City recognizes Richey, taps Weathers as interim mayor

AIRWAY HEIGHTS - A healthy assortment of city and local representatives, lawmakers and public servants gathered via Zoom as outgoing mayor Kevin Richey was recognized for his 12 years of service to the city at council's legislative session Dec. 21.

Richey resigned in October after taking the deputy chief job with the Spokane Valley Police Department.

Councilmember Steve Lawrence was also recognized, as he announced his resignation last month after 10 months on council.

Senator Jeff Holy, County Commissioner Al French, Cheney mayor Chris Grover and former city mayor Matthew Pederson were among six local leaders who offered their congratulations and admiration of Richey.

"I appreciate the last several years we've been able to come together as the West Plains cities to make things happen," Grover said.

Holy quipped that Richey led a "ring" from the city that always managed to secure funding from the state.

"The giving that you do, the public service that you do concurrently is a backstop for everything from advice to vitriol," Holy said. "I'm impressed to heck with what you've done...maybe someday you can serve here at the state. We'd love to have you along."

"When you look in the dictionary under 'leadership,' you get a picture of Kevin Richey," French added. "He defines all the things that we look for in leadership."

An emotional Richey then deferred the compliments to council and city staff.

"None of those things that happened in the city (in my tenure) would've been possible without the staff and the team here," Richey said. "It has nothing to do with me, or Steve, or any individual. It's a team effort...where I am today is 100% your credit."

Later in the meeting, council unanimously voted to make deputy mayor Sonny Weathers interim mayor through the end of Richey's term, which runs through 2021. Richey himself nominated Weathers, to no objection.

"I'm humbled and grateful," Weathers said. "Thank you."

Council will decide who will replace Weathers' deputy mayor spot after the turn of the year.

Councilmember Jennifer Morton will also be absent for much of 2021, as she will ship out for deployment for technical training at the end of the week with an expected return in September. It is currently unknown whether she will be able to attend meetings virtually during her deployment.

The city will be posting advertising for candidates interested in replacing Richey and Lawrence's vacated council positions this week.

Drew Lawson can be reached at [email protected].