By KATIE ROHMAN

Cassopolis Vigilant

BUCHANAN — Some familiar local faces interviewed for a city manager position in Buchanan left vacant after the June resignation of Meg Mullendore.

In the second night of interviews, city commissioners spoke Tuesday, Oct. 5 with Buchanan police chief and acting city manager William Marx, a St. Joseph resident; Kevin Gillette, Cassopolis village manager and a Stevensville resident; and Douglas Alexander, most recently the executive director of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County.

Gillette, a lifelong Berrien County resident, said his thoroughness is one of his greatest traits and economic development is one of his weakest. He says he possesses a working knowledge of budgeting and auditing.

“I think Buchanan is making some good strides,” he said.

Gillette said he applied for the Buchanan position prior to his contract negotiation in Cassopolis; however, his contract was not renewed.

Gillette also served on the Berrien County Planning Commission for 12 years and is a trustee for Lincoln Charter Township.

He said in his first 90 days as city manager, he would familiarize himself with the community, its budget and the commission.

Gillette currently earns $63,900 plus benefits, and would prefer a salary package in that range. He would not relocate because of his wife’s job.

The commission made its decision Monday to hire Marx, who has served as police chief for five years and has been interim manager for 2 1/2 months.