Council will vote Monday to fill manager’s post

Tecumseh City Council is set to vote next week for one of two candidates seeking the city manager’s position. City Clerk Jessica Hnidy confirmed Tuesday that the vote will be included on the agenda for Monday’s regular meeting.Economic Development Director Paula Holtz and Police Chief Troy Stern applied for the position in May when council opened up the job opportunity to current city employees. Both were interviewed at a special meeting on Monday, June 8, with predetermined questions from each of the seven members of council, who poised the same questions to each candidate.Stern was first up. He introduced himself as a lifelong resident of the Tecumseh area, graduating from Clinton High School in 1989. He received a degree in criminal science from Michigan State University prior to attending a police academy at Lansing Community College. Stern worked for the Somerset Township Police Department and the Hillsdale Sheriff’s Department before joining the Tecumseh Police Department 21 years ago. He was promoted to sergeant in 2001 and to chief in 2010. “I see this as an opportunity to move the city forward,” Stern said. “I am a vested stakeholder in the community.” He said he has had his “eye” on the position, but never thought he would have the opportunity.Holtz has been employed with the city for the past 13 years serving as economic development director. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in environmental studies and geography. She also holds a master’s degree in urban planning from Wayne State University. She worked previously for the Livonia Economic Development Partnership and worked for a similar organization in Eastpointe near Detroit. Holtz also held a job in sales of computer supplies.“This is a fantastic opportunity for me,” Holtz said. “There’s a lot of momentum that’s been created and I want to see that continue.”Both candidates answered questions regarding: leadership style and communication; experience in handling labor union negotiations and personnel issues; and working knowledge of economic development, including Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Tax Increment Financing, and Brownfield Redevelopments.Each candidate spoke on the importance of communication both with council and the public. Differences in the experience their respective jobs have brought left both with particular strengths and weaknesses.Holtz’ work with the DDA and economic development, including Brownfield Redevelopment projects, indicated her strengths, while she had little or no experience in negotiating contracts, and working with labor unions and personnel.Stern had experience in personnel areas and contract negotiations, but was limited in economic development skills. Following the interviews, council praised the candidates, and particularly their performance in their current positions.“It scares me to move them. They both have a lot of good attributes in their places right now,” said Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Harmon.“They’re both excellent. It’s a shame we can’t put them together,” councilman Gary Naugle said.Councilman Larry Van Alstine said, “It’s illogical to say they are too good to be considered.”Holtz and Stern met after they had decided to seek the position, and both, separately, told council they could work well together for whomever might get the job.