By Dennis Volkert
Frank Perez was reappointed mayor of Sturgis, in a 5-4 vote.
Jeff Mullins, 1st Precinct commissioner, was named vice mayor, also by 5-4.
The decisions came during the board’s annual organizational meeting, held Nov. 10.
Richard Bir, also representing 1st precinct, had served as vice mayor for the past year.
Perez was appointed mayor in 2023, unseating Mullins, and will begin his third year in the position.
Aaron Miller, at-large commissioner, was nominated for mayor and received votes from Dan Boring, Mullins and Justin Wickey, in addition to a self-vote. Each voted for Mullins for the secondary post.
Cathi Abbs, Bir, Marvin Smith and Perez voted for Perez for mayor and Bir for vice mayor.
Linda Harrington voted for Perez for mayor and Miller as vice mayor.
Wickey was nominated for mayor, but declined to accept the nod.
Perez said he is pleased to start a third term as mayor.
“I am deeply grateful to those who have entrusted me with this continued honor,” Perez said.
Perez said his focus in the coming year is in two key areas: modernizing foundational documents and ensuring regulations effectively support growth.
“I look forward to working closely with the current city commission and city manager Andrew Kuk,” he said. “I strongly believe that Sturgis is an excellent place to work, live, and raise a family, and I am committed to its continued prosperity.
Mullins, who previously served as mayor in 2021 and 2022, said he is humbled that fellow commissioners chose him as vice mayor.
“I admire their selfless service to this city and I’m proud to call each of them my friend,” Mullins said. “Ten years ago, when I first joined Sturgis City Commission, I took an oath to serve this community to the very best of my ability. I promise to continue making decisions based on what’s best for our citizens and leave all personal bias at the door when I enter city hall.”
Mullins also complimented Kuk, department leaders and city staff.
“I’m confident we all will continue working together to make Sturgis the best it can be,” he said.
The city’s organizational meeting is held annually, usually within a week following election day. No commission seats were on the ballot in 2025.
