Sturgis City Commission appoints Frank Perez as new member

Sturgis City Commission has a new member.

At the start of its meeting Wednesday, the commission voted 6-2 to appoint Frank Perez to the vacant seat left by Karl Littman. Perez will serve the unexpired term through November.

Perez was chosen from two applicants looking to fill the 4th District. Luis Perez, no relation, was the other applicant considered.

The city commission called it a double-win for the community and for Hispanic representation in Sturgis city government. Frank Perez is a longtime, local businessman. Luis Perez currently serves on the city's planning commission.

Before the appointment vote was made, Vice-Mayor Aaron Miller said he "couldn't be happier to have two quality candidates."

"I am sorry we can only pick one" for the city commission, Miller said.

Commissioner Brandon Kinsey echoed Miller's comments.

"Today, the city is going to win with either candidate," he said. "I woke up this morning and said, 'we have this tough decision to make.'"

Richard Bir was the first during commissioner comments to voice support for an individual candidate.

"I would speak in support of Frank Perez," Bir said. "He is familiar with the operations of the city, is a businessman, has a strong clientele a lot of knowledge."

Mayor Jeff Mullins said both are qualified in their own right.

"I can't say enough about how excited I am to know we would have Hispanic representation, which is needed."

Bir, Travis Klinger, Suzanne Malone, Marvin Smith, Robert Hile and Aaron Miller voted for Frank Perez, while Kinsey and Mullins chose Luis Perez.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Sturgis City Commission appoints Frank Perez