By Jenna Anderson
Jason Hoskins, 35, became the youngest member of the Southfield City Council after being inaugurated on Monday, Nov. 18. Three other elected officials were inaugurated as well. Daniel Brightwell and Tawnya Morris were reelected while Nancy Banks and Hoskins won the position for the first time.
“I’m looking forward to taking on this new responsibility of serving on the council,” Hoskins said. In the past six years, he has worked on the staff of State Rep. Rudy Hobbs and State Senator Jeremy Moss. Hoskins focused on policy as Moss’ legislative director. In 2019, he ran for his own position.
“Running for office is very difficult. It takes a lot of courage to do this,” he said. “I thank the voters for putting their trust and confidence in me.”
Banks and Hoskins took the seats of two retiring representatives, Myron Frasier and Donald Fracassi, who served for 75 years collectively.
Council President Lloyd Crews took a moment to thank the retirees and spoke about his excitement, specifically for Hoskins. “I’ve known him for a number of years. When I talked to him the first time, I said, ‘We need you.’ He’s going to do a great job,” he said.
Crews also prepared the new members for the difficulty of serving on the council. “This is a part time job with full time responsibility,” he said. “It never stops.”
“Elected office is the highest form of service that one can give to their community,” said Justice Sheila Johnson before swearing in the four officials.
Mayor Kenson Siver also spoke about the improvements of Southfield. He mentioned the $177 million used on infrastructure and a 78.2% increase in Southfield property values over the last five years.
“I remain very upbeat about the direction of our city,” he said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with this new city council.”