Cincinnati Parks Director Willie Carden has informed Mayor John Cranley he's withdrawing from consideration to be the next city manager, according to a statement from the Mayor's spokesman.
“After consulting with my family, we have come to the personal, private decision that it is best for me to remain as the Director of the Parks Department," Carden said in the statement. "John Cranley is going to be a great mayor and this is a difficult decision for me. But, it’s simply about what is best for me and my family. As a personal matter, I would ask that you respect our family’s privacy.”
Cranley said he's disappointed Carden won't be Cincinnati's next city manager.
"He would have done a phenomenal job," said Cranley. "But, I respect his family’s decision, and I am confident that we will find a great city manager who will help us move Cincinnati forward.”
Cranley intends to conduct a national search to find a permanent city manager. Scott Stiles will serve as interim city manager while the search is conducted.