Novi to Do Interviews for City Manager Position Sept. 9

Novi to Do Interviews for City Manager Position Sept. 9
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Sept. 8, 2014)
The Novi City Council is expected to interview four candidates for City Manager at a special meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 9. Each of the candidates brings an impressive resume to the table. The contenders (and their interview times) are:
5 p.m.             Peter Auger
6:30 p.m.       Paul Brake
8 p.m.             Peter Dame
9:30 p.m.       Vincent Pastue
Peter Auger recently stepped down from being City Manager of Auburn Hills, where he had been since 2008. In his introduction letter, Auger wrote “I believe one of my greatest achievements is putting people in a place where they can succeed, giving the tools/training that they need and allowing them exercise leadership to carry out the mission. Each community has their own culture and challenges. I hope you see a glimpse in my resume of how we approached them in Auburn Hills during the most challenging economic times in the city’s history.” In his resume he wrote of how he made team building a priority. “Very competent department heads but each unit was independent of the others. Ironic that the city’s logo is a silo, each of the 12 units were in their own silo. Transitions; with seven key department heads or deputy department heads departing within two years we adopted the Adapt, Innovate & Overcome mentality.
We first looked at in-house talent for those who could be ready to exercise leadership. In areas where we could not find the depth and experience in house we recruited the best possible person for the position from outside our organization.
Created an environment where everyone has direct access to everyone else in the organization, including me. Started several programs that brought the team together. Pushed down decision making down to the lowest level possible to where the job was being done.” Prior to working for Auburn Hills, Auger was City Manager in the City of Davison from 2001 to 2007, and Village Manager of Ortonville from 1997-2001. He is also a former Police Officer, serving from 1987-1992 in Auburn Hills.
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Paul Brake has been City Manager of Grand Blanc since 2011, where he oversees $7 million budget and 31 full-time and 10 part-time employees. Prior to that he was Assistant Township Manager for Meridian from 1998-2011. Among accomplishments there was an Environmental Stewardship Award for use of sustainable green technology for Downtown streetscape improvements. He also collaborated with local business leaders and Michigan State University leaders to implement a pilot program to stimulate and sustain entrepreneurial businesses in the community. From 1991-1998 he was the County Coordinator (Chief Administrative Officer) for Shiawassee County. Brake’s introduction letter includes several accomplishments as well, including creating and enhancing Downtown Development and Brownfield Redevelopment Districts, proven leadership in environmental initiatives and significant infrastructure projects managed on-time and within budget. His resume summary states that he has “Proven success in managing complex issues using tactful, patient and persuasive leadership and communication skills.”
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Peter Dame has been working as the City Manager of Grosse Pointe for the past eight years, and previously worked in progressively responsible positions for the Village of Oak Park in Illinois. In 1994 he was an Empowerment Zone Consultant in Benton Harbor and from 1988-1993 he worked for Congressman Fred Upton, first as Projects Assistant, then Projects Director, then Director of Legislation and Projects. Dame cites the creation of the DDA in 2008 as a major accomplishment for the City of Grosse Pointe. He also serves on the Michigan Municipal League’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
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Vincent Pastue has been the City Manager of Farmington from Feb. 2003 to present. Prior to that he was County Administrator/Controller for Isabella County (1997-2003), City Manager of Clare (1992-1997), and held several positions with the City of Belding. Pastue wrote in his introduction letter “I believe my professional experience, temperament, and understanding of regional issues would allow me to serve effectively as the Novi City Manager. I previously managed an organization with over 200 employees and have benefited from working in smaller communities that provided hands-on experience with all aspects of municipal operations. My background in municipal finances guided Farmington through a difficult period and positioned the city for the current economic rejuvenation it is experiencing. During this, I maintained a good working relationship with employees even as positions were eliminated and wages and benefits reduced. Similar to Novi, Farmington has been recognized nationally as a desirable city to live. My strong understanding of municipal operations and finance along with the ability to work with people I feel would be an asset in developing and implementing Novi’s vision for the future.”
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After hearing from the candidates on Sept. 9, Council will reconvene on Sept. 11 for a special meeting to discuss the interviews and possibly vote on their decision.
For more information visit the City of Novi website at http://www.cityofnovi.org.

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