Hiring a city manager usually comes down to one thing — fit.

Does this candidate line up with what a council wants, and do they have what it takes to make it happen? Will they work with a council no matter the bulwarks raised or lion pits they must escape from? Who among these fits Pell City? 

I sat in on most of the interview process this week. Council members said they have six strong candidates to choose from. I don’t disagree; it’s a strong slate. But personally, I think it all comes down to what each member wants to see from the person who comes into this position. And while there’s a quote somewhere that says exactly that, I’d prefer to tell you what I think its top priorities are.

Wanted: Strong fiscal manager with successful track record in shaping vision into reality. Makes tough calls, then makes tougher calls. Does not ask for grace periods. Does not ask for do-overs. Must live in or be able to relocate to Pell City immediately.

I’m not endorsing anyone, nor am I saying there’s anyone to endorse. What I thought I’d give you readers is one quality from each candidate I heard from that I thought stood out. They were all excellent communicators and found the appropriate buzzwords. But let’s pretend that the want ad above is real. Who would you choose?

••••••••••••• (Alphabetical)

Darrin DeLoach – Familiarity

A Cropwell resident and former Pell City City Council member employed with Paramount Marketing Group. In his current position of account executive, DeLoach works with a network of food distributors, manufacturers and sales representatives. His previous positions include assistant store manager with Office Depot and VP / general manager with WS Pell City. He has a degree in Management form Auburn University.

I only caught the end of DeLoach’s interview on Friday, but his selling point is his connection to the city. He has amicable or personal relationships with some members of the Council, and he’s connected to some of the city’s department heads. He’s already built one of the key factors for success in the position.

Alan L. Grindstaff – Enthusiasm

Grindstaff, a Maize, Kansas resident, was a member of the US Army Reserve from 1976-2002. He has 20 years of experience as a city administrator in Utah and Georgia and six years experience as a city manager in Texas. Grindstaff is currently employed as a senior consultant with ALG Consulting. He holds a master’s in Public Administration from BYU and a bachelor’s from the University of Utah. 

Grindstaff was the Council’s first interview Thursday morning. He hadn’t gotten a full night’s sleep, seeing as how he drove in from Kansas for the interview. Still, he was energetic in his answers, and he talked about the city like it was one of the greatest places he’d ever been. He’d be a warm face around City Hall.

Don A. Hoyt – Confidence 

A resident of Downsville, La., Hoyt holds master’s degrees in Education and Public Administration and numerous professional certifications. He was also most recently employed for four years as Anniston city manager, a position he left in 2013. In his cover letter, Hoyt, a US Navy veteran, indicates that he’s supervised as many as 300 employees and managed operating budgets in excess of $35 million.

Hoyt’s interview was another I had to step away from, but it was clear he has been a city manager before. He’s also secure in his ability to do it again and do it well. He’s efficient, strong-willed and matter-of-fact, which comes across as a good balance of calculating and decisive. 

Brian Muenger – Ambition

Muenger is currently employed as city manager of Talladega, and his role includes the oversight of a $17 million budget and more than 200 full-time employees. He has been with Talladega since 2008 when he was first hired as assistant city manager. Muenger is currently a Talladega resident and holds a master’s in Public Administration from Georgia College & State University, which he received in 2007.

Muenger was capable and precise in his interview, but his drive stood out. He’s already managing an Alabama city on I-20, but he basically told the Council he likes Pell City’s potential. He’s proven he can succeed, he wants to keep succeeding, and he’s not randomly picking where he wants to do it.

Richard M. Tucker – Passion

Currently employed as CEO of Freshwater Land Trust in Birmingham, Tucker’s recent work also history includes director of operations for The Nature Conservancy and associate state director for the Georgia Trust for Public Land. Tucker currently lives in Pell City and holds a master’s in Public Administration from the University of West Florida and a law degree from Florida State University.

Tucker has the credentials, but he doesn’t want to dedicate himself to just any city. He wants this one because he loves it. He told me that ever since he learned to water ski on Lake Logan Martin in 1984, he’s been a huge proponent. He lives in Pell City already, but if he got the job he’d likely put a cot in his office.

William R. Whitson – Connectivity

Whitson, a resident of Lynn Haven, Fla., has eight years experience as an assistant city manager and three years experience at the head of city administration. Until last year he was employed as director of the Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency overseeing a total budget of $4 million. Previously, he managed cities with budgets up to $34 million. Whitson holds a master’s in Public Administration from the University of West Florida.

Whitson believes in the work he’s done, and in the interview that translated into strong character and leadership skills. He would make partners easily through honest communication and move City operations along with a direct and open management style.

•••••••••••••

There’s a lot for the Council to consider, especially regarding the political ramifications of this list. There are no big splashes to be made by hiring Grindstaff or Whitson — and maybe that’s not a bad thing — but hiring anyone else will broadcast a message to the area about the direction the Council sees this city going.

Pell City might see an offer made to one of the six candidates as early as Monday. I was asked this afternoon whom I would pick. To me, it’s simple. 

I’d pick the one that fits.