3rd Ward Commissioner Race Narrows

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Kilgore Marshall answers questions during the selection process of Third Ward City Commissioner, a seat that opened up in late 2023 when Nathaniel Moody stepped down. Photo courtesy of City of Grand Rapids.

After a rigorous selection process, three finalists have emerged in the race to fill the vacant Third Ward Commissioner seat in Grand Rapids. Bing Goei, Marshall Kilgore, and John Krajewski have been recommended by the Grand Rapids City Commission’s Committee on Appointments to move forward in the selection process.

From left, Bing Goei, Kilgore Marshall, John Krajewski– the three finalists for the Third Ward Commissioner’s seat. Photo courtesy of City of Grand Rapids.

The vacancy arose following the resignation of former Commissioner Nathaniel Moody in December, 2023.

Mayor Bliss regretfully accepted his resignation stating that Moody’s, “wisdom and compassion helped guide the Commission and community through some tough times during his service including the pandemic, economic recovery and civil unrest,” she said. “As a lifetime resident of Grand Rapids, Nathanial’s love and passion for this community is unmatched. I valued our relationship as colleagues and look forward to his continued engagement with community in a new way going forward.”

Moody, who served since July 2018, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and highlighted achievements such as investments in the Third Ward.

City of Grand Rapids Third Ward Commissioner Nathaniel Moody resigned in December, leaving a legacy of accomplishments, having served as commissioner since 2018. Courtesy photo.

“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the residents of this great city and to serve with my colleagues and friends on the City Commission,” Moody said. “I am proud to see many investments being made in the Third Ward, including the construction of a new MLK Jr. lodge and fire station. I am hopeful that I contributed to making this community a better place and have faith in the work that the Mayor, Commissioners, City Manager Mark Washington and staff continue to do. I intend to focus more time on my family and health, I will remain a strong voice in the community.”

The selection of the final candidates followed public interviews conducted on February 20, where seven applicants vied for the position. Each candidate faced a 25-minute session answering questions posed by the committee.

The three finalists will now undergo further scrutiny in public interviews before the full City Commission on Tuesday, March 5. The City Commission is expected to make a decision during the 3:30 p.m. meeting, which will take place as follows:

  • Committee on Appointments – 8 a.m.
  • Fiscal Committee – 8:15 a.m.
  • Community Development Committee – 8:45 a.m.
  • Committee of the Whole – 9:30 a.m. (Interviews begin at 11:30 a.m.)
  • City Commission – 3:30 p.m.

To review biographies and submitted essays of each finalist, please visit: grandrapidsmi.gov/vacancy.

Public comments on the finalists are encouraged and can be submitted via email to cityclerk@grcity.us or presented during the March 5 meeting.

To view the Committee on Appointments YouTube interviews of

Comcast Channel 26 and the City of Grand Rapids Facebook page and YouTube channel will broadcast/ live stream all Third Ward Commissioner Finalist interviews, and all City Commission and subcommittee meetings. For more information on the appointment process, visit grandrapidsmi.gov/vacancy.

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