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Bay City Commission appoints Mark Zanotti as Fifth Ward commissioner after six-candidate interviews
Summary
After interviewing six candidates for the Fifth Ward vacancy, the Bay City Commission appointed Mark Zanotti by a 5-0 roll-call vote; commissioners had ranked candidates on a points system after public comment.
Bay City — The Bay City Commission voted 5-0 on Aug. 25, 2025, to appoint Mark Zanotti to the vacant Fifth Ward commissioner seat. Commissioner Cubitt moved to appoint Zanotti; Commissioner Coakley seconded the motion, and a roll-call vote produced five yes votes, after commissioners tallied rankings from interviews earlier in the evening. The commission set the term to run through December 2026.
The appointment filled a vacancy the commission addressed in a special meeting that had been scheduled to hear six applicants. Each candidate was allotted 15 minutes and answered 10 preset questions in a round-robin interview format before commissioners privately ranked their choices and assigned point values. The commission announced that Zanotti had the highest combined score before a formal motion to appoint him was made.
Why it matters: The selection gives the Fifth Ward a seated commissioner for the remainder of the current term and concludes a process the commission said was intended to ensure each candidate had equal time to present priorities and answer follow-up questions. Commissioners cited the need to restore stable representation in the ward while the commission continues work on citywide priorities.
Interviews and themes: Six applicants appeared (some in person, one submitted a prerecorded video). Candidates who spoke in person included Andrew Turner, Mark Zanotti, Paul Young, Kimberly Urban and Kelsey Myers; Matthew Seuss submitted a video. Across the interviews, candidates repeatedly raised infrastructure, housing and public-safety issues. Specific proposals and emphases varied by candidate: several prioritized road and sewer repairs, others emphasized affordable housing and code enforcement, and some proposed increased outreach and park maintenance.
Public input and endorsements: During the public-comment period, residents offered endorsements for individual candidates. Kevin Slatina of Ninth Street urged the commission to consider Kelsey Myers, saying, "Kelsey just doesn't talk about community. She lives it every single day," and praised her listening skills. Another resident, Josh Rogner of Lagoon Beach Drive, urged the commission to select new leadership and named Myers as his pick.
The formal vote: After commissioners completed their scoring, the chair announced that Mark Zanotti had the top point total. Commissioner Cubitt moved, "I move that the commission appoint Mister Zanotti as the Fifth Ward commissioner." Commissioner Coakley seconded. The clerk called the roll: Coakley — yes; Tenney — yes; Rhunberg — yes; Charlebois — yes; Cubitt — yes. The motion carried, and the commission adjourned.
What the record shows and next steps: The commission recorded the appointment and the meeting ended; the transcript does not record a swearing-in or a date for Zanotti to assume office. The term was specified by the motion as ending in December 2026. The commission did not identify additional conditions or contingencies tied to the appointment during the public meeting.
