The Grand Rapids City Commission cannot agree on who should fill a vacant 1st Ward seat, deadlocking in a 3-3 tie and leaving the position unfilled.

The stalemate comes at a critical time as the city prepares for its annual budget process. Currently, the First Ward has only one commissioner while the other two wards each have two members.

Three candidates were interviewed on April 22 for the appointment to fill the remainder of former commissioner Drew Robbins' term, which ends December 31, 2026.

The finalists are:

• Kurt Reppart, who previously served as First Ward Commissioner before losing reelection in 2024
• Danielle (Dan) Cope, a Grand Valley State University professor who teaches democracy and civic engagement
• Lindsey Perez-Plescher, who is running for the seat in the August primary election

To appoint someone, commissioners needed at least four votes in support of a single candidate. After interviews and discussion, they could not reach a consensus.

The commission voted to pause the decision, leaving the First Ward seat empty for the time being.

The vacancy was created after former commissioner Drew Robbins resigned to run for a seat in the state house of representatives.

During the vote, commissioners expressed strong support for different candidates but could not agree.

Three commissioners supported Kurt Reppart. Commissioner Melinda Yassi stated he understands the job and the issues facing the city.

Three commissioners, including Marshall Kilgore, supported Dan Cope. Commissioner Kelsey Purdue noted that Cope teaches democracy and civic engagement, making him well-suited to navigate a flawed system.

Lindsay Perez-Plescher did not receive any votes. Mayor David LaGrand said he could not support her appointment because she is the only finalist running for the position in the August primary.

Mayor LaGrand stated: "I'm very reluctant to do anything which would have an influence on the voter outcome."

Commissioner Kelsey Purdue acknowledged the difficulty after the vote. "It feels very deadlocked and I just want to acknowledge that." She added: "We all need some time to sit with this to have conversations and not continue to waste our time."

The commission voted to adjourn. It is unclear when commissioners will revisit the appointment process.

If the commission does not appoint someone, voters will choose the replacement in the August primary and, if necessary, the November election.

All three finalists have filed to run in the race. Perez-Plescher is the only one running for the seat, making her appointment politically sensitive.

Reppart, who works as a consultant at Proponents LLC and is a partner at a small real estate firm, said his primary focus areas if appointed would be affordable housing, holistic public safety and climate initiatives.

Cope, a GVSU professor, was praised for his expertise in democracy and civic engagement.

The city commission plans to appoint someone to fill the remainder of Robbins' term, though they remain stuck over the three finalists.