Slown conditionally accepts offer from Ishpeming

by Angie Asam–Staff Writer

Rogers City manager Mark Slown has conditionally accepted the city manager position in Ishpeming. The two sides are still negotiating a contract and the hiring is contingent upon him passing a background check and drug and alcohol screening.

Slown was hired by Rogers City in the fall of 2006 and officially started on the job Sept. 25, 2006. He will be leaving his post after seven years of service to Rogers City, assuming all negotiations with Ishpeming go according to Slown’s plan.

“I did think about it for a while. Being city manager is an opportunity to really get invested in a community. I view it as a service, a way to help a city. I saw the job opening and went up there to visit and thought it was something I should do, I can help them,” said Slown.

Slown previously served as the Oxford city manager in Oakland County for five years. Prior to that he spent time in the Air Force from 1976-1999.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Rogers City. I feel blessed and fortunate to have worked here. I have met many great people and I have been treated very well here. I sincerely mean that. I have a good feeling about Rogers City and I wish them good success. The city is poised for good developments as things continue to progress. I think Rogers City is going to continue to grow and the population is going to increase,” said Slown.

Slown said knowing that the city is in a good place right now figured into his decision. “The city is moving forward and has a great staff. It was the opportune time for me to move on,” he said.

Charles Cleaver of Hale was the other candidate interviewed for the Ishpeming position. Ishpeming was on the search for a manager when former manager Jered Ottenwess was hired by Traverse City.

“I AM very proud of the way the downtown has improved in appearance since I have been here. With facades, new streetlights, flowers and other improvements. I would like the city to keep focused on that and continue to make the downtown the heart of the city,” said Slown.

Slown is also proud of what the community has accomplished with the Safe Routes to School initiative as many people worked together to make that happen with improved infrastructure to help students get to school more safely.

“I think the people of Rogers City have started to see that they have a bright

future. More people are realizing that we can do things here to make ourselves a better community. The entire community seems to be moving forward,” said Slown.

Slown sent an e-mail to mayor Beach Hall and the City Council Sunday to inform them of his job offer. “I have entered into negotiations with them for a contract to become their city manager.  Assuming that negotiations proceed to mutual agreement, I will be tendering my resignation to the city of Rogers City and giving you 30 days notice of my departure. I will inform you regarding a departure date, once it becomes clear,” stated the e-mail.