(WKYT) – London voters will decide the future of their city hall Tuesday in a mayoral race shaped by impeachment and controversy.
Incumbent Mayor Randall Weddle faces two challengers after a term marked by impeachment. Weddle has served as London’s mayor for three years.
In September, the city council impeached him and appointed Tracie Handley as interim mayor. A judge overturned the council’s vote, and Weddle was back in office within 24 days.
Challenger cites turmoil as motivation
Mayoral candidate Matt Orr said the turmoil pushed him to run for office.
“If you go out and look at the early voting totals, they’re nearly double what they were last time, and I think that speaks to the fact that people are ready for a change and looking forward to it, and I think we’ll see that Tuesday night,” Orr said.
Orr was born and raised in London. He said he has working relationships at both the city and county level.
“I just feel like I’ve got really good working relationships with a lot of people in the city and county right now that would push us forward probably quicker in the right direction, and I just feel like I’m the right person to be in there doing that,” Orr said.
Former interim mayor seeks full term
Handley wants to hold the seat again, but for longer than 24 days. She said her short time in office gave her a clear picture of the job. She said it also came with threats that have not stopped.
“I just will continue to hold my head high, fight for this town, fight for its citizens, and now be swayed by the bullies and the threats and everything that I’ve seen go on,” Handley said.
Handley said the city of London needs an independent voice.
“I am not and will never be part of the good old boy network, I’m independent, I will make decisions based on my experience, on information brought to me, not on who knows whom and whose back is going to scratch mine,” Handley said.
Weddle did not respond to a request for an interview.
The top two finishers in the mayor’s race will advance to face each other in the November general election. Other races in Laurel County Tuesday include county sheriff, judge executive and a London at-large city council seat.