Bay City Commission appoints Mark Zanotti to Fifth Ward after candidate interviews

The Bay City Commission appointed Mark Zanotti as Fifth Ward commissioner on Aug. 25, 2025, voting 5-0 at a special meeting after interviewing six applicants and hearing two public comments.

The appointment came after a panel-style process in which commissioners conducted 15-minute interviews with each applicant, asking a standard set of 10 questions. Commissioner Cubitt moved to appoint Zanotti; Commissioner Coakley seconded the motion. A roll-call vote recorded five yes votes and the motion passed. The term for the seat ends in December 2026.

The commission began the evening by conducting interviews with the six finalists for the open Fifth Ward seat. The candidates who spoke in person or via video were Andrew Turner (veteran and former poll worker), Mark Zanotti (longtime Bay City resident and past member of the board of review and local school-related volunteer groups), Paul Young (industry coordinator with experience in wastewater equipment), Matthew Suisse (submitted a recorded video; attorney with Legal Services of Eastern Michigan and former Mount Pleasant commissioner), Kimberly Urban (community health worker), and Kelsey Myers (recent college graduate active in local events). Melissa Secor had withdrawn her name from consideration before the interviews began.

Zanotti, who told commissioners he has served on the board of review, coached youth sports and participated in neighborhood building and home renovation work, said he was motivated by long-term ties to Bay City and an interest in ‘‘being proud of my city.’’ Matthew Suisse described experience as a legal services attorney and former city commissioner in Mount Pleasant, saying he would focus on housing, code enforcement and restoring professional decorum. Andrew Turner emphasized military service, veterans’ work and community outreach. Paul Young highlighted infrastructure and wastewater experience. Kimberly Urban emphasized community health and ‘‘togetherness.’’ Kelsey Myers cited interest in parks and trails upkeep and connecting with residents through in-person events and social media.

Two residents spoke during the public comment period urging commissioners to appoint Kelsey Myers. Kevin Slatina of Ninth Street said, "Kelsey just doesn't talk about community. She lives it every single day." Josh Rogner of Lagoon Beach Drive said, "Let's choose progress. Let's choose a fresh start. Let's select Kelsey Myers."

Following the interviews, commissioners completed ranked ballots. The clerk tallied points from the rankings and reported that Zanotti had the highest total. Commissioner Cubitt moved to appoint Zanotti; Commissioner Coakley seconded, and the commission held a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded five yes votes; no no votes or abstentions were recorded on the motion. The commission then adjourned.

The appointment is effective immediately; the seat’s term will run through December 2026. Commissioners did not take additional formal action on policy items during the special meeting.

The commission’s special-meeting process included 15-minute interview slots intended to allow each candidate to answer 10 standard questions, and the clerk directed commissioners to rank candidates 1–6 on a ballot that assigned point values. One applicant withdrew before the scheduled interviews.