Bloomfield Hills appoints new commissioner

The Bloomfield Hills City Commission on Tuesday, September 10, appointed local resident Alice Buckley to the commission to replace Michael Coakley, who recently moved from the city, making him ineligible to serve the remainder of his term.

Buckley, who is running unopposed for a commission seat in November, is a former corporate attorney for K-Mart and Sears for more than 36 years who retired as divisional vice president of commercial law. She has also served as an alternate on the city's Zoning Board of Appeals.

Coakley, who was recognized by the commission on September 10 for his years of service to the city, was elected to the city commission in 2013. He previously served for 16 years on the city's zoning board of appeals. A former attorney, Coakley retired as a senior principal at Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone.

Coakley's move disqualifies him from serving on the commission. The commission had 30 days to appoint a new commissioner. The commission unanimously approved Buckley's appointment.

Buckley in November will be joined by Bloomfield Hills resident Brad Baxter, who will fill the vacancy of current commissioner Stuart Sherr, who will not be running for re-election after pleading no contest to misdemeanor theft of election signs in 2018. Incumbents William Hosler, Sarah McClure and Mayor Susan McCarthy are all running unopposed for another term on the commission.