GR Second Ward finalists down to 4

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The list of finalists to be the next Second Ward city commissioner in Grand Rapids is now down to four.

David LaGrand resigned on Jan. 6 resulting in the vacant seat.

Michael Booker, Eric Foster, Anna Rapa and Ruth Straayer-Kelly remain in the running. James Burr is no longer a candidate. All five filed paperwork before the Feb. 23 deadline.

Members of the community are encouraged to attend a public hearing at 7 p.m. March 9 at Kent Hills Elementary School, 1445 Emerald Avenue NE.

Plus, a town hall meeting is planned for 7 p.m. March 22 at the Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE. The community will be able to meet the candidates and participate in a panel discussion facilitated by Steve Faber. The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback, which will be gathered at the end of the night, summarized and then shared with the city commission

Interviews will then take place during the Committee of the Whole Meeting in Room 601 in city hall at 9:30 a.m. on March 23. This event is also open to the public, and will be broadcast live on Cable Channel 26 and streamed live at www.grcity.us.