PAWNEE - The saga of Chris Linder's controversial bid to be Pawnee's mayor isn't over.
Linder won the April 5 election but was delayed in taking office after questions were raised about his qualifications because of a felony conviction in Arizona.
He's vowing to fight for the office, even if he has to take the battle to court.
On Tuesday, Linder, 33, was resigned that he would have to give up his quest for the mayor's post the next day, which was the deadline for proving his qualifications. But acting on the advice of his attorney, he opted to be sworn into office Wednesday, setting the stage for a challenge.
Linder said he is not performing the mayor's duties and will wait for the outcome of a Monday special City Council meeting, which includes an item for discussing his qualifications.
He said he might go to court for a ruling.
In the meantime, Linder will hold the mayor's title only. City Council President Brad Sewell will perform the duties of mayor in the interim.
The controversy erupted during the campaign after it was discovered that Linder had a 2000 felony conviction in Arizona for his role in a drive-by shooting related to a drug deal. He served five years in prison plus three years of probation, which he completed two years ago.
Oklahoma law states that no one with a felony conviction can seek or hold public office until 15 years after the completion of a sentence or until a person receives a pardon.
Linder sought a pardon from the Arizona Clemency Board, but his request was denied May 10.
City Attorney Matt Devlin said councilors will decide whether Linder is qualified to be the mayor. If they decide that he is not, they will declare the office vacant and name Sewell acting mayor until after a special election.
Devlin said a state attorney general's opinion upholds the law.
But Linder said his attorney, Tom Lane of Sapulpa, found several conflicting opinions, meaning the issue might have to be decided by a judge.
Lane would not comment Thursday.
Linder won the election with 253 votes, followed by Alford Majors with 165 votes and incumbent Mayor Tom Briggs with 161 votes.
A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Linder owns the Pawnee Cafe restaurant and is on the executive board of the chamber of commerce.
He moved to Pawnee in July 2009 with his wife, Christine Linder, and their five children. Christine Linder is a Pawnee native, and the two met while stationed with the Army at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.
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Originally Posted by Jammin'
