The Manhattan City Commission revisited its appointments to the Riley County Law Board, Tuesday.
During the last legislative meeting Mayor, Wynn Butler announced his slate of recommendations which included local resident, Craig Beardsley. Butler believes Beardsley offers a strong list of qualifications which would be an asset to the Law Board.
Butler’s slate did not include Mayor Pro Tem , Karen McCulloh; and After expressing concern with a citizen serving on the board, the Commission rejected Butler’s slate and instead voted to fill all positions with elected officials.
Tuesday night, Butler announced his desire to step down from the Law Board in order to allow Beardsley to serve instead. Before taking action, he addressed McCulloh about reshuffling the order in which the appointments were made. State Statute requires at least three elected officials.
McCulloh was uninterested in swapping her citizen at-large slot with Commissioner, John Matta as it would leave the door open for a second citizen to serve in the future, a possibility she has publicly opposed.
Due to the Statute, Butler’s resignation would not allow Beardsley to serve without the swap. Matta decided to resign from the Law Board instead and now the issue is settled. Craig Beardsley will serve along with Commissioner, Usha Reddi, Butler, and McCulloh.
