An Open Call for Self Nomination to Represent the 6th Ward
Flint emergency manager invoking state law to appoint city council replacements
FLINT, MI — Emergency manager Darnell Earley says he will use his power under state law to appoint replacements for two departing City Council members, rather than allowing their colleagues to take on the task.
Earley said in a news release today, Nov. 13, that he will accept letters of interest, resumes, and references from residents interested in the 3rd and 6th Ward vacancies.
“I am interested in identifying residents in these two wards who bring the potential of becoming excellent productive additions to the City Council as we continue on the path toward long-term financial solvency and eventual home rule order,” Earley said in a news release. “I believe this is a good way to initiate the process and then involve the City Council in the decision making. I will be working with the Council leadership to further identify their role as the process develops.”
The Flint Journal could not immediately reach departing council members Bryant Nolden or Sheldon Neeley, but council President Josh Freeman said he was disappointed by Earley’s decision.
Nolden, who was elected to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, and Neeley, who was elected to the state House of Representatives, spoke out on the appointment issue in a news conference after the Nov. 4 election.
Council members have said the state emergency manager law gives Earley the authority to make the council appointments but suggested he allow the council to do so as a part of Flint’s transition to home rule.
Typical procedure for filling the vacancies involves a short-term council appointment, followed by an election in May, city Clerk Inez Brown has said.
Earley’s news release says the council members he selects will serve starting Jan. 1, until the 2015 general election in November and will have the option of seeking election through the normal cycle as an incumbent council member.
The election winner would complete the terms, which end in 2017.
“Running this process parallel to the general election cycle rather than holding a special election provides greater consistency and stability during the transition,” Earley’s statement says. “This also allows incumbent Council people an opportunity to focus on making a contribution to the work of the City rather than having to formulate an election strategy only a few weeks into the appointment.”
The news release says candidates:
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be a registered Flint voter in the respective wards.
- Must submit a written letter of application detailing why they feel they would be a good addition to the current City Council.
- Must submit a resume detailing any and all work experiences, education, and other affiliations with civic or private sector engagement that would strengthen their candidacy.
- Must provide the names of five references to support their candidacy.
The application deadline is Nov. 30, and information can be emailed to Earley at em@cityofflint.com or dropped off at the reception desk inside the Mayor’s Office in City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St.