Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jason Emerine appointed to Birmingham City Commission after candidate interviews
Summary
After a public workshop where 14 applicants each gave three‑minute statements, the Birmingham City Commission nominated five candidates for interviews and appointed planning board member Jason Emerine to fill the remainder of the seat through November 2025.
Jason Emerine was appointed to the Birmingham City Commission on Dec. 16, 2024, to serve the remainder of the current term through November 2025 after a nomination and roll‑call vote at the commission’s regular meeting.
Emerine, a licensed professional engineer and six‑year planning‑board alternate, told commissioners during an interview that his priorities include advancing the recently adopted 2040 master plan and applying his engineering and planning background to city decisions. “I love city building. It’s my life,” Emerine said during the interview period.
The appointment followed a special workshop earlier the same evening that allowed 14 applicants to make three‑minute statements in public. Commissioners then met to nominate candidates for full interviews; the five selected for interviews were Pamela Graham, Jason Emerine, Kevin Kozlowski, Doug White and Bill (William) Cole.
Commissioner Schaeffer nominated Emerine during the regular meeting; the commission conducted a roll‑call vote and approved the appointment by majority. Emerine took the oath of office before the commission and signed required paperwork.
Why it matters: The appointment fills an 11‑month interim seat that will be on the ballot in November 2025. Appointees who wish to continue in office must run in that election and satisfy campaign and registration requirements, a reality several commissioners emphasized when questioning candidates about time commitments and community engagement.
What’s next: The commission directed staff and the newly sworn commissioner on administrative onboarding steps. Commissioners also urged unsuccessful applicants to consider appointments to advisory boards and committees, where many openings remain, and to engage in future election processes if they seek an elected seat.
