BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Battle Creek City Manager Ken Tsuchiyama is stepping down later this month after nearly 29 years working for the city.
Tsuchiyama said that he and Mayor Dave Walters have a differing view on the direction the city is heading, and that he feels it best that he step down.
According to a release the Battle Creek City Commission is expected to officially approve his retirement at the Feb. 18 meeting. They are also expected to name Community Services Director Susan Bedsole as interim city manager.
Tsuchiyama’s departure follows assistant city manager Jim Ritsema’s departure for Kalamazoo and the recent retirement of Police Chief Jackie Hampton.
The release from the city said that during his nearly three decades with the city Tsuchiyama has worked as traffic engineer, director of the Department of Public Works and assistant city manager. He has been city manager for almost five years.
