“I am really proud of the last 6 plus years as the Deputy City Attorney.”
And after serving as deputy since 2019, Philip Strom is the new Grand Rapids City Attorney, unanimously selected by the City Commission.
“The city commission hires a City Attorney to give them competent legal advice so they can make good decisions.”
The City Commission selected Strom from a pool of 9 candidates. Mayor David LaGrand says it is an important and sometimes difficult position;
“It’s a daunting job, training elected officials on legal points they may or may not understand, helping the Commission be fully accountable and transparent to the public.”
Strom replaces Anita Hitchcock who retired last fall.
“The city can continue to receive excellent legal services.”
Strom says one of his priorities is helping people who break the law successfully navigate through the criminal justice system.
“Life is hard right now and the criminal justice system can be unforgiving. If there is an opportunity for someone to leave the criminal justice system in a better place than they entered it we should be embracing that.”
