By Anjali J. Sekhar / The Detroit News |
STERLING HEIGHTS - Jeffrey Bahorski found himself in an unexpected but happy situation after a recent City Council meeting.
Bahorski, an attorney that has represented the city for decades, was appointed city attorney after serving several months in the interim position. While Bahorski was originally one of the interested candidates, he withdrew his name prior to a special meeting to select a new city attorney.
However, the council chose Bahorski after interviewing four other interested firms.
Bahorski, 43, sat down with The Detroit News and discussed some of his challenges leading up to his appointment, as well as the future of Sterling Heights.
Q: Were you surprised by the council's decision to keep you after it spent so much time interviewing interested candidates?
A: Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The council had on many occasions expressed their thanks and support (to me) for continuing to serve the city while they solicited proposals. After (former city attorney Paul) O'Reilly's resignation, the city extended our contract and, in some ways, my appointment is a continuation of that long-term relationship.
Q: Why did you withdraw your name from the top five candidates list?
A: The proposal I submitted was unique and dependent upon a number of conditions to be successful. Over the course of the eight months that the City Council was evaluating the city attorney position, (some) of these conditions substantially changed. By December 2003, it was apparent that the proposal did not match well with the future needs of the city for legal services. After listening to the concerns of the City Council while interviewing the remaining law firms, I am confident it was the right decision.
Q: You spoke about changes in the O'Reilly firm (since O'Reilly's death). What changes have taken place, and how do they affect you?
A: While Mr. O'Reilly's illness was common knowledge, his passing placed me in a position of having to assume full responsibility for the duties of city attorney. I was fortunate to have had Mr. O'Reilly as a mentor, and I have a special appreciation for how he did this job for 35 years. This firm has also provided me with the support and resources to make the transition a success. It helps to be able to draw upon more than 75 years of cumulative municipal law experience.
Q: How difficult of a transition period was there, if any, when working for the city after O'Reilly resigned?
A: Uncertainty over the future was the single most difficult part of the transition period. During Mr. O'Reilly's illness, I had served as chief assistant city attorney. After Mr. O'Reilly's resignation, it was difficult not knowing whether I would have the opportunity to continue to work with people who I really enjoyed representing. I'm very glad it worked out in the end and thankful for the support I've received over the last eight months, especially from my family.
Q: What are some of the challenges facing the city in the coming year?
A: The selection of a city manager is crucial since that person will have an immediate impact on the future of the city. It will not be an easy job in the short term. Cuts in state revenue sharing are negatively impacting the finances of Sterling Heights. The city is nearly built out, so the focus will be on commercial redevelopment in order to maintain a productive tax base. Property maintenance will be crucial in order to preserve attractive neighborhoods. As the city nears its 40th year of existence, its leaders will need to be creative and visionary.
You can reach Anjali J. Sekhar at (586) 826-7236 or asekhar@detnews.com.
