KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo City Commissioners interviewed a second round of candidates to become their next City Attorney on Thursday, but did not make a decision.
They talked to Aaron Leal, who is the current City Attorney in Royal Oak, Lewis Smith, who works in the Detroit City Attorney’s office, and Ivar Steins, who works for the health system in Detroit.
Leal, the son of migrant workers, was the only candidate who has actually been a city attorney in Michigan, seemed to know the most about Kalamazoo, and gave the most complete answers.
Lewis was the most interesting, with a background in acting who has also experienced homelessness.
Steins however, gave the briefest and least specific answers.
During the interviews, each was asked what they knew about Kalamazoo’s challenges. Leal cited specific examples of working in housing, shared prosperity and youth violence.
Lewis talked about his experience in fair housing.
Steins said he had picked up a few ideas at the Community meet and greet on Wednesday.
While some were ready to make a decision immediately, Wendy Fields with the NAACP and Dr. Charlae Davis with Isaac asked that the commission wait until the public had a chance to view the interviews.
The decision will be made at the City’s April 3rd meeting.
reporting from John McNeill
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