“I was grateful when he threw his name in to be our city manager.”
Roselynn Bliss was the mayor in 2018 when Mark Washington was hired as the Grand Rapids city manager.
“One of the things he has done is create a strategic plan for the city with clear objectives and goals.”
And after postponing an October vote on a new contract the city commission is authorizing the mayor to negotiate another agreement with Washington. But he is now one of 4 semi-finalists for the city manager job in Dallas, Texas. In an e-mail to the media, Washington said when his contract renewal was delayed, he explored options to ensure a clear future for his family.
“One of the things I have always appreciated about him is he is action oriented.”
In his email Washington said his selection as a semi finalist in Dallas does not mean he wants to leave Grand Rapids, that his commitment to the community is not changed. Mayor Bliss has until her term expires at the end of December to negotiate new contracts with Washington, the city clerk, city attorney and city treasurer.
“I’m glad while I am mayor still I get to vote on the renewal of these contracts.”
