Grand Rapids, Michigan – Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and City Commissioners have announced the official process for filling the vacancy in the Third Ward on the City Commission. The announcement was made today by City Clerk Joel Hondorp, who shared a proposed timeline and appointment process for selecting a new Third Ward representative. The City Commission has agreed to an open and transparent appointment process.
Mayor Bliss expressed her gratitude to the retired Nathaniel Moody for his service to the community, stating, "Commissioner Moody left us with large shoes to fill, but I am hopeful we will attract strong candidates to serve the remaining ten months of his term."
The City of Grand Rapids defines a City Commissioner as an elected officer within the City's governmental structure, as outlined in the City Charter. Commissioners are elected by the voters of Grand Rapids for four-year terms. The vacant position in the Third Ward began on January 1, 2021, and will expire on December 31, 2024. To continue in this position after December 31, 2024, the appointed individual must participate in the next non-partisan primary on August 6, 2024. Petition packets can be obtained from the City Clerk's Office, and there is no requirement for applicants to commit to running for re-election.
The appointee for this vacancy must have been a resident of the city for at least six months prior to the appointment date and must be a registered and qualified elector of the Third Ward at the time of appointment.
The salary for the Third Ward Commissioner is determined by the Local Officers Compensation Commission, which meets every odd-numbered year. Currently, the annual salary for this position is set at $32,550.
For any questions regarding the appointment or election process, individuals are encouraged to contact the City Clerk at 616-456-3010 or via email at cityclerk@grcity.us.
This announcement marks an important step in the process of filling the vacancy in the Third Ward Commissioner position. The City of Grand Rapids is dedicated to ensuring an open and transparent appointment process, as they seek strong candidates to serve the remaining ten months of Commissioner Moody's term. With the guidelines set forth by the City Charter, the appointed individual will have the opportunity to continue their service through the next non-partisan primary. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to the City Clerk for more information on how to participate in this important decision-making process.
Alerts Sign-up