By DEBRA HAIGHT
BCR Correspondent
BUCHANAN, MI – More than four months into the year, 2026 already looks to be a busy year for the city of Buchanan. City Commissioners continue work on updating ordinances and the city’s master plan, while three commission seats will be up for election this year.
Ordinances that have been or are being worked on include ones for sidewalk dining, short term rentals, city commission filing deadlines and the regulation of vacant buildings. City officials are also working on an update to the city’s master plan and is conducting resident surveys as well as a new survey for the city’s parks.
In addition, City Clerk Kalla Langston-Weiss is up for a state honor. City Manager Tony McGhee reported last week that Langston-Weiss is one of one of four finalists statewide for the “City Clerk of the Year” award. The honor recognizes outstanding service, leadership and dedication to municipal government across Michigan.
Langston-Weiss has served as the city clerk for Buchanan since 2021 and has more than a decade of experience in local government including previous roles as a deputy clerk and administrative assistant to a township supervisor. The City Clerk of the Year winner will be announced at the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks annual conference in June.
McGhee said that troughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency, efficiency, and exceptional public service. She has overseen elections with accuracy and integrity while modernizing administrative processes to better serve residents.
“Being named one of four finalists for City Clerk of the Year is a tremendous honor,” said Langston-Weiss. “I am grateful to serve the residents of Buchanan and to work alongside a team dedicated to excellence in local government.”
City officials praised Langston-Weiss for her professionalism and forward-thinking approach.
“Kalla exemplifies the very best of public service,” Mayor Mark Weedon said. “Her dedication, integrity, and commitment to our residents make Buchanan proud, and we are honored to see her recognized at the state level.”
“She approaches her responsibilities with a focus on what is best for the City and the community, rather than limiting her perspective to what is strictly her job,” McGhee said. “This mindset, combined with her strong work ethic and commitment to service, makes her an invaluable asset to the City of Buchanan.”
In elections this year, the commission seats currently held by Raquell George, Dan Vigansky and Mark Weedon are up for election. The filing deadline for nominating petitions is Tuesday, April 21 at 4 p.m. Nominating petitions must contain at least six but not more than 20 signatures of qualified electors residing in the city.
If more than six nominating petitions are filed by the deadline, all names will be on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot with the top six then proceeding onto the November general election. The three terms are for four years.
The Aug. 4 ballot will also feature the Dial-A-Ride millage renewal. Voters will be asked to renew the one mill levy for four years, from 2027 through 2030.
As for the November general election, voters will not only elect city commissioners but also decide races for everything from governor and U.S. senator to state representatives and county judges.