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Board appoints Fred Benzie to fill Marquette County Commissioner District 3 vacancy
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Summary
Marquette County commissioners voted 3-2 to appoint Fred Benzie to fill the District 3 vacancy until Dec. 31, 2026. Five applicants were considered; Benzie was not present at the meeting. Commissioners recorded individual votes and the appointment was announced at the March 26 special meeting.
Marquette County’s Board of Commissioners selected Fred Benzie to fill the vacant District 3 seat at a special meeting on March 26, 2026.
The board recorded individual votes: Commissioner LaLonde voted for William Sullivan; Commissioner Alholm voted for Jenna Smith; Commissioners Numinen and Nordeen and Chairperson Joseph Derocha voted for Fred Benzie. The result was announced that Fred Benzie will serve as District 3 commissioner until December 31, 2026.
Five applicants had applied for the vacancy and were listed by staff: Fred Benzie (not present), William “Bill” Matson, Randy Ritari, Jenna Smith and William Sullivan. Chairperson Joseph Derocha said, “all applicants are uniquely qualified to serve as the next District 3 County Commissioner.” Each applicant had five minutes to introduce themselves and explain their interest in the seat.
The appointment was a formal board action taken during the special meeting; no motion or second for the appointment vote was recorded in the minutes, but the roll call of individual votes was documented by name. The board did not take additional formal action related to the vacancy at the meeting.
The appointee will fill the seat through the end of the calendar year on Dec. 31, 2026, at which point the position is subject to the normal electoral process or further board action if necessary.