Commission deadlocks on appointment; vacant seat set for August election

The Mount Clemens City Commission on Monday failed to appoint a replacement for a vacant commission seat after repeated ballots produced a 3-3 split, leaving the selection to an August special election.

The commission first heard multiple public endorsements for both candidates during public participation. Several residents — including William Dozier, Thomas Jake Lee and others — urged the commission to appoint William (Bill) Ford, citing his community ties and past participation at meetings. Supporters for Laura Fournier, including Christine Bernier and Sue Dunsmore, highlighted her policy experience and work for the city.

After commissioners cast their votes and the clerk read the tallies, the votes were evenly divided and the body announced it would not re-vote further. "We are done and it will go to an election in August," the presiding official said after the tally. Commissioners recorded their votes on the record; the split left no clear majority to appoint either nominee.

The outcome means the seat will be filled by popular vote in August rather than by an interim appointment. Commissioners and several residents urged continued civic engagement and encouraged interested candidates to run in the scheduled election.

The hearing included a range of public comment about representation and neighborhood needs; commissioners said the inability to reach consensus reflects differing views about which qualifications — financial experience, geographic representation or other attributes — should guide a short-term appointment.

The commission did not take further action on the appointment at the meeting.