The Muskegon County Commission has filled the seat left vacant by the passing of Commissioner Darrell Paige, who lost his life to cancer last Saturday. Kimberly Sims, a former mayor of Muskegon Heights and member of the city council, has been appointed to take on the interim role. "I can confidently say that I am prepared to serve," Sims stated during the commission's meeting, as WOOD TV reported.
Paige's widow, Michelle Loyd Paige, confirmed her husband's death due to a protracted 19-month-long struggle with cancer, the gravity of his condition prompting Paige to recommend Sims as his successor, a reflection of the deep trust and respect his fellow commissioners held for him. Commissioner Michelle Hazekamp said, "We all had so much respect for Commissioner Paige and I just feel it is our duty to honor his wishes because we all trusted him, we all loved him and, on top of it, I don’t want to leave the community unrepresented," MLive noted.
Sims's mandate will guide Muskegon County's 7th District, which encompasses Muskegon Heights along with parts of Muskegon and Norton Shores, through the remainder of 2026. The district, familiar to Sims due to her prior service, will benefit from her experience and familiarity, factors that contributed to the unanimous vote in her favor from the board.
While the interim position is to be held by Sims through 2026 an upcoming primary in August—a session that will come to pass if multiple candidates present themselves—will determine who might contend in the November general election to permanently fill Paige's seat through 2028; this administration witnessed the late commissioner craft a legacy steeped in dedication to these communities which now look for continuity from Sims, who having previously succeeded Paige in her mayoral role could offer a semblance of that enduring commitment, according to FOX 17 Online.
