Eight seeking open spot on city commission

Eight Birmingham residents submitted applications this week to be considered for an upcoming vacancy on the city commission, which will be decided on Monday, April 13, when commissioners meet.

City commissioner Anthony Long, elected to the commission in November of 2023, submitted on March 13 his resignation to take effect on April 13. Long is moving out of Birmingham following his marriage in the spring of 2025.

On Monday, April 13, city commissioners will hold a work session at which those applying for the vacancy will be interviewed. Commissioners are expected to select from the applicants with a formal vote at the regular commission meeting following the work session on Monday.

Among those applying are:

• Richard Wetherhold, a strategy manager at Ford Motor Company

• Ilir Doresi, sales manager

• Beth Correa, recently retried financial executive with Flagstar Bank

• Gordon Thompson, teacher at Cranbrook Schools

• Brian Gordon, commercial real estate broker/investor

• Debra Horner, U of M research program manager and member of the Birmingham Environmental Sustainability Committee

• Mary E. Jaye, retired executive with Stellantis and member of the city Historic District Committee

• Doug White, retired from the Ford Motor Company and former member of the city Multi-Modal Board

The newly appointed commissioner is expected to begin serving on Saturday, April 25, when the commission will meet for a budget hearing. The appointed commissioner will serve until the next city commission election in November of 2027.