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Commissioners reappoint Mike Keeler to Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission amid calls for fresh ideas
Summary
The Genesee County Board of Commissioners voted to reappoint Mike Keeler to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a one-year term after debate about appointment processes and calls for new programming and updated bylaws.
The Genesee County Board of Commissioners approved the reappointment of Mike Keeler to the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission for the term Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025.
The reappointment was moved by Commissioner Cusano and supported by Commissioner Brown. Commissioners discussed the appointment process and whether the county should solicit new applicants to bring fresh ideas to the parks system.
Commissioner Shoemaker said he wanted “to see some change over at the county parks” and expressed concerns that current policies “are not for programming, not for creating events,” explaining he would vote no on the reappointment because he wants fresh ideas for programming. Commissioner Getzinger, who said he serves on the parks commission, described Keeler as “a pretty, active member of the commission” and supported the reappointment.
County staff explained that appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission differ from other boards: the county board chair recommends an appointment to the full board for an up-or-down vote consistent with the commission’s enabling resolution and bylaws; the parks commission itself does not vet the candidate for this particular appointment process.
Other commissioners argued Keeler has strong community engagement and subject-matter expertise, particularly on environmental issues and neighborhood work in the college cultural neighborhood. One commissioner reported checking Keeler’s attendance and discussing his work with current parks commissioners; those checks supported reappointment.
The motion passed on a voice vote after commissioners indicated “aye,” with one audible “nay” from Commissioner Shoemaker.
The board also moved to advertise for several other appointments — including seats on the Genesee Health System and Genesee County Land Bank — under the normal application process for future openings.
