City Commission Discusses Appointments

bhcityhall2-16
bhcityhall2-16

Benton Harbor City Commissioners are talking about how appointments to local boards are made. At this week’s commission meeting, an appointment to the Library Board hit a snag when Mayor Pro Tem Duane Seats asked how openings on local boards are publicized. He wondered if the same people are allowed to serve on multiple boards too many times.

“I think it’s time for us to put these things out there and let people apply for these positions instead of just reactivating the same individuals who have been doing the same thing for years, and for some funny reason, people get on these boards and think they’re running the whole operation,” Seats said.

The city clerk said board openings are posted at city hall, at the city website, and sent to local media, although advertisements are not purchased. Mayor Marcus Muhammad said when someone can serve on a body like the Library Board and actually show up for its meetings, that should be appreciated. The appointment was approved, but with Seats and Commissioner Mary Alice Adams voting no. Seats also voted no on an appointment to the Downtown Development Authority.