POUGHKEEPSIE – Sources have confirmed that community activist Christopher Grant has been selected by the common council, behind closed doors, to fill the vacancy created by elevating Natasha Brown (formerly Natasha Cherry) to chairperson of the Common Council. The council was chaired by Sarah Salem until the councilperson’s DWI conviction led to a leadership change in the council in September. Originally the council sought an applicant to fill the at-large vacancy created when Salem quit. Natasha Brown, who previously served as council chair as Natasha Cherry originally agreed to serve as chairperson until December 31, 2022.
After Brown agreed to take Salem’s position through 2023, despite her previous stance that she was unable to do so, the council named Brown Chairperson in November. Moving Brown from the Sixth Ward to Councilwoman -at-Large, created a vacancy in the sixth ward where Brown was elected.
Through a legal notice, the council sought applications to fill the vacancy in the sixth ward. At least four city residents applied to take Brown’s former seat.
After the candidates were interviewed, the Democratic majority met in private to discuss the applicants, and after a lengthy debate, decided to appoint Grant to the sixth ward position. The appointment has drawn criticism from community members that claim Grant does not live in the sixth ward but is using his mother’s address to qualify. Mr. Grant denied the allegations, telling Mid-Hudson News that he does in fact, live in the Sixth Ward.
Social media was filled with congratulatory messages for Grant, beginning on Thursday. Council Chairperson Natasha Brown claims to have overlooked an email from Mid-Hudson News seeking comment on the appointment that was public knowledge, with exception of the media, who were not informed of the decision.
Grant is expected to be approved at Monday’s council meeting through a resolution offered by Natasha Brown to appoint Grant.
