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Grand Rapids City Manager finalists put best foot forward at public forum

Courtesy of the City of Grand Rapids

After a nationwide search for the next City Manager of Grand Rapids, city commissioners have narrowed the pool of qualified candidates down to three finalists. Monday evening at the Wealthy Street Theater, Pontiac Deputy Mayor Jane Bais-DiSessa, Port Huron City Manager James Freed, and Arlington, Virginia Deputy County Manager Carol Mitten answered a series of questions in a public forum hosted by city officials. 

Freed said the only city in Michigan that could pull him away from Port Huron was Grand Rapids. 

"I don't need a job, but I really want this job," Freed said. "I want to serve you guys." 

Meanwhile Carol Mitten said that regardless of her last name, she didn't know much about Michigan before applying. 

"This has been a very interesting process for me, before I applied I had never been to Grand Rapids," Mitten said. "I really feel like your city is on the verge of something terrific." 

Jane Bais-Disessa said if given the job of City Manager, she would ensure racial equity was a priority at city hall. 

"One thing that I would be sure to do is be inclusive. To make sure that everyone is a part of the decisions that the city has to undertake." 

All three candidates will have one final interview Tuesday before a decision will be made. 

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