Former Sumner councilman Matt Richardson made a surprise appearance at the city’s Monday meeting, marking his first appearance in the chambers since the beginning of the unexcused absence that led to his ejection from office. Richardson made a brief speech during public comment, which included the revelation that he was in the Middle East, the accusation that the city council had changed the definition of a regular meeting to single him out for ejection, and a thank you and goodbye to his supporters in the city.

“Back after many months,” Richardson opened. “I would have been back earlier, like [I wrote] in my letter back in February, but when I heard what had happened here I decided to stay a little longer.”

In regards to the lack of explanation for his absence, Richardson said that notifying the council of an impending absence without precise details of what will be done during said absence was not unprecedented among other council members.

He further added that past home robbery and car prowling incidents have made him leery about sharing travel details publicly.

In regards to where he was during his absence, he only said that he was in the Middle East on State Department related activities.

Two city staff members knew of Richardson’s location, he said, and did not share it with the council, for which he thanked them. He also thanked Randy Hynek for speaking out against the council vote, and Curt Brown for not being present for the vote.

The full transcription of Richardson’s speech is below. Sections marked [garbled] were not able to be transcribed due to the quality of the audio.

MATT RICHARDSON: Back after many months. I would have been back earlier, like [garbled] in my letter back in February, but when I heard what had happened here I decided to stay a little longer.

To clear the record, I’ve been back for a few days now and I thought I would come in and give an explanation to each of the residents of Sumner:

[Garbled] of Sumner, tonight I conclude 17 years of public service, and thank you for your trust and votes for the last eight years. When I could have known I would not be seeking reelection this year, and took the appropriate meeting at this point to set the record straight now that I’m back in the U.S.

In February, I formally asked to be excused from three council meetings under the rules of this council, and I checked with the city first about the rules to confirm that this was in line with other council members who have taken leave or had a leave of absence to vacation in Mexico every year or for other reasons they don’t care to announce in the public, uhm, to the public on television.

In serving the city of Sumner for almost 14 years, I’ve attended about 900 meetings to the Planning Commission, the council, the Pierce County Regional Council, the flooding task force and other [garbled]. This is why I did not think requesting a short leave would be used as an excuse to vacate my seat. I see that our elected [garbled] at a 70 percent majority.

Once I was overseas I contacted home in late March. At this time I was informed that the mayor was requiring my location, the details of my travels and other information never required before for other members. I refuse to give my personal information for my safety abroad and my family’s security here at home, for the following reasons:

First, this council has known our house was robbed in 2006, and that was a matter of record… when I was on leave in 2006.

Earlier this year, we had a car prowling incident in our driveway that was [garbled] by Chief Galle in mid-February.

Neither event have made [my wife] and I inclined to announce the public details of our travel based on the risks to my family and our home. The State Department discourages disclosing travel plans that might risk my safety, especially while traveling in the Middle East, which is where I was. By the time that I was informed a fair majority had chosen to vacate my seat and change the definition of a regular council meeting, it was too late for me to return in time. The claim that I had abandoned my council seat was calculated and false. Considering their actions over the last two years in this chamber, it’s just another example of the trouble this city is in under its leadership. Two members of the city staff knew where I was and I would like to thank them for protecting my family’s safety and privacy, thanks to Randy for speaking out against this action, and thanks to Curt for whatever reason not being here to vote.

You’re the only ones I think the people should trust at this point and I hope they retain you.

The decision to not run again is a [garbled] action. It has also become painfully apparent that Sumner is not[emphasis] headed in a good direction. I regret not being able to do enough to protect our neighborhoods and families from the majority obsessed with money [garbled] pork interests. They ignore the real heart and soul of Sumner at our peril.

Do to not being able to respond to these unreasonable demands from my remote location, it is clear that I did not abandon my seat. My opponents acted with malice and complete disregard of your votes, and I trust this will be remembered at come election time.

Many of you appreciate my 14 years of work for our hometown, and I thank you for your, uh, for the honor and privilege of serving you.

Thank you to all of the friends who have given me support all these years, and have been contacting me over the last couple weeks since I’ve been home.

After 18 years of service at several levels of government, I am so relieved to be doing something better with my time and effort. Lise and I are enjoying more time with each other and the kids, and it’s truly been wonderful. Thank you and good [garbled] Sumner, a sincere farewell.