City trims manager candidates to 5

MARQUETTE - The names of candidates vying for Marquette's city manager position have not been announced, however city officials said the list has been pared down to five people.

The Marquette City Commission met in closed session during a special meeting recently to discuss the candidates. The person chosen will replace former City Manager Judy Akkala, who retired in January. Police Chief Mike Angeli has been the acting city manager since her departure.

Mayor John Kivela said the five candidates were chosen from a list of eight. They will be invited to Marquette for an interview and a tour of the city.

The candidates hail from all over the country, although none currently live in Michigan.

Kivela said it's important the next city manager have a fresh perspective but also familiarity with issues common for a city like Marquette.

"The criteria we looked at for this person included many facets that are important to Marquette," Kivela said. "Their experience with a waterfront and a municipality near a body of water was one of the ingredients we looked for."

Local company Stang Decision Systems was hired to assist the city in the search process.

Christopher Diem can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His e-mail address is cdiem@miningjournal.net.