GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A battle is brewing over an idea by Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Commissioner Senita Lenear to appoint former member James White to fill a soon-to-be vacant Third Ward commission seat.
Supporters say it will bring much-needed experience to the post. Opponents say it violates the city charter's term limit amendment.
Current Third Ward Commissioner David Allen will leave the post in June to concentrate on his work with the Kent County Land Bank.
His decision comes during a busy time at city hall. As the city commission deals with issues ranging from creating affordable housing to improving police-community relations, Bliss says the city commission needs a replacement who can hit the ground running.
“(We need) somebody who has the knowledge to do the job and not have to spend the first six to eight months with a significant learning curve,” Bliss elaborated.
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