refused to supply the reason for his absence and his destination, because he was concerned for the safety of the family members that he left behind. His home had been robbed in 2006, when he was on a leave of absence, he said. His car had been vandalized while parked in his driveway in just the past year.

“Just another example of how much trouble this city is in, under this leadership,” said Richardson.

He rebuked the council for not excusing his absences, calling it an "unprecedented" decision. He claimed that council members had taken extended vacations to Mexico in the past but they did not receive the same treatment.

“The decision to not run again is due to these actions,” announced Richardson, who had been with the city for 14 years and “attended about 1,900 meetings.”

“Thank you to all the friends who have given support,” he continued, and admitted that he was happy and relieved to be spending more time with his wife and kids than he had in a long time.

Finally, he bid “a sincere farewell” to the City of Sumner.

As soon as he finished his statement, Richardson left the room. No comments were made.