George Lahanas’ longtime goal of working with city government led him from New York to several locations in Michigan, ultimately leading him to East Lansing. After almost 13 years of moving through the ranks, Lahanas has found himself in the city manager’s office.
If East Lansing’s city manager steps down from his or her position, city charter states that the deputy city manager will step up to the plate and carry on as interim city manager. This week, former Deputy City Manager Lahanas took up the task after former City Manager Ted Staton stepped down.
State News: How you got involved with the city of East Lansing?
SN: What was your reaction when you found out that you were going to be interim city manager?
SN: When Ted Staton made his announcement to leave, did that make the process a little more real to you?
GL: It certainly did. You know in the back of your mind that they could leave at any time. … It was pretty much a surprise to hear someone you’ve worked with that long is leaving.
SN: What are some things you’re looking forward to doing as interim city manager?
GL: We continue to have challenges with our budget, (and) there’s significant financial pressure. … The etiquette would be that you don’t make major changes as an interim … but there’s things to do, and we’ll carry on.
SN: What should students know about this transition process, and how will having you as interim city manager affect them?
GL: When I first got to East Lansing, I was a graduate student at MSU. … I think that you can’t understate the importance of MSU to the city of East Lansing as an organization, but also as a community. … We have good relations with MSU — it’s an important relationship.
SN: If all goes well, will you consider applying for the position of city manager?
GL: It’s been a part of my career goal to go in this direction since starting … I plan on applying for the position, and I think I have a lot to offer to the city of East Lansing.
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