Mount Clemens schedules interviews for vacant commission seat after five candidates introduce themselves

Five candidates for a vacant Mount Clemens City Commission seat introduced themselves at the board’s Dec. 7 meeting, and the commission agreed to schedule 15-minute interviews next Monday to choose an appointee.

Richard BL, who said he lives at 207 Cambridge and has lived in his home for 37 years, told commissioners he is retired and wants to contribute to reversing recent setbacks while building on positive changes. William Ford, of 83 Gibb Street, said he is a lifelong Mount Clemens resident, a property owner and a business owner who filed an application for the two-year appointment. Laura Forier, 70 Lowick, said she and her husband have renovated properties and were active in neighborhood efforts to reduce blight. Stephen Knox, 183 Moras, described a background in social work and law and said listening is his primary strength.

Mayor Dempsey proposed and the commission agreed to hold 15-minute interviews next Monday; the city manager’s office will contact each candidate with a time. The commission noted one additional applicant, Karen Bates, was unable to attend the Dec. 7 introduction but is expected for the Monday interviews.

If the commission cannot reach a consensus with the appointed process, several candidates urged those present to consider running in the next public election. The commission intends to complete interviews and move toward a selection following the scheduled sessions.