A series of political text messages referencing the Cozy Inn mural lawsuit have circulated to Salina voters in the hours leading up to the final hours of Election Day, urging recipients to “vote today before 7:00 PM” and to “settle the Cozy Inn mural lawsuit.” The messages also name three City Commission candidates — Greg Lenkiewicz, Bill Longbine, and Randall Hardy.
The texts, sent from multiple numbers and accounts, appear to be funded by a group identifying itself as Citizens for a Stronger Salina, according to an image included in some versions of the message. The outreach has sparked confusion among voters due to its reference to the Cozy Inn dispute — a legal matter involving the restaurant’s mural — and its connection to candidates currently appearing on the ballot.
Polls remain open until 7:00 p.m. tonight across Saline County.
