Scottville Update: Search for a new city manager begins

Scottville Update: Search for a new city manager begins

#ScottvilleUpdate

A column by Rob Alway

During a special meeting of the Scottville City Commission on Tuesday, Feb. 12, action was taken to hire the Michigan Municipal League to begin a search for a new city manager. Last week, Amy Williams announced her resignation effective the end of April.

Amy has been the Scottville city manager for over 20 years and has chosen to pursue a new career path. We, the residents of Scottville, are grateful for Amy’s two decades of dedication to the city. Her service has gone beyond just being a person who works during normal business hours. Over the years Amy has spent countless hours volunteering her time with various community events and functions. Her sense of pride in her community set the bar high.

Mayor Bruce Krieger was reflecting on how times have changed. Bruce served as mayor in the early 1970s and during a time when the city was searching for a new manager. The city placed some advertisements in some regional newspapers posting the job position. Mayor Krieger recalled that he and business owner Bob Smith (Smith & Eddy Insurance) went to meet with the next manager, Blaine Bacon. They went door to door in Mr. Bacon’s town and asked about his character and style of management. Then, he was hired.

We, the members of the commission, believe the residents of Scottville deserve to have the best new city manager we can find. I am a firm believer of trying to find local people to do local jobs, and I certainly would support the right “local” person for this job, if that person meets the qualifications and qualities we are looking for.

The city commission has worked very hard the last several years in trying to improve the standard of living in our town. This is evident by the high focus on cleaning up blight and also the recent adoption of the rental inspection ordinance. These efforts have increased property values and made our town safer. But, there is much more to do. It is time we start attracting new businesses to our downtown. I personally believe the next city manager must have strong economic development skills and experience. We also need someone who will look for new developments, such as senior housing.

The process to find a new city manager will take several months. We always appreciate the input of the residents and property and business owners. Please feel free to contact me or any other member of the city commission if you have a suggestion.

Editor’s Note: Rob Alway is owner/editor-in-chief of Mason County Press and serves as a City of Scottville commissioner-at-large, serving on the finance/ordinance committee, public safety/infrastructure committee, Downtown Development Authority and as chair of the City of Scottville Planning Commission. He is also treasurer (and life member) of the Scottville Clown Band and serves on the Mason County Farm Bureau board of directors.