Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss stated. Both Hitchcock and Globensky signed three-year contracts in January 2019. "There is still time if you would like to make a donation," Rosalynn Bliss, the mayor of Grand Rapids, said. Members of the current six-person compensation body include Jerry Kooiman, George (Ted) Lott, Thomas Postmus, Wendy Marty, Mercedes Toohey, and Thomas (Mac) Wardrop. “As a business owner, I rely on local government to provide efficient and effective services, but for me, and others like me, to maximize our success, we need Bay City, and other communities across Michigan, to be great places to live. MYC gives high schoolers a voice in local government. login. In this month's video blog, Mayor Rosalynn Bliss talks about the city budget and last night's public hearing, Our Community's Children LEAD Program and Mayor's 100, the postponed Human Rights Ordinance, and many events coming up in Grand Rapids including tonight's Ride of Silence and this weekend's Girls on the Run. The Windquest Group. Will use this page to provide updates and information about City issues, City Commission decisions, events...and all things City related. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. “This provides some job stability. Write a Resume Recruiters Can't Resist. Jim Talen. MACKINAC ISLAND, Michigan – Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss was selected as the 2016-17 president of the Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees. ABC Western Michigan. This site was designed with the .com. As of January 2020, the commission-appointed officials’ salaries are as follows: Each of the four officials are scheduled to receive a 2.75 percent increase on July 1, 2020 and a 2.5 percent increase on July 1, 2021. redditor for 1 year. He had previously served more than five years in the treasurer’s office as an investment analyst, and had 18 years of private sector experience in accounting/finance. As a matter of fact, parents who are college graduates are more likely to raise children who will also have college degrees. It was at least Joel Hondorp’s third raise since being hired in April 2018. website builder. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said including relocation costs is a trend in cities across the country and cited a contract with Ann Arbor’s new city administrator that included a stipend. "It used to be year to year and we know if we want to hire and retain good people, that the best practice from the industry is not to have one-year contracts. Current plans are for GR to run on 100% on renewable energy by the year 2025. Rosalynn-Bliss 1 post karma 0 comment karma. Rosalynn Bliss comes from a large family having six brothers and three sisters. In Grand Rapids, he oversees all election services for the city and assists the city commission by handling clerical duties, including keeping the minutes, during commission meetings. He retired at the end of 2017 after serving the position for nine years. How to Write a Resume. Rosalynn Bliss (born August 3, 1975) is an American politician, social worker, and mayor of Grand Rapids, Michigan. [10], She won reelection on November 5, 2019. Spectrum Health. “We felt it was important to change the way in which appointed officials in Grand Rapids are employed,” said Commissioner Jon O’Connor. GR has been on the fast track for reducing the city’s carbon footprint. [11], As Mayor, Bliss joined 130 US Mayors launching a ten-minute walk to a park campaign. Please note we request no contact from agencies or media sales. Grand Rapids’ mayor, comptroller and six commissioners have their salaries set on odd-numbered years by the Local Officers Compensation Commission. [14] Bliss actively participated in the Living Cities Racial Equity Here initiative resulting in policy and budget process changes to incorporate a racial equity toolkit. … Addeddate … The city commission also approved a 3 percent salary increase on Aug. 27, 2019, for the clerk and three other appointed officials -- city manager, attorney and treasurer. Endorse Mayor Bliss. Greg McNeilly. In less than two years, his salary has increased more than 15 percent, from $102,012 to $117,709. On Tuesday, the Commission kicked off its new legislative year focusing on job and housing creation. Get an ad-free experience with special benefits, and directly support Reddit. Commissioner O’Connor said Hondorp has had a good start to his tenure. 19 City of Grand Rapids reviews. Job Seekers Also Viewed Previous Next. But Bliss has spent her career helping kids, first as a social worker and advocate for children who has spearheaded programs all over town. Rosalynn Bliss (naskita aŭgusto 3, 1975) estas amerika politikisto, socialhelpanto, kaj urbestro de Grand Rapids, Michigan (Grandiozaj Torentaĵoj, Miĉigano). In the past, Rosalynn has also been known as Roselynn C Burley, Rosalynn C Bliss, Rosalynn C Burley, Rosalynn Carey Burley and Rosalynn Carey Bliss. Subscribe to MLive.com. City of Grand Rapids. She was re-elected for a second term in November 2019. Kayem Dunn. Rosalynn Bliss for the work she’s done as a Second Ward City Commissioner, bringing about many policy improvements for Grand Rapids. She also served as adjunct professor of social work at Grand Valley State University since 2006 and currently serves as the Frederik Meijer Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Grand Valley's Frederik Meijer Honors College.[4][5]. One-Year Club. Jen Schottke. If you include the $50,000 from the DDA, which is tax money, then we are looking at $200,000. Varnum. [2][3], Bliss formerly served as Director of Residential Services at DA Blodgett-St. John's, which provides emergency shelter and residential services for abused and neglected children. Rosalynn Bliss is going to continue to be a ... promotions, salary raises and often given opportunities for professional growth and development. get reddit premium. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss introduced the 2019-2020 Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC) to the City Commission and community during a Commission meeting. They played by the rules. “Women must be present at all spaces, all roles, all forms of leadership and governance and we are witnessing a time when women are truly claiming their space in that process. Washington was the first appointed official to get a multi-year contract when he started as city manager Oct. 1, 2018, making about $250,000 annually for three years. Rosalynn Bliss (born August 3, 1975) is an American politician, social worker, and mayor of Grand Rapids, Michigan.The first woman to be elected Mayor of Michigan's second-largest city, Bliss took office on January 1, 2016. A primary election was held on August 4, 2015; Bliss received 66% of the vote. One year later, she has held true to her word and made bounds toward these goals. She defeated Daniel Schutte with over 83% of the vote. While many commissioners and Mayor Rosalynn Bliss had their own preferred candidates, they also recognized divides in the broader community, and therefore made the decision to restart the search process. Thus, the City of Grand Rapids has contribute $150,000 over the past 12 months for a salary position that the public is excluded from, all for the benefit of retail businesses. A bio digester is a large mechanical stomach that turns food waste into usable energy. Bliss is one of the people receiving the letter. To apply, please send 1) cover letter, 2) resume, 3) brief writing sample preferably demonstrating the ability to use and interpret quantitative data, and 4) salary requirements to kperdue@mlpp.org with “Early Childhood Data Analyst” in the subject line before December 21, 2020. From firefighter to thespian, new clerk brings passion to Grand Rapids, Has Grand Rapids’ city manager met high expectations? GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids’ city clerk began 2020 with a new, two-year contract and an almost 5 percent pay bump. Mayor Rosalynn Bliss became the City of Grand Rapids’ first female Mayor when she took office on January 1, 2016. Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss stated. On March 18th, police called and went to the houses of those involved. Organizational Development Consultant. A free inside look at Bliss salary trends based on 77 salaries wages for 40 jobs at Bliss. “We are in the process of building a bio digester,” Bliss said. TROPHY CASE. She performs legal services for the city and provides legal counsel for the local government. It’s critical that the legislature takes up this issue before the end of this year,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, chair of the Urban Core Mayors. With a salary of $117,709, Hondorp still makes less than his predecessor, Darlene O’Neal, who retired in 2016 after 33 years of service with a salary of $137,764. While many commissioners and Mayor Rosalynn Bliss had their own preferred candidates, they also recognized divides in the broader community, and therefore made the decision to restart the search process. Bliss was named board president by the 19-member board during the Michigan Municipal League’s 2016 Convention taking place this week on Mackinac Island. Kent County Commissioner. Benefits package not included. “We are in the process of building a bio digester,” Bliss said. Her father was a brick mason and her mother worked at a local grocery store. Rosalynn Bliss is making history right now in Grand Rapids as the city’s first female mayor! Become a Redditor. [8], In 2015, Mayor George Heartwell was prohibited from seeking a fourth term. 3 Ratings. The higher you are, the premium for salary goes into the negatives. Salaries posted anonymously by Bliss employees. Grand Rapids mayor leaves full-time job in search of work-life balance Mayor Rosalynn Bliss also teaches college classes and serves on multiple boards. Luis Avila. All rights reserved (About Us). [9], Bliss became the 59th Mayor of Grand Rapids on January 1, 2016. “It’s how a lot of public entities work.”. She is the first woman to hold that role, as well as the youngest mayor in 130 years. Nominating Committee Chair Rosalynn Bliss provided the update for the 2018 Nominating Committee, which included the nomination of six new Trustees for three-year terms that will expire in 2021. The consultant who connected Washington and Grand Rapids advised the city commission to consider offering him a multi-year contract as best practice. Bliss has served on the Grand Rapids City Commission since 2006. They did the calculation, they retired when they retired and then the state came in and changed the rules and threw a lot of seniors into a precarious situation where they couldn’t make their bills. Commissioner Senita Lenear commended the clerk for learning and adjusting to new state law, making himself available to city residents, and intentionally working with local organizations in an effort to increase voter turnout. Globensky was appointed as treasurer in June 2014 following the retirement of his predecessor, Al Mooney. Blodgett-St. John’s. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Because she won a majority of the vote, Bliss was elected in the primary election without a need for a runoff election. This week, WZZM 13 will speak with each of the candidates and we want to know what you'd like to see in Grand Rapids' next mayor. Create your website today. get them help and support. “I’m very pleased that he’s doing those things,” Lenear said. Bliss is Past President of the Michigan Municipal League[2] and currently serves on the boards of the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority, Housing Security Initiative, National League of Cities Council on Youth, Education, and Families, Downtown Development Authority, Experience Grand Rapids, Convention Arena Authority, Urban Core Mayors, Future State Advisory Committee, Economic Club and Interurban Transit Partnership. Mayor Rosalynn bliss declared that racial disparity in Grand Rapids is “unacceptable” in her first state of the city address. Such is common under the structure of Grand Rapids’ employee contracts, said Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. The new Trustees were then sworn in during the annual business meeting. Benefits package not included. Shortly after, she moved to Mobile Alabama where she attended the University of South Alabama earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. what's this? send a private message. Mayor Bliss also is committed to ensuring that City services are efficient, effective and equally accessible for all citizens. The first woman to be elected Mayor of Michigan's second-largest city, Bliss took office on January 1, 2016. Below are the elected officials’ current (and future) salaries: The compensation commission has approved salary increases annually for mayor and city commission since 2015, and city comptroller since 2016. 3 Ratings. It’s critical that the legislature takes up this issue before the end of this year,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, chair of the Urban Core Mayors. She earned her Masters in Social Work and professionally started working in the field of Domestic Violence and Child Welfare. The more [2] During her time as a City Commissioner, she led a Blue Ribbon Panel on Parks, was a founding member of the non-profit organization Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and served on the millage campaign for Parks, Pools and Playgrounds. For more information, check out www.grandrapidsmi.gov. When you are a rank and file, the pay is phenomenal for what you do (this does not apply to all jobs, and a fair number of the workers really work hard). Environmental sustainability remains a top priority in her role as Mayor. Rosalynn Bliss became the City of Grand Rapids‚ first female Mayor when she took office on January 1, 2016. His starting salary was a jump from that of his predecessor, Greg Sundstrom, who made $210,595 in 2016. It gives them a chance to do their job and have some security.”, Contracts for appointed officials allow the city commission the discretion to determine the amount and timing of all salary increases. Move up, and get screwed in pay. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. City Clerk Joel Hondorp takes part in a Grand Rapids City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. This past February, a select few members of EO Grand Rapids had the opportunity to sit down with Mayor Rosalynn Bliss for an annual luncheon. Salary range is $20 – $22 per hour. remember me reset password. During the luncheon, Mayor Bliss shared the many initiatives that are currently underway for Grand Rapids as well as her … Not only is she uniquely qualified in terms of her education and credentials, we have also noted her rich ability to unite people, believing in the power of consensus-building. A bio digester is a large mechanical stomach that turns food waste into usable energy. Most say yes, Driverless shuttle pilot helping to shape future of autonomous transportation. By inking a multi-year deal this month, Hondorp became the last of the city’s four appointed officials to switch away from single-year agreements. She grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Sault Ste. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. All three positions saw a 5.37 percent bump in 2016, and have since seen raises of 2.25 percent or less. Bliss was first elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission in 2005. Hondorp was named city clerk in April 2018, ending an 18-year tenure as clerk for Byron Township. His next step raise is scheduled for January 2021. Two years ago Grand Rapids hired Communications Director Steve Guitar and his salary is over $85,000 per year. 9.9K likes. Jermale Eddie. Please support high-quality journalism. 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