Washtenaw County commissioners to interview candidate for county administrator job tonight
Washtenaw County officials have announced deputy administrator Verna McDaniel will be the only candidate interviewed for the job of county administrator.
The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners plans to hold a special working session tonight at 6:30 p.m. to conduct the interview. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at the county administration building, 220 N. Main St.
Wednesday was the application deadline for the job. At this point, it appears likely McDaniel will replace Bob Guenzel, who plans to retire in May.
Retiring county administrator Bob Guenzel
McDaniel, who is considered the likely successor to Guenzel by several county officials, was the only internal candidate to apply for the position. About a dozen external candidates applied for the job, but aren't being interviewed at this time, county officials said.
Board Chairman Rolland Sizemore Jr., D-5th, said from the onset of the search process that he wanted to look within the organization for a successor to Guenzel.
McDaniel has been deputy county administrator since 2007 and has been described by fellow county officials as an "absolute godsend" to the administrator's office.Â
Deputy county administrator Verna McDaniel
She helped lead the way on efforts to bargain with the county's labor unions this past year, which resulted in millions of dollars in concessions being made to help the county close the gap on a major budget deficit.
McDaniel was hired into the county in 1982 and served as director of employment training and community services, as well as human resources director, before taking on her current role. Prior to her service with the county, she was the director of employment training for the city of Ann Arbor from 1976 to 1981.
The board of commissioners is expected to take a final vote on the hiring of a new administrator as soon as Feb. 3.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
David Briegel
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 8:17 p.m.
Cash, maybe she can be the catalyst to address your concerns!
bs
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 8:10 p.m.
I've watched Ms. McDaniel's career with the county for over 25 years, she is an intelligent, hard working, ethical individual. She is a fine choice for this position.. Congratulations to the Board for considering someone who knows and cares about this community.
Mikey2u
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 4:46 p.m.
Michigan businesses have slashed workers. Washtenaw County is in hiring mode. Ypsilanti Township lost 7 Sheriffs Deputies. The County Commissioners are interviewing tonight. Factories have closed and the tax base is gone. McDaniels is an "absolute godsend." There are 10 foreclosed homes on my street. The Commissioners are meeting tonight. Folks are leaving in droves.
David Briegel
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 3:03 p.m.
It would seem that we are fortunate to have such an outstanding candidate with an extensive background, knowledge and experience in our county govt. No learning curve will be required. It seems she is an "absolute godsend" and a uniter not a divider! If she has a good interview with a good vision for the future she should make an outstanding executive.
justice123
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 3:02 p.m.
Ms. McDaniels is a smart, worthy applicant for this position. Let the interviews speak for themselves. Tune in tonight before you render an uninformed opinion.
Cash
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.
Skeb, This isn't an interim position...it's permanent! From what we read at AnnArbor.com this county has not, and is not, pulling together. It is east vs west, north vs south urban vs rural and this has been going on for a long time. We have no decent mass transit, no wireless initiative that works, and the board seems to operate only based on each member's little corner of the county. And I don't hear them saying that they want anything to change. Considering Washtenaw County is the home of University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, this area should be an island of decent economic progress and instead it is floundering with the rest of Michigan. The only new construction we see in the county is on these campuses. This decision to not consider other candidates tells me that the board is happy with status quo. Well...I'm not.
Skeb Bpow
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.
On the other hand, maybe Washtenaw County needs some consistency during this transition time that Ms. McDaniel can provide.
dougfroma2
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 12:30 p.m.
Dear Bored (Board): Please do not hire this internal candidate until you have interviewed at least 3-5 qualified outside candidates. They may bring ideas/perspectives (fresh blood) that will move Washtenaw County in the direction residents desire. More Bob Grunzel is not the answer...
Cash
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 : 11:48 a.m.
Nothing at all against this person, but with the situation in Washtenaw County government right now, is it wise to stay on the same path or should we be looking for some new ideas and plans? Same old same old may be comfortable for the board...but I don't think the citizens of this county are very happy with same old same old. Maybe some new blood could shake things up a bit or is that what the board is afraid of?