Benton Harbor committee recommends citizen appointments be sent to full commission

At a legislative committee meeting in Benton Harbor, members said they would recommend three resident appointments to the full Benton Harbor City Commission for final approval on Monday.

The recommendation covers applicants for several standing committees: James Moore for the legislative committee, Glenda Wissnad for the economic development and parks and recreation committee, and Angela Berry for the communications and public relations committee. Committee members said they will forward the names to the full commission for a vote rather than making final appointments at the committee meeting.

Committee members and staff emphasized the expectations and supports available to volunteers. City Clerk Moore told applicants that the clerk's office provides a packet with information, training opportunities and meeting schedules for people serving on city boards and committees. The committee chair noted that the committee will "make a recommendation to send this to the full commission," and that the commission will vote Monday.

James Moore introduced himself to the committee and described his interest in service and his local roots. "I was born and raised in Ben Harbor. Been here all my life. Been running a business here for the last, 17 years," he said, adding that dedication keeps his business running. "I believe that's why I'm still in business because I've been dedicated and God has blessed me," Moore said.

Glenda Wissnad said she has lived in Benton Harbor and believes she can contribute to economic development and parks work. Committee members thanked her for volunteering and noted that committee service has a time commitment.

Angela Berry told the committee she wants to improve communication and public participation. Speaking about how information circulates, Berry said, "Don't go on Facebook and say, 'oh, that's true' ... Let's communicate. Let's put together and talk." Committee members said Berry will join Commissioner Henry on the communications committee, which meets on the fourth Monday of each month.

City Clerk Moore and other members explained practical next steps: the clerk's office will provide onboarding materials and instructions for required volunteer clearances or trainings; the legislative committee meets the first Wednesday of each month; the communications committee meets the fourth Monday. The committee did not take a final vote on any appointment at the meeting; members said the full commission will act on the recommendations at its Monday meeting.

Final appointment remains subject to the full Benton Harbor City Commission's vote on Monday.