KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation of acknowledgment to former Mayor Bobby Hopewell Tuesday night.
Hopewell served as the Kalamazoo City Mayor for 12 years, making him the longest-serving Mayor in Kalamazoo history.
Commissioners each took turns reading different parts of the proclamation to commemorate his service to the City.
“Be it resolved that the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize the City of Kalamazoo’s longest-serving Mayor, Bobby J. Hopewell, and thank you for your dedicated service, tireless advocacy, and love for this city,” the Commissioners read.
Commissioners issued their own individual comments after the proclamation was read.
“It’s been a tremendous honor working with you,” Commissioner Seals said.
Following Commissioner commentary, Hopewell issued some comments of his own.
“The opportunity that you have right now and that you’re performing every single day for this county, there’s no bigger blessing than the opportunity of service,” Hopewell said. “If I could say one thing, I hope that you enjoy these moments to move a community, to impact the lives of others, and to stand with other people. Enjoy it, because that’s what’s important. Thank you for all that you will do for the county that I love living in, because the greatest city in Michigan is within this county. Go forth, serve well.”
The proclamation issued for Hopewell comes following the first official City meeting with newly-elected Mayor David Anderson.
