Eastpointe, MI - New City Manager Ready to get to Work

Published: August 16, 2006
By Robin Ruehlen C & G News Staff Writer




With 16 years of experience, including two years as a city administrator in financially strapped Highland Park, Darwin Parks isn’t afraid of a challenge. The newly appointed Eastpointe city manager is welcoming the chance to boost economic development and work with local business owners in what he describes as a beautiful, well-maintained community. I think my greatest challenge and top priority will be managing redevelopment here, Parks said. Eastpointe, like Highland Park, is a mature community, but there’s always the opportunity for quality redevelopment. The City Council approved Parks one-year contract at a special meeting Aug. 8, and expressed enthusiasm at welcoming a new face to the table. Mayor David Austin congratulated Parks and told him to prepare for a whirlwind start to his new position. You’d better have your running shoes on, cause we’re going to be on the go, he joked. After his first official day Aug. 9, Parks was already busy familiarizing himself with the community, exchanging information with interim City Manager Gary Shripka and settling into his office at City Hall. Parks, a native of Rochester Hills, attended Siena Heights University in Adrian, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in human services and public administration. He went on to earn his master’s degree in public administration from Golden Gate University, and began his career in Wixom as assistant city manager. Parks then served as the city manager of Litchfield in Hillsdale County, as well as city manager of the communities of Linden, Oxford and Standish. Most recently, Parks spent six years as the city manager of Richmond, before taking the position of city administrator in Highland Park in 2003. I've always believed a vital Detroit and suburbs is important to the entire state, so I wanted to help out. It was a huge challenge, Parks said. When a new financial manager was appointed recently, Parks said, the city administrator position was phased out. That position only exists as long as the state emergency loan board deems necessary, he said. So, here I am in Eastpointe. Parks, age 40, will receive an annual salary of $94,000, as well as a monthly gas allowance. He currently lives in Ferndale with his 13-year-old son, but is in the process of putting his house up for sale and finding a new home in Eastpointe. In the meantime, he’ll already be spending plenty of time getting to know the city. I intend to be very visible, and get out and talk to business owners and see how the city can better meet their needs, he said.