Legislative committee recommends appointment of Watson, Bishop and others to full Benton Harbor commission

The Benton Harbor Legislative Committee on a recommendation forwarded several committee and authority appointments to the full city commission for consideration at the next commission meeting on Monday.

Darwin Watson, identified himself as “a city resident” and said he has worked in government most of his professional career, including serving since 2021 as the city manager of City in Buffalo. Watson told the committee: “My name is Darwin Watson. I'm a city resident here. I've been here, all my life with the exception of going to college in, Grand Grama Valley State University. I've worked most of my professional career in government.” He also said he serves as president of Medic 1 and as vice president of the Galean River Sanitary District budget committee, noting experience with audits and municipal budgeting.

Committee members praised Watson’s finance background. “I was actually really excited about the expertise that you'll bring,” one commissioner said, and a separate speaker noted Watson’s “caliber” and municipal finance knowledge. The committee agreed to recommend sending his appointment to the full commission for final action.

The committee also heard from Derek Bishop, who said he prefers to be called Leron and described himself as a community activist and communicator. Bishop said he missed a prior interview because of chemotherapy and described outreach work including a podcast and social-media outreach. “I just want to come and add a human element to what was already on paper,” Bishop said. Commissioners praised his youth outreach and communication skills and recommended forwarding his appointment for a full-commission vote.

Members discussed additional nominees for authorities, including two candidates described as a small-business owner (Tony) and a local real-estate owner and attorney (Mr. Bennett). Committee members said the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has suffered meeting cancellations because of quorum shortfalls and stressed the need for committed volunteers.

No final confirmations occurred at the legislative committee meeting; the committee’s action was a recommendation to place each appointment on the full commission agenda. One commissioner noted they would be unable to attend the Monday meeting; no roll-call vote was recorded at this session.