Brook Thomas is the new mayor of St. Joseph.
On Monday night, those elected to the St. Joseph City Commission last week took their seats and the body held an organizational meeting. The first order of business was selecting one of its own to serve as mayor. Commissioner Michelle Binkley nominated Thomas, and the vote in favor was unanimous.
Mayor Thomas told us after the vote she looks forward to getting to work.
“I am ecstatic to be serving as mayor for the next two years,” Thomas said. “I’m really excited to see what all we can accomplish with this new commission. I think we’re going to do a lot of new and exciting things for the city.”
So, what will be her priorities as mayor?
“I definitely want to be responsible with our budget, make sure we get all of the infrastructure projects that we want to get done accomlished, working on building relations with all of the neighbording cities around us, and just making sure that we’re all communicating effectively and getting this job done.”
The lone incumbent in last week’s commission elections, Thomas received the most votes of any of six candidates on the ballot for three seats. Also elected were newcomers Tess Ulrey, to a four-year term, and Michael Fernandez, to a two-year term.
With Thomas now mayor, the next task Monday night was to select a mayor pro tem. Thomas nominated Commissioner Binkley, and the vote in support was once again unanimous.
Commissioners then heard from supporters, including Berrien County Commissioners Chokwe Pitchford and Rayonte Bell and former Mayor Laura Goos. Pitchford said with the new commission installed, it feels like Benton Harbor and St. Joseph can truly be twin cities again. Goos said all of the winners last week are remarkable, and she can’t wait to see what they do for the city.
