Tecumseh City Council should seek help in search for next city manager

A vote to consider hiring one of two city employees for the position of city manager is expected Monday at the Tecumseh City Council meeting following interviews on June 8 of candidates Paula Holtz and Troy Stern, economic development director and police chief, respectively. While Mayor Jack Baker and councilman Larry VanAlstine may have been ready to vote following interviews on Monday, others on council weren’t so sure.We don’t believe council is ready to vote and should hire an outside firm to help in the search for candidates, as it did for Kevin Welch 11 years ago when over 60 applications were received. Conducting searches is common practice for top administrative jobs.We’re not sure where individual council members stand on the issue, but consider the comments from Monday’s meeting following the interviews:Mayor Baker — “I feel if we have a qualified person in an organization, who knows the city inside and out, either one (Holtz or Stern) could come on board with little problem.” Councilman VanAlstine — “The biggest dilemma we have is the unknown part of hiring an individual. It’s very difficult to get to know someone you don’t know. We know the characters of Paula and Troy. They’re good people.”Councilman Ron Wimple — “We have an excellent economic development director and police chief on board, but I’m not convinced either one can make the transition.”Councilperson Vicki Philo — “This is such an important decision. I don’t want to make it hastily. I don’t want to limit ourselves by making a decision too quickly.”Councilman Gary Fox — “Their strengths are obvious, but I would not be against opening up for others. I don’t have the experience to know what others may give.”Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Harmon — “Do we have to decide between the two?”The answer to Harmon’s question is no. We hope council takes its time to consider not just Holtz and Stern as candidates, but others qualified for the job as well.