Local: Henry Holling is interim City Manager, WCBU says
According to Jonathan Ahl, retired Caterpillar executive and long-ago former Peoria City Manager administrative assistant Henry Holling is the city council’s choice for interim city manager. The background on Holling, via the post:
Holling retired last year after 35 years at Caterpillar, ending his time there as the Manager of Corporate and Community Support. Holling worked for the city from 1965-1969, holding three different positions: Administrative Assistant for the City Manager, a position in the legal department, and finally as the Intergovernmental Affairs Officer.
The decision is not yet official, as there are still contract details being worked out, Ahl says. He adds that there were three members of the council who “voiced concerns” about Holling during closed session. That could mean just about anything, including wanting someone already working for the city to have the job.
I know almost nothing about Holling. I found this paragraph about him in this liveblogging post:
Proclamation: Henry Holling retired from Caterpillar. He’s their lobbyist. Former assistant to the city manager. Mayor Jim Ardis is really piling it on. “He’s just an unbelievable role model.†Barb Van Auken and George Jacob will speak too. BVA: “What he’s done went beyond what his job required his to do, ” and “Henry Holling is one of the most exceptional people I’ve met in my life,†Jacob says. “His heart has always been in Peoria.†Holling: 42 years ago, administrative assistant to the city manager. Says that “municipal government is where it all starts. … The foundation that makes government works.†He is full of praise for this council for working together.
I’m guessing that Van Auken, Jacob and Ardis are not among the three to express reservations.
This off-the-record confirmation is a good get by Jonathan.
My question is this: Will Holling be a candidate for the position on a permanent basis? I remember the grief when supposedly interim City manager Bern Ewert suddenly became the favorite of then Mayor Dave Ransburg, who was convinced Ewert was some economic development rainmaker. The millionaire mayor pretty much did his best to screw up the selection process for other candidates. Eventually Bern went bye-bye and the council hired Randy Oliver, who was a big improvement.
And for the record: I am NOT overly concerned that Holling is retired from Caterpillar. I considered for a moment whether this gives Cat even more influence over city politics than it has. But Holling is retired, and he can’t very well be too worried about ticking them off. And it might help to have somebody in charge at city hall who knows how Cat thinks (as well as where the bodies are buried).
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
Interesting observations in your post. I too wonder if this “interim” assignment is just a prelude to a foregone conclusion that he’s been selected as the permanent CM.
One correction — i don’t think he was the “long-ago former Peoria City Manager Henry Holling”….but rather an “Administrative Assistant for the City Manager” – big difference.
I also don’t think that all of the problems with the last search process for City Manager can be laid at the feet of the Ransburg group. There were some less than forthright candidates and some less than appropriate actions by other members of the City Council (not to mention the faux pas of Interim City Manager Steve Van Winkle disclosing the name of a “selected” candidate based upon a voicemail he received from Nichting when the Council had agreed that the name would remain secret.
Nichting should wear earplugs during exec sessions. Nichting is on the outside looking in and so what is inside seems to keep coming out. Does anyone really wonder where all these leaks come from? Isn’t that against the law. If their was a hefty fine attached and public outing of any big mouths I bet it would stop.