By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
It has become official for Acting Mayor Bruce Kolsun. Kolsun was named Mayor by appointment to complete the term left when Mayor Dorothy Judy resigned October 13th. “The (West Virginia) Code…says that that the council has to appoint a mayor once the vacancy is confirmed,” Attorney for the City of Parson Tim Stranko said. “Until the next regular election.”
Following some questions by Council Member Melissa Jones, Stranko explained that the appointment would not reset the mayoral term. According to Stranko, Kolsun would only be completing the remainder of Judy’s established term. “You are nominating and electing a Mayor to finish the term, the regular term, that Mayor Judy would have,” Stranko said.
During the appointment discussion and vote, Kolsun relinquished the chair to Council Member Tim Auvil. Kolsun abstained from the vote and discussion on the issue, as well.
Auvil made the motion to appoint Kolsun. “That being said, I make a motion that we appoint Bruce Kolsun as our Mayor to the City of Parsons, instead of Acting Mayor.” Auvil said. The motion was seconded by Council Member James Humphrey.
Kolsun was appointed by unanimous vote by the entirety of the council. All members were present with Council Member David Greenlief appearing via phone and City Attorney Stranko appearing via video conferencing. “Congratulations, Mayor,” Auvil said.
Kolsun was also congratulated by the council. “My congratulations, Mr. Mayor,” Humphrey said.
Kolsun thanked the Council for the appointment before resuming his duties as Chair for the remainder of the meeting.
As a result of the appointment, the seat of Recorder will be vacant. The council will address the issue of Recorder at the next meeting with the item being placed on the December agenda. Kolsun will serve as Mayor until June of 2026 under the appointment.
The next meeting of the Parsons City Council will be held on December 5 at 6 p.m. at the Charles W. “Bill” Rosenau Municipal Building located at 341 Second Street in Parsons.
