Jon Kangas, who will become public works chief in Marquette Township

MARQUETTE — Chocolay Township Manager Jon Kangas will be moving to a new position in Marquette Township as of September.

During a phone interview today, Kangas confirmed that he submitted his resignation with Chocolay Township Tuesday, and that he has accepted the superintendent of public works position in Marquette Township.

“It’s definitely bittersweet,” Kangas said of leaving Chocolay. “It’s the community where I live. I was hoping to be here long-term to help guide the community in a positive direction.”

Kangas will replace outgoing Superintendent of Public Works Kirk Page who is retiring effective Dec. 31, Marquette Township Supervisor Lyn Durant said in a telephone interview today.

She said Page has been an asset to the township, overseeing infrastructure projects, in some cases from inception.

“We are sad to see Kirk go,” Durant said. “He has been here for years, was here when the township first started getting some of these processes in place.”

Marquette Township Manager Randy Girard, in a phone interview today, said Kangas fit all the criteria the township was looking for.

“Our job description has established a strong preference for a Michigan licensed engineer,” Girard said. “From my standpoint as a manager I wanted to find someone who understood municipal and township operation. Jon has all that.”

Kangas, who has a degree in civil engineering, and more than a decade of experience in engineering and public works, said he is eager to get back to that field.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for me to return to my roots in public works,” Kangas said.

Durant said Kangas will officially start with the township Sept. 16.

“We are excited to have Jon, and he has got a wealth of experience not just from the public works side, but management and public relations too, plus the engineering degree,” Durant said. “The board was pretty adamant that a candidate have that. All around, I think he is a good fit for the township.”

Girard agreed: “I think it’s great for us. Everything we do is in the best interest of the township residents, and Jon fits in with where we see the township going in the next 10 to 15 years. We are thrilled to have him come into the township.”

Chocolay Township will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. June 25 to consider Kangas’ resignation and the process moving forward.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.