CENTRALIA — The Centralia City Council on Monday elected former coach and Centralia Youth Center Director Herb Williams to serve as interim mayor after it had earlier vacated the election of Bryan Kuder, leaving the seat vacant.

Williams noted the importance of bringing the city together through respect and fairness.

The council voted for Williams to hold the post until the next city election in two years unless the court overrules the city council and finds Kuder meets the city’s residency requirement.