Mount Clemens commission votes to hold special election after failing to fill vacant seat
May 29, 2024 | Mount Clemens, Macomb County, Michigan
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The Mount Clemens City Commission voted on a motion to hold a special election in August to fill a vacant commission seat after the body was unable to reach a consensus appointment during several rounds of voting.
City Clerk briefed the commission on the appointment process and the five applicants who met charter qualifications: Brandon gbots, Wanda goodu, Kathleen Kelchner, Christopher Luckritz and Gina Palazolo. The commission conducted multiple rounds of voting; early rounds gave a plurality of votes to Gina Palazolo but did not produce a final appointment.
Commissioner Mener, arguing for a special election, said the public should decide: "let the people who live in the city choose." The motion for a special election was approved by roll call with affirmative votes recorded from Hammond, CP, Mener, Vorhees, Campbell and Forier; the motion carried and the commission deferred making an appointment that night.
Candidates and supporters addressed the commission during the public comment period. Gina Palazolo, who introduced herself at the microphone, described years of grassroots volunteer work and said selecting "a young and fiercely positive known Community activist" would show the city values dedication and compassion. Supporters including Shelley Emerson told commissioners they did not want the choice delayed until August and urged an immediate appointment; Emerson said she gives "my vote to her" when asked whom she endorses.
The clerk advised that the vacancy fills the unexpired original term ending November 2021 and that the appointment process followed published guidelines and a special meeting for interviews. With the commission electing the special election route, the city will proceed with the election schedule; the clerk will provide details about filing deadlines and ballots.
Votes at a glance:
- Motion to hold a special election in August — Approved (roll call recorded as yes: Hammond; CP; Mener; Vorhees; Campbell; Forier). Outcome: approved, the commission will hold a special election instead of making an immediate appointment.
Next steps: The city clerk will implement the election timeline and notify prospective candidates and the public about filing and election dates. The commission did not make an appointment that evening.
City Clerk briefed the commission on the appointment process and the five applicants who met charter qualifications: Brandon gbots, Wanda goodu, Kathleen Kelchner, Christopher Luckritz and Gina Palazolo. The commission conducted multiple rounds of voting; early rounds gave a plurality of votes to Gina Palazolo but did not produce a final appointment.
Commissioner Mener, arguing for a special election, said the public should decide: "let the people who live in the city choose." The motion for a special election was approved by roll call with affirmative votes recorded from Hammond, CP, Mener, Vorhees, Campbell and Forier; the motion carried and the commission deferred making an appointment that night.
Candidates and supporters addressed the commission during the public comment period. Gina Palazolo, who introduced herself at the microphone, described years of grassroots volunteer work and said selecting "a young and fiercely positive known Community activist" would show the city values dedication and compassion. Supporters including Shelley Emerson told commissioners they did not want the choice delayed until August and urged an immediate appointment; Emerson said she gives "my vote to her" when asked whom she endorses.
The clerk advised that the vacancy fills the unexpired original term ending November 2021 and that the appointment process followed published guidelines and a special meeting for interviews. With the commission electing the special election route, the city will proceed with the election schedule; the clerk will provide details about filing deadlines and ballots.
Votes at a glance:
- Motion to hold a special election in August — Approved (roll call recorded as yes: Hammond; CP; Mener; Vorhees; Campbell; Forier). Outcome: approved, the commission will hold a special election instead of making an immediate appointment.
Next steps: The city clerk will implement the election timeline and notify prospective candidates and the public about filing and election dates. The commission did not make an appointment that evening.
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