Muskegon County board appoints interim commissioner to fill Daryl Page’s District 7 seat

The Muskegon County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint an interim commissioner to fill the District 7 vacancy created by the death of Commissioner Daryl Page. The appointment followed public comment urging the board to honor the late commissioner’s wishes and to choose a community-rooted representative for Muskegon Heights.

Commissioner Herman moved to appoint the candidate recommended by community members; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous roll-call/voice vote with five commissioners voting in favor. Board leaders clarified this is an interim appointment that will continue only until the next election cycle: the seat will appear on the August primary ballot and, if necessary, on the November general election ballot.

Multiple public commenters urged the board to consider nonpolitical candidates with ties to Muskegon Heights. Walter Black, who identified himself during public comment, told commissioners he wanted the board to recruit younger, nontraditional candidates who will “fight for the citizens of Muskegon Heights.” Jake Tillman, a City of Muskegon commissioner, also urged broader regional coordination on transportation as part of representing constituents’ needs.

Board members said the appointee is expected to serve the remainder of the term but that the electorate will have the chance to choose a replacement at the ballot box. Chair Nash and other commissioners expressed condolences for Commissioner Page and framed the selection as both an operational necessity and a tribute to his service.

Next steps: the interim commissioner will assume duties immediately; the board said it will ensure the vacancy appears on the August primary ballot per election rules and that staff will publish the necessary notices.