Sumner City Council Determines Matt Richardson’s Absences Unexcused, Seat Now Vacant

The Sumner City Council voted 4-1 on Monday that Councilman Matt Richardson’s last three absences from council meetings, including study sessions, were unexcused, meaning his seat is now vacant.

Richardson on Feb. 28 announcing his planned absence, saying only that it was due to "personal and unavoidable circumstances" and that he wanted to keep the matter quiet. City Administrator Diane Supler noted that she spoke with Richardson's wife and told her about the repercussions of an unexcused absence, but didn't glean any new information on why he decided to take a leave.

As stated in RCW 35A.12.060, a council position becomes vacant if the person is absent for three consecutive meetings without council consent. Richardson's absences on March 7, 14 and Monday night were determined to be unexcused by the council.

“This is not about vacating the seat, it’s about whether the absences are excused. What follows that is state law,” said Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow. While Enslow did not have a vote in the matter, he vocalized his support of the council’s decision.

Councilman Randy Hynek was the only member to vote to excuse Richardson’s absences, citing this action as "setting a precedent" for future council actions. He also argued that state law is unclear whether study sessions count as "regular" council meetings. Richardson has missed two public council meetings and one study session.

“I’m not defending him, but I didn’t vote him in office and I’m not comfortable voting him out,” said Hynek. "Not all cities have regularly scheduled study sessions so [the law] could refer to council meetings and not all [study sessions]."

However, his was the lone council voice to defend Richardson.

“[Richardson] has not been forthcoming with any help. We’re not sure where he is, what he’s doing or when he’ll be back,” said Councilman Steve Allsop. “He has missed 10 out of the last 15 meetings and I don’t know how to excuse that track record. Citizens deserve representation, and Richardson has abandoned his seat.”

Sumner City Attorney Brent Vinson noted that there is “no clear process” on how to replace Richardson on the council, only that state law says that remaining members are required to appoint a qualified candidate for the remainder of the term. Enslow called the law "purposefully silent."

A qualified candidate, said Vinson, has to live in the city of Sumner and be eligible to vote. Councilmembers receive a $750 per month stipend for their service on the council.  

Sumner resident Sara De Soto Hoime was the sole member of the public to speak on the subject.

“I haven’t talked to Matt Richardson in ages, but he served very well for six years. When I used to watch him work, I could tell that this gentleman did read documents and brought up intelligent points in discussion,” said De Soto Hoime. “On his behalf, I think you ought to give him a little bit of slack for the time he has served and the dedication he has shown.”

In closing comments, Hynek had one final thing to say about Richardson.

"I feel like I'm giving a eulogy. It is the death of a political career. I just wanted to thank Matt Richardson for all the good things he did for Sumner. There were some problems in the last year, but especially in his first four years he did a lot of good things."