KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo City Commission meeting Monday night marked the final meeting before the election on November 5th.
It was also the final official meeting for Mayor Bobby Hopewell and Commissioner Don Cooney.
Some of the commissioners offered comments into Cooney and Hopewell leaving their positions.
“It’s been amazing to be part of the legacy of Commissioner Cooney and Mayor Hopewell,” Commissioner Griffin said. “I have learned a tremendous amount from the two of you, I probably will never be able to really put it into words what it has meant…the work that you have done for this community, the impacts will live on.”
Despite noting that another opportunity will come to express thanks, Commissioner Anderson spoke out as well.
“My experience has been unparalleled working with the two of you,” Anderson said.
Cooney issued some preliminary comments of his own in regards to Mayor Hopewell.
“I would like tonight to pay tribute to our Mayor, who has been up here for 16 years, 10 of them as Mayor, and he has poured himself out for this city,” Cooney said. “He has touched the lives of so many people, you can see his priorities from the people he brought before us tonight. He is constantly looking out for those who are disadvantaged and marginalized.”
Cooney then talked about stepping down from his own position.
“This is my last business meeting after 22 years, and I want to thank the people of Kalamazoo for giving me this opportunity to serve them as a City Commissioner,” Cooney said. “It has been a labor of love, I have been able to work with wonderful people and it has been a noble cause. I ran for the City Commission because I believe that local government can be a vehicle for justice and for helping those who are most disadvantaged in our community, and I still believe that. In fact, I believe it’s the most important work that the city does.”
Cooney noted that he will not be retiring after stepping down as a Commissioner.
“I’m not retiring, I want to make that clear,” Cooney said. “As long as I have breath in me, I intend to work to help people everywhere achieve the human life that they deserve.”
After making remarks about the community participation of the meeting that night, Hopewell added some comments about stepping down, but said he would be reserving his speech for a later time.
“I’m not going to make any grandiose speeches tonight, I will save that for the two hours I will take on November 11th,” Hopewell said. “I will say that it’s been an amazing journey, I will thank our staff for coming forward tonight and telling your story, which is ours.”
Hopewell also issued good wishes for the upcoming election.
“To all the candidates that are running, good luck, godspeed, best wishes, hit those doors,” Hopewell said. “It will be amazing to see the results on November the 5th.”
There will be no City meeting on November 4th as per scheduling changes. The next meeting will take place on November 11th, at which time the new board members will be officially welcomed.
