MEET THE CITY'S NEW LEADER

In April, Mount Dora city council voted 7-0 to offer Vince Pastue, the city manager position.  Pastue reportedly plans to leave his current position as city manager of Farmington Michigan on May 31.   Farmington, a northern suburb of Metropolitan Detroit, is recognized for its own historic downtown and surrounding Victorian homes.  The city was ranked 27 in CNNMoney.com's "Best Places to Live" in 2013 and has undergone transformative downtown improvements in recent years. 

Pastue has been Farmington's city manager for twelve years and will bring considerable finance and economic development experience to Mount Dora.  Last month, he and the other finalist took time to answer questions to help residents get acquainted.

M.D. BUZZ:  What attracted you to Mount Dora’s city manager position?
PASTUE:  I’m at a point personally and professionally to move on.  I like the small town feel and all the activities, and my son lives in Tampa.

M.D. BUZZ:  What are Mount Dora's two greatest attributes?
PASTUE:  The traditional downtown is very attractive and the small town character of the area.

M.D. BUZZ:  Preservation and controlled growth are key to Mount Dora.  How do you managing growth while capitalizing on Mount Dora's reputation of being the “New England of the South?  .
PASTUE:  Preserve character and charm quality by not bulldozing the past and being very diligent and vigilant on density, traffic, development and preservation.

M.D. BUZZ:  How many years of managing and directing economic development to you have?   
PASTUE:  Probably 18

M.D. BUZZ:  Why did you leave your last position or why are you considering changing positions?
PASTUE:  After 12 years, it was time personally and professionally since the city is in a strong position and considered a desirable community.  I gave 7 months notice of my intention to leave. 

M.D. BUZZ:  Did the most recent city budget you managed have a surplus your last two years?  
PASTUE:  Two years ago, yes.  One year ago was a planned deficit for capital projects.

M.D. BUZZ:  Proudest professional accomplishment?
PASTUE:  Getting the city through the economic downtown turn and still maintain character of the city and its services, plus the transformative improvements to our downtown (infrastructure and redevelopment project).

M.D. BUZZ:  Regards to the most recent city you managed, what bond rating did it earn and for how long?
PASTUE:  Maintained AA bond rating preceeding and continuing through entire tenure, including during economic downturn.

M.D. BUZZ:  Largest budget managed?
PASTUE:  $25 million

M.D. BUZZ:  Largest number of employees managed? 
PASTUE:  200

M.D. BUZZ:  What city will you live in if you’re hired? 
PASTUE:  Mount Dora

M.D. BUZZ:  What are two of your biggest strengths?
PASTUE:  My financial background and being able to work with people during difficult and emotional circumstances.

M.D. BUZZ:  What is your greatest weakness?    
PASTUE:    I stay very current with technology professionally, but could do better staying on top of more advanced technologies for personal use.

M.D. BUZZ:  Two words to describe your management style?
PASTUE:  Collaborative and visionary.

M.D. BUZZ:  Two words your staff would use to describe your management style?
PASTUE:  The same (collaborative and visionary)

M.D. BUZZ:  Two words to describe your communication style?
PASTUE:  Clear & concise

M.D. BUZZ:  Best vacation you ever had?
PASTUE:  As a kid, fishing in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan with my father.

M.D. BUZZ:  Two things you enjoy for recreation?
PASTUE:  Golf and fishing

M.D. BUZZ:  Favorite vintage car?
PASTUE:  Late 1970's Trans Am
 
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Vince Pastue