Former Kentwood Mayor and City Commissioner Richard Clanton has been appointed by the Kentwood city Commission to fill a commissioner-at-large vacancy.
On Tuesday, April 11, the City Commission voted for the appointment of Clanton to fill the vacant commission seat through November 2019. Sixteen residents were interviewed for the opening, which arose in February with the resignation of Steven Redmond.
“Richard brings to the Commission a wealth of knowledge and experience having served as mayor and city commissioner,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We are thankful for his continued willingness to serve the residents of Kentwood and look forward to his continued leadership.”
Clanton served as mayor of Kentwood from 2012 to 2013, completing the term of Richard L. Root, who died in 2012. Prior to his position as mayor, Clanton served on the city commission from 2001 to 2012. He currently is the chief executive officer of United Methodist Community House and previously worked at Loeks Theatres Inc., YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and Sears, Roebuck & Co.
“It is a great pleasure to have been chosen to serve the City of Kentwood again,” said Clanton. “With more than 20 years of service in the community as a commissioner and mayor, I appreciate yet another opportunity to serve our residents.”
Active in the community, Clanton has served on a variety of city boards and commissions including the finance committee, Kentwood Economic Development Corporation and capital improvement program, which he chaired. He has also served as the chairman and trustee of the Michigan Municipal League Region III.
Clanton has also volunteered with Boys Scouts of America, Junior Achievement, Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Rotary.
