PORT ANGELES — Interim City Manager Dan McKeen, who had said he was not interested in exchanging his fire chief job permanently for the city’s top executive post, has changed his mind and applied to make his temporary position a permanent one.
McKeen, 56, submitted his application for the permanent Port Angeles city manager position Saturday.
“I will be throwing my hat in the ring,” McKeen said in a Friday telephone interview.
As of Saturday afternoon, 21 people had applied for the job.
The City Council hopes to select a new city manager by the end of August, said Mayor Cherie Kidd, one of those who encouraged McKeen to apply.
Kidd said she did not know who the other applicants were.
McKeen was the Port Angeles fire chief for 12 years before he became the interim city manager April 17 and was expected to return to that job after the four-month interim position expires in August.
Former Port Angeles City Manager Kent Myers took the top city executive position in Fredericksburg, Texas, in early May.
McKeen repeatedly had denied having an interest in seeking the position on a full-time basis.
He said he began to strongly consider the position about three weeks ago and decided to apply “within the past week.”
“I have decided to submit my application for the simple reason that I care about the city of Port Angeles — I care about the community, I care about the people, and I care about the incredibly dedicated city employees,” McKeen said in a statement that he released shortly after submitting his application.
“During the past two months, I have had numerous citizens and employees ask if I would consider applying for the position.”
The Port Angeles City Council agreed May 22 to set an annual salary of up to $145,000 for the next city manager.
That’s $12,000 less than what Myers earned.
McKeen, who earned $9,379 per month as fire chief, currently is making $11,225 per month as interim city manager.
“I have lived and worked here for over 26 years, and during that time, I developed many positive relationships,” McKeen continued.
“These relationships have been established through working for the city and through my involvement with various local groups and agencies such as the Port Angeles Rotary and the United Way.
“Through these relationships, I have come to better understand many of the diverse positions, strengths, weaknesses and needs of this unique, caring community.”
McKeen said he informed Kidd of his decision last week.
Kidd said she was “delighted, surprised and happy” that McKeen applied for the job, citing his even temperament and the way he approaches challenges by looking at all sides of the issues.
“He’s doing an excellent job as interim city manager,” Kidd said.
“In fact, he’s not only meeting but exceeding our expectations.”
McKeen’s statement continued: “From the very beginning of my time in public service, I have continuously sought out additional responsibility and welcomed new challenges.
“I have never been satisfied with the status quo, and I have always looked for ways to improve myself and my ability to assist with the improved delivery of public services.
“As I am nearing the end of my career, I see this as an exciting challenge that I would welcome and, most important, as a way to provide additional service to our community.”
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
