The 53rd Kalamazoo City Commission was sworn into office Monday night as long-time Mayor Bobby Hopewell and Commissioner Don Cooney said goodbye. Both decided not to seek new terms earlier this month.
Hopewell says he'll remain actively involved in the community and will stay on the board for the Foundation for Excellence.
"I will stand with you and beside you anytime you need me. I will continue to fight for folks to understand what we're attempting to do with Imagine Kalamazoo (and) the Foundation for Excellence."
Cooney says he plans to continue teaching at Western Michigan University's School of Social Work after more than two decades on the City Commission.
"There's a line in the musical "Hamilton" where he sings, 'I want to be in the room where it happens.' And I was lucky enough to be in that room for the last 22 years. Now I'm moving out of there."
Kalamazoo's new mayor, David Anderson took the oath of office Monday night. David Anderson says he hopes the new commission can work together in a way that goes beyond being civil.
"And I'm asking for grace, for us to recognize the importance of doing this work, even in times when we don't always agree, with kindness."
The new Kalamazoo City Commission also includes a new vice-mayor, Patrese Griffin, and new commissioners Chris Praedel and Jeanne Hess.
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