Marquette Ready for City Manager Interviews

Marquette’s city manager search is moving along.

Nearly 70 people applied for the job, with inquiries coming in from all over the country.

The city has narrowed it down to 5 people.

The City Commission got together this morning to evaluate the 8 best candidates against one another.

They were judged on qualities and experiences that both the commissioners and members of public said they were looking for.

Mayor John Kivela says they all felt experience with a city with a vibrant waterfront was a big plus, as was working with a chilly northern climate.

The city is holding interviews with all 5 finalists on March 30th and 31st, and April 1st.

Kivela is asking anyone who wants to learn more about the candidates to come to those interviews.

He says none of the 5 finalists are from Michigan, and while that surprised him, he thinks it’s a good sign that people from different parts of the country are willing to come here.

Police Chief Mike Angeli has served as interim manager since Judy Akkala retired in mid-January.

The city is legally required to make someone an offer within 90 days of the job coming open, so that gives them until mid-April to make one.