By Judy Seifert (Contact / Staff Bio)
June 7, 2009 - 11:34 a.m. EST

VASSAR — The city’s new manager is ready to start work.

“I’m excited, and really looking forward to working with everyone,” said Julius Suchy, Vassar’s new city manager. “In fact, I’ll be looking for a place to live this weekend.”

Suchy is relocating from Big Rapids, where he’s worked as zoning administrator for the past 13 months. Prior to Big Rapids, Suchy worked as an assistant to the city manager of Ferrysburg for two years and interned with the village of Spring Lake.

City officials voted unanimously to hire Suchy to fill the city’s manager position. The city’s attorney, Glenn Fitkin is drawing up a contract. “We’ll go over the details and hopefully I’ll be in place by the end of this month,” Suchy said.

The search for a new manager was facilitated by the Michigan Municipal League. Five candidates were narrowed down to three, all interviewed May 30, at City Hall.

“I was very impressed with the young man,” said Councilman Henry Hornung. “The answers he gave were thoughtful and articulate. I think he’ll do a great job for the city.”

Suchy, 24, said he’s bringing enthusiasm and energy to the job. “This is the work I love, this is the work I want to do,” he said.

Originally from Romeo, Suchy said the job will bring him closer to home, family and friends. He also enjoys playing soccer and coached a team last year.

“I like getting involved in the community where I live and work,” he said. “I also believe in an ‘open door’ policy, I’ll be available to everyone, whenever you need me.”

The MML is conducting a background search and a tentative salary offer of $60,000 is on the table.

Current interim City Manager James Walker will now be able to retire again. Walker stepped into the position after the resignation of Kevin Mackey in February 2008. At that time, Walker committed himself to a six-month stay, then extended it twice.

Judy Seifert is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at seifert@tcadvertiser.com.