Commission approves appointment of Kamau Sandeford as attorney magistrate pending residency verification

Summary

The commission approved Judge Sturkenberg’s recommendation to appoint Kamau Sandeford as the city’s attorney magistrate; Sandeford holds a J.D. and LL.M., has received local legal awards, and the appointment is contingent on meeting residency and voter registration eligibility requirements for the part‑time (approx.10 hours/week) role.

The City Commission approved a resolution accepting Judge Sturkenberg’s recommendation to appoint attorney Kamau Sandeford as the city’s attorney magistrate, subject to confirmation of position‑specific eligibility requirements (including Kentwood residency and voter registration). City staff reported Sandeford holds a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School (2014) and an LL.M. (2017), has received awards including the Grand Rapids Bar Association’s Champion of Justice Award (2024) and the State Bar of Michigan’s Unsung Hero Award (2025), and brings experience in court litigation and civil law. Staff said the position is part time, averaging about 10 hours per week, and that Sandeford was not present at the meeting; an oath of office and meet‑and‑greet will be scheduled once eligibility is confirmed. The commission approved the resolution by roll call with the condition that staff confirm the residency and other eligibility requirements.