From left, Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority Chair David Aeh, DDA member Sandy Arsenault and Ishpeming City Manager Mark Slown pose for a picture during Slown’s retirement party on Tuesday. Today marks the final day of Slown’s tenure with the city. (Journal photo by Lisa Bowers)

ISHPEMING — Dozens of residents, city leaders and county officials gathered to say goodbye to Ishpeming City Manager Mark Slown on Tuesday.

Today is Slown’s last day in city government, but he intends to stay in the community.

“My wife and I have discussed it and we intend to keep living here,” Slown said during an interview Tuesday. “We like living here. It’s a place that we both feel comfortable with and enjoy.”

Slown, who has 19 years of experience in municipal government, has served as the Ishpeming city manager since 2013.

“I am sorry to leave my job as city manager. I enjoyed it. It’s a great job. I think what I will miss most is working with really, truly great people in city government,” Slown said. “I don’t want to be farewelled in the sense of, oh, he did all this or all that. I mean, it’s not one person that does any of this stuff. It’s a combination of people, and I couldn’t have done anything without all the help of all these people that I have been working with.”

Slown encourages those who want a role in municipal government to consider pursuing the role of city manager.

“I will put in a plug for all city managers or aspiring city managers,” Slown said. “It’s a job that young people should aspire to and seek to attain because, not only for financial reasons, but mainly for the satisfaction of being able to be in a community and be part of the inner workings of that community, and be able to, hopefully, contribute to that community in a tangible way.

“I think with a city manager you are not going to get the job to become wealthy, but you can find a wealth of satisfaction and a real sense of accomplishment in the job, which is probably one of the most attractive, and maybe one of the most important things in any job.”

Ishpeming Mayor Karl Lehmann said the city has moved forward under Slown’s direction, with a growth in the city’s general fund balance, a $10.8 million water improvement project and the demolition of nearly 80 blighted buildings.

“Mr. Slown has worked tirelessly throughout his tenure in Ishpeming,” Lehmann said in an email Tuesday. “Our municipal buildings received a long overdue updating including city hall, which was brought into compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. For the first time in many years we purchased some new DPW (Department of Public Works) equipment and with the approval of the taxpayers we purchased a new 75-foot-high bucket and ladder truck to improve the services to our residents and enhance the safety of the men and women of our fire department. We all wish him a well deserved and happy retirement.”

The Ishpeming City Council has interviewed three candidates for the position. Lehmann said during a previous interview at least three more candidates will be interviewed for the position. He said a decision about Slown’s replacement could be made in a matter of weeks.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242.