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Residents urge Livonia council to broaden representation ahead of Jan. 6 appointment
Summary
Multiple residents spoke during public comment urging the council to consider diversity and transparency when filling a vacant council seat; a televised appointment meeting is scheduled for Jan. 6 at 7 p.m.
Several residents used the council’s public comment period to urge transparency and broadened representation in the process to fill a vacant City Council seat.
Peter Dale said the council should "break the mold" and select someone who will help Livonia be more open to younger and more diverse residents. Other commenters included Steve King and Christopher Martin, who described their community service and interest in serving; Larry Bernhardt raised procedural concerns, saying he was told a candidate had already been identified after submitting a letter of intent and said he would consult the city attorney about whether the appointment process had been subverted.
Council members responded by outlining the appointment process: a majority vote of the council at a special televised meeting set for Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. They noted the council will deliberate publicly and that legal residency and age requirements apply. No appointment was made at this meeting.
Council encouraged residents to attend the special meeting and noted other ways to engage, including commissions and a coffee meeting scheduled Jan. 18 to explain council service and filing for office.
