Milton selects city administrator

By Meghan Erkkinen

The Milton City Council confirmed the appointment of a new city administrator at its meeting April 7. The council has not yet approved a contract for the new hire, Gig Harbor resident Michael Wilson, who was selected from among four finalists for the position.

Wilson, who will likely begin in his position April 11, will bring a wide range of experience. Most recently, he worked for the city of Bremerton as the director of administration and financial services and in Renton as the interim finance administrator.

Wilson has also worked for the cities of Gig Harbor and SeaTac, among others, as well as for Clallam County, and has held positions for a variety of municipal government organizations. He has a Bachelor’s degree in political science and law degree from Washington State University.

“I think he’s the best candidate for the city,” said Mayor Katrina Asay, who chose Wilson from among the candidates. “They’re all extremely qualified but he’s the best fit.”

Asay noted his broad range of experience as one of the reasons she selected him for the position.

“He’s worked with both counties and cities, has a lot of budget experience, creating and processing, and he’s really good at reorganizing departments and administrative services,” she said. “He also has a law degree, which is helpful in the city since we don’t have our own in-house attorney.”

She also noted that Wilson is well aware of issues in the area, and is well versed in the history of Milton. She said his contacts and networking will be beneficial to the city.

“He can really hit the ground running,” she said. “I know he will bring organization and professionalism and (expertise) running the day-to-day operation in a professional, ethical manner.”

The city council approved Asay’s choice by a vote of 6-0.

Councilmember Robert Whalen said he believed Wilson’s “local knowledge, breadth of experience, positions he’s had and general demeanor” make him the best candidate for the position.

Councilmember Leonard Sanderson said he has known Wilson for several years, and also supported Asay’s choice.

“He’s got a lot of connections. He knows people,” Sanderson said. “He is going to be ready on day one.”

Sanderson also noted that Wilson has a good personality and would be fun to work with.

“I think the citizens will all like him,” he said. “He’s very responsive.”

The city is working to finalize Wilson’s contract, which will likely be ready for the city council’s approval at a special council meeting April 14.

“I’m just excited to have him and honored that he would work for the city,” Asay said of Wilson. “He’s got a very good reputation in the public sector.”

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