By Judy Seifert (Contact / Staff Bio)
May 30, 2009 - 11:41 a.m. EST

VASSAR — Interviewing of potential City Manager candidates begins today at 9 a.m. at City Hall.

Three candidates are up for the position: two from Michigan, the third from Connecticut.

The first is Brian Palaia, current Director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Ledyard, Conn. The suburban city of approximately 15,000 residents is located in the southeast section of the state. Palaia has held the director’s position since 2004.

At 10:30 a.m., Michael Uskiewicz, Township Manager for the Charter Township of Port Huron, will be interviewed. He has held the manager’s position since 2007. The township is located in St. Clair County and has a population of about 14,000 people.

The third candidate will be interviewed at 12:15 p.m. after a break for lunch. Julius Suchy is currently the Zoning Administrator for the city of Big Rapids, a position he’s held since May 2008. Big Rapids is located in Mecosta County and has a population of approximately 11,000.

The interviews are open to the public and residents are being encouraged to attend.

This search for a new city manager was conducted by a facilitator from the Michigan Municipal League. The decision to use the MML was made in February. In March, a job description was finalized and posted.

Current interim City Manager James Walker stepped into the position last year after the resignation of Kevin Mackey. At that time, Walker committed himself to a six- month stay, then extended it twice.

Walker encouraged the council to begin searching for a replacement in February, saying he would only be able to help out through the end of this year’s budget process.

The MML facilitator reviewed resumes and recently made his recommendation to the council.