After several weeks of indecision, Springfield’s newest state representative now says he will also keep his other job as city councilor.
Bud Williams said the decision came after hearing from constituents out in public or online. And he said holding both titles gives him a unique position to help deliver resources that Springfield ought to get from the state.
“It’s not about statistics and data and research. It’s about telling the story of the city. And I think I can tell the story very well. I’ve been around a long time. I know the needs of this city; I know where I think we’re getting shortchanged…by the state,” Williams said Monday.
The combined salary of state representative and city councilor is just over $82,000 a year.
Williams, a retired probation officer, said he intends to donate some of his council salary to charity, though he hasn’t determined how much or who the money will go to.
Williams also said he doesn’t know whether he will seek reelection to the council in November.