KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Newly elected Mayor of Kalamazoo David Anderson was sworn in during a City meeting Monday night.
Having previously run on a campaign of “Building a Kalamazoo that Leaves No One Behind,” Anderson said he’ll make good on his promise to the city residents.
“I’m asking for grace, I’m asking to recognize the importance of doing this work, even in times when we don’t always agree, but that we do this work with kindness,” Anderson said. “Let’s go forth and be kind to each other.”
Anderson is replacing Bobby Hopewell, who served as the Mayor for the past 12 years. Anderson was Hopewell’s endorsed candidate during the campaign trail.
During the meeting, Hopewell offered words of congratulations to the newly elected Mayor.
“There is no person that is sitting in the Mayor’s seat right now today that is more about getting things done for our citizens and building our community,” Hopewell said.
Hopewell also offered well wishes to the newly-elected City Commissioners Jeanne Hess and Chris Praedel and new Vice Mayor Patrese Griffin.
“You’ve heard my phrase ‘masterpiece in progress,’ and some people think that it’s just a phrase for me,” Hopewell said. “It’s not. We will always be a place that is in progress, we will always be this place where all of us get to put our brush strokes on, or weave the tapestry, or dive in to whatever is before us to make this place better, to make us feel better, to make us feel that each other are connected and connect with each other differently. We are a masterpiece in progress. Now you have the brushes, commissioners. You new folks, you have the brushes, you have the needle. Use it. Create it. Add to the masterpiece. God bless you all.”
Both Hopewell and former commissioner Don Cooney were both presented with gifts of recognition, as well as Keys to the City.
“I want to thank the people of Kalamazoo for giving me the chance to do this work for 22 years,” Cooney said. “I want to thank my colleagues, it is such a joy and honor to serve with such wonderful people as you.”
Proclamations were read in honor of both Hopewell and Cooney.
“The 53rd City Commission does hereby honor, recognize, and thank Don Cooney for is 22 unbelievable years of dedicated service to the City Commission and his many contributions to our community,” newly-elected Vice Mayor Griffin read.
Anderson and the new City Commission lineup will now continue forward with serving the Kalamazoo community. The next city meeting will take place on Monday, November 18th.
