Politics & Government

St. Clair Shores Selects New City Manager

Council voted 6-1 to offer a contract to Phillip Ludos, the current assistant city manager for public safety in Saginaw to be the new St. Clair Shores City Manager.

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St. Clair Shores City Council voted Monday night to extend a contract to Phillip Ludos to be the new city manager.

"I feel he is the perfect person for our city at this time," said Councilman Pete Rubino, who made the motion to extend the contract to Ludos.

Council voted 6-1 to extend the contract to Ludos. The city will now begin negotiations with him for salary and contract length. His predecessor, Ben Hughes, had a $115,000 salary. 

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Councilmember Chris Vitale recognized Ludos' "reform" background and how he is willing to embrace new technology and recognizing the importance of quality neighborhoods and schools.

Ludos is the current assistant city manager for public safety in Saginaw, and previously was the director of public safety for Greenacres, FL, and police chief in Cocoa Beach, FL.

The lone vote against extending a contract to Ludos was Councilwoman Candice Rusie.

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“I don’t feel he is the right fit for the city,” said Rusie, who was concerned about his interview answer saying that he would give the city two to three years.

She also was concerned about his lack of experience in economic development and city-wide management. 

City Council interview three other candidates for the position including: 

  • James Creech, the Oakland Township manager
  • John Gabor, the current city manager of Marine City
  • James Palenick, interim town manager in Dallas, N.C. 
The city hired the Mercer Group to conduct the nationwide city manager search to fill the vacancy left following the resignation by Ben Hughes on Nov. 1. There were 35 applicants for the position, which was reduced to 10 semi-finalists. 

Assistant City Manager Mike Smith has been serving as city manager since Hughes' departure, and was thanked by Mayor Kip Walby for filling-in during the "tough times."

A start date for the new city manager has not been selected.

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