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Benton Harbor commission appoints Jerry Edwards to Cemetery Board after debate over attendance
Summary
The commission voted to appoint Jerry Edwards to the city Cemetery Board despite concerns from one commissioner about multiple absences from other boards; supporters cited Edwards’s prior service and personal hardship.
The Benton Harbor City Commission voted to approve the appointment of Jerry Edwards to the city Cemetery Board after several commissioners defended his record and described recent personal hardships.
One commissioner raised concerns that Edwards had missed meetings on other boards, saying he had been absent “three” times in a row and that the last attendance had been in February. The commissioner asked what made Edwards a fit candidate given those absences.
Commissioner Henderson told the commission that the appointment came through the legislative committee and noted Edwards’s prior years of service, saying when “he was able to serve, he did a great job” and that the commission should show compassion for personal circumstances. Mayor Mohammed and several other commissioners described Edwards as a long-time volunteer and community advocate and extended condolences for recent family losses Edwards had experienced.
After discussion, a motion to appoint Edwards was made and seconded. During roll call, Commissioner Lehi Griffin voted no; the clerk recorded affirmative votes from Commissioner Henderson, Commissioner Isom, Commissioner Singleton and Mayor Mohammed, and the chair announced the motion carried.
The appointment is voluntary; no compensation was reported in the meeting record.
