Election of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore: Bonnie Canaday and Lee Coumbs were elected Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore, respectively. No other candidates came forward.
Removal of covenants and restrictions from Wilson Hotel property: I don't believe the city should be in the real estate business. We need to sell the Wilson, getting the best value possible for the taxpayers, and stay out of such matters in the future. The city had previously encumbered the property with requirements that it be used for hospitality services and be listed on historical registries. This measure would remove those special requirements, although zoning remains very restrictive. Practically, decreasing restrictions increases marketability and value. And on principle, I always favor the freedom of people to use their property as they see fit. Although historical preservation is a worthy pursuit and being listed has advantages, these things should never be forced. The free market has infinitely more vision and success than politicians and central planners. There were two votes, one for the Wilson and one for the Annex. I voted yes to remove the covenants on both. Measures passed 6-1 (Fund), and 7-0, respectively.
Agenda: http://www.cityofcentralia.com/Agendas.asp?AMID=127
