Brookover Explains His Absence from Council, Expects to Return Soon

ELi reported earlier today that East Lansing City Council member George Brookover has been absent from council of late, missing meetings since early June.

Council has been formally voting to excuse him, a move necessary to keep Brookover from being automatically removed from office for absenteeism by provision 3.4.b in the City Charter.

Yesterday, ELi sent messages to Brookover and the city communications department asking for an explanation of the absences and an expected date for Brookover’s return.

In response, Brookover has provided the following statement:

“On September 8, 2022, the reconstituted East Lansing Info inquired about my non-appearance at City Council meetings throughout the summer.

“I appreciate your interest.

“Without getting into unnecessary medical details, suffice is to say that I have been very sick over the entire summer with a lingering pneumonia which appeared subsequent to a positive Covid test. Out of concern for my personal health and that of my colleagues and the public, I have not attended public meetings. It was eventually necessary for me to be hospitalized for 12 days. I have now been discharged to home with continuing IV antibiotic therapy.

“Based on my apparent continuing recovery, and subject to medical advice, I expect to be back and actively involved in East Lansing City Council meetings sometime in mid-September.

“Thank you to the City Council members and City employees who have graciously given me this time to recover. I also want to thank my friends and neighbors who have assisted me, once again, to weather the storm.

“Stay safe.”

City Council has a discussion-only meeting next Tuesday, Sept. 13, and then will be back in regular (voting) session on Sept. 20. Brookover was elected to Council in November, 2021.

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