Embattled Councilman Matt Richardson called for the resignation of Mayor Dave Enslow and City Attorney Brett Vinson during the Nov. 15 meeting of the Sumner City Council.

Richardson lost his bid for the 31st District state senate seat to incumbent Pam Roach in the Nov. 2 midterm election and, during the weeks leading to the election, Richardson’s past became a public matter. Allegations of sexual misconduct while under the age of 18 with two relatives, many years younger, became the subject of campaign advertisements from Roach and a discussion topic at council meetings.

The content of those meetings led to the call for the two resignations. Chris Clifford spoke during the public comment portion of the agenda about Richardson’s past. Public comment is a forum allowing discussion on matters not on the evening’s agenda. There are limitations, including specific attacks on character and the addressing of a specific council member, rather than the council as a whole.

Richardson objected to Clifford’s comments and Enslow allowed Clifford to continue. When Richardson challenged Enslow’s decision, the matter was put to a council vote; Enslow’s decision was upheld and Clifford continued speaking.

On Nov. 15, Richardson read a prepared statement and cited the violation of both council rules and the Revised Code of Washington as the cause for his request for the resignations.

Allsop and Vinson said they’d heard vague references to a complaint being filed, but the meeting was the first official word they received.

Allsop said he isn’t shocked by the action.

“Nothing Matt Richardson does surprises me,” Allsop said.

Vinson preferred not to give a specific statement.

“It would be inappropriate for me as the city attorney at this time to comment on a pending complaint,” Vinson said. “I’m going to follow the advice of Shakespeare, who said “give thy thoughts no tongue,” he said.

Lori Anderson, Public Disclosure Commission communications and training officer, said the complaint is under review and a decision whether to pursue action may be made by the end of the month.

In the meantime, Allsop, who is named on the written complaint, but not singled out by Richardson during the meeting, said he’s not concerned about the effect of this complaint.

“My personal opinion is that Matt has made himslef irrelevant. For me he has zero, and I mean zero, credibility,” he said.

Allsop said it’s typical for Richardson.

“That he would file a complaint, that’s vintage Matt,” Allsop said.

He said the council will continue with city business.

“One person can’t torpedo the work of the council,” he said.

Enslow did not return calls for comment.