Written By Jameca Patrick-Singleton
For the first time since the early 1990s a woman will serve as chair of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. Ellen Ellenberg (D-Burton) was elected to the role by her fellow commissioners on Wednesday January 4, 2023.
Ellenberg, who is also the longest serving commissioner, is excited by her new leadership role and expanded upon how being a woman will lend to this position.
“I’m excited and I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “To me, a woman brings a different aspect to the position. Women, I think, are natural managers because we’ve managed our households and our families.”
Ellenberg’s seat as chair was secured in a 4-3 vote. Voting for her were herself, newly elected Commissioner Dale Weighhill (D-Flint Twp), Shaun Shumaker (R- Fenton Twp) and Martin Cousineau (D-Thetford Twp.).
Commissioners James Avery (D-Grand Blanc), Michelle Davis (D-Richfield Twp.) and Charles Winfrey( D-Flint) all voted for James Avery, who was defeated by Ellenberg.
One of the first tasks for Ellenberg and her fellow commissioners will be to select two new commissioners to fill the seats left vacant by Bryan Nolden who died in December of 2022 and Domonique Clemons who, though re-elected, vacated his seat to accept a job as the Genesee County clerk. Residents interested in either of these seats are encouraged to apply. In order to apply a resident must;
- live within the boundaries of the wards with vacant seats
- submit a cover letter and resume
- Answer the following questions: 1) What experience do you have with preparing budgets? and 2) What is your opinion on the three biggest issues you believe are facing county government, and how would you address each of those issues?
Applications for District 1 should be emailed to District1@geneseecounty.gov and emailed to District4@geneseecountymi.gov for District 4.
The applications for the county commissioner seats are due no later than 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023
