Scottville releases names of manager candidates.

From left: Magaluk, Stuart, Van Ess

Scottville releases names of manager candidates.

SCOTTVILLE — The three city manager candidates chosen by the City Commission for consideration have accepted the commission’s invitation for interviews. The candidates are Courtney Magaluk of Shelby, Dale Stuart of Clarkston, and James Van Ess of Grand Rapids and Ludington.

The three were selected for interviews following a meeting on May 15 when the commission reviewed 20 resumes during a closed session. Because each of the candidates had requested confidentially, their names were not released to the public until they accepted the invitation for an interview. Interviews will take place on Wednesday, May 29 at 1 p.m. (that time may be adjusted by the commission during its regular meeting this afternoon). Michigan Municipal League facilitator Kathie Grinzinger said each interview could take up to 90 minutes. Interviews will take place in a public meeting, but only city commissioners will be allowed to ask interview questions. The public will have the opportunity to comment at the beginning and end of the meeting, which is standard policy.

The candidates:

Courtney Magaluk

Courtney Magaluk, is a graduate of Shelby High School and attended West  Shore Community College. She earned a bachelor’s of science degree from Michigan State University with a major in environmental studies and applications. She earned a master’s degree from Clemson University with a major in city and regional planning. She has spent much of her career in South Caroline and Florida.

Magaluk’s career has included working as a planning technician for Islamorada, Village of Islands, in Islamorado, Fla., a graduate research assistant for Strom Thurmond Institute at Clemson University, planning technician for Islamorada, Village of Islands, transportation planning intern/planning assistant, City of Anderson, South Carolina, project planner/senior planner, WilsonMIller, Inc., Sarasota, Fla., senior planner/chief planner, City of Sarasota, and most recently senior project manager for City of Grand Rapids.

“Although most of my professional career has been spent in Florida, I was born and raised in Oceana County and attended West Shore Community College under dual enrollment,” she wrote in her cover letter. “A few years ago, I realized that it was time to come home and bring my family back to the small town lifestyle that I treasured growing up.”

“While I lack direct experience in the manager’s chair, I believe you will find a candidate that brings the energy, experience, and fresh perspective needed for success. Although I am a planner in education and title, my role over the past several years has truly been one of a facilitator. I bring a solid foundation of project management and inter-departmental coordination on complex community issues and development projects.”

Dale Stuart

Dale Stuart most recently worked as the township manager/superintendent of Oakland Charter Township in Oakland County, ending three years of service there in March of this year. Prior to that, he has worked as elected supervisor of Independence Charter Township in Oakland Township for 12 years, city manager of City of Keego Harbor in Oakland County, and city manager of City of Cheboygan in Cheboygan County.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Lawrence Technological University, majoring in management, and a law degree from Detroit College of Law. He is a licensed attorney.

“I believe in inclusive management where all members of management, city council and effected community leaders are included in the decision making process,” he wrote in his cover letter. “The mayor and city council will find that I will keep them continuously and fully informed on all issues. I pride myself in providing creative solutions to challenges as they arise. I will provide city council with innovative plans and recommendations for improvements to advance the community.”

James Van Ess

James Van Ess is currently the supervisor/zoning administrator of Tallmadge Charter Township in Ottawa County, where he has served in that role since 2008. Prior to that, he was the township treasurer for three years. For 20 years, until 2018, he owned Van Ess Property Corporation, a property development company.

He earned a bachelor degree from Ferris State University, majoring in business management. Van Ess owns a condominium in Ludington and property in Custer Township. 

“As an experienced township supervisor/superintendent, I have an extensive background in municipal finance and management,” he wrote in his cover letter.

“My extensive knowledge in municipal and private sector has led me to seek a position as a village/city manager. As a well-rounded, pro-active task multitasker, I have the ability to function very well in the position you are advertising.”

A fourth candidate, who lives out of state, was selected as an alternate. However, that candidate will not be selected for an interview unless the commission is unsatisfied with the other three.

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