Flint Emergency Manager Seeking Candidates for Third and Sixth Ward City Council Vacancies

Flint, Michigan – November 13, 2014 –Flint Emergency Manager Darnell Earley announced today that he will be accepting letters of interest, resumes, and references from residents in the Third and Sixth Wards interested in filling the vacancies brought about by the election of the current Council members to other offices.  Under Public Act 436 of 2012, the emergency manager law governing the City of Flint, Earley can make the direct appointments to fill these vacancies.

“I am interested in identifying residents in these two wards who bring the potential of becoming excellent productive additions to the City Council as we continue on the path toward long-term financial solvency and eventual home rule order,” Earley stated. “I believe this is a good way to initiate the process and then involve the City Council in the decision making.  I will be working with the Council leadership to further identify their role as the process develops.”

The selected candidates would serve starting January 1, 2015 until the 2015 general election in November.  He or she could then seek election through the normal cycle as an incumbent Council member.  The election would be for the remainder of the terms ending in 2017.

“Running this process parallel to the general election cycle rather than holding a special election provides greater consistency and stability during the transition. This also allows incumbent Council people an opportunity to focus on making a contribution to the work of the City rather than having to formulate an election strategy only a few weeks into the appointment,” Earley concluded.

Interested applicants:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a registered City of Flint voter in the respective wards.
• Must submit a written letter of application detailing why they feel they would be a good addition to the current City Council.
• Must submit a resume detailing any and all work experiences, education, and other affiliations with civic or private sector engagement that would strengthen their candidacy.
• Must provide the names of 5 references to support their candidacy.

Information must be received no later than November 30, 2014, and can be emailed to the Emergency Manager email at: [email protected]. Interested applicants may also drop off their materials at the reception desk located inside the Mayor’s Office at City Hall.