Kent law director to retire

Friday
Jan 5, 2018 at 12:01 AM Jan 5, 2018 at 8:56 PM

By Diane Smith Reporter

The man who has handled legal matters for the city of Kent for more than 25 years isn’t sticking around for his 26th anniversary with the city.

Law Director James Silver, who first joined the city’s law department in February 1992, is retiring, effective Sunday. 

"It’s time," he said. 

Silver became law director on Jan. 1, 1997, after his predecessor, Donald Martell, became a judge. He had been serving as assistant law director for five years.

He has lived in Kent for most of his life, graduating from Kent City Schools, and also sought a seat on Kent City Council, when he was defeated by current Mayor Jerry Fiala.

City Manager Dave Ruller said the city’s human resources manager is working to advertise the position, and he expects it to take 60 to 90 days to go through the selection process. In the interim, Assistant Law Director Eric Fink will pick up some extra duties, and the city may hire outside counsel for any specific legal needs that arise in the interim.

"Kent has a reputation as a professionally run city, a stable and progressive City Council, and a vibrant and active community so we’re hoping for a good amount of interest from strong candidates," Ruller said. "Kent has a lot to offer prospective candidates."

Silver said he has seen many changes in the city during his tenure.

"It’s been amazing," he said. "We had council members with insight and they bought property. We had people who were willing to go out on a limb to rebuild the downtown."

He said he expects to maintain his law practice on a minimal basis, and can fill in as a municipal court judge when needed. He expects to do some traveling, do some reading and play golf. 

His wife, Terri, retired about a year and a half ago from the guidance office at Theodore Roosevelt High School. The couple has three adult children who all live out of state. Their daughter, Rachel Giltz and her husband, Danridge, live in New Jersey. Their daughter, Kelli Myers and her husband, Rob, live in Nashville with their children, Erin and Adrian. Their son, Paul, is a senior at Purdue University and will graduate with his degree in May.

Ruller said Kent is Silver’s hometown, and said his concern for the city was always evident in his work.

"It’s always hard to have a colleague leave the team but we’re really happy for Jim and his family," Ruller said. "Jim has been an integral part of the city’s leadership for many years and his calm demeanor and voice of reason was particularly valued during times of stress. Jim helped Kent navigate through some tough challenges which is why it’s great to see him able to retire at a time when Kent is enjoying a renaissance that he helped create."

Friday
Jan 5, 2018 at 12:01 AM Jan 5, 2018 at 8:56 PM

By Diane Smith Reporter

The man who has handled legal matters for the city of Kent for more than 25 years isn’t sticking around for his 26th anniversary with the city.

Law Director James Silver, who first joined the city’s law department in February 1992, is retiring, effective Sunday. 

"It’s time," he said. 

Silver became law director on Jan. 1, 1997, after his predecessor, Donald Martell, became a judge. He had been serving as assistant law director for five years.

He has lived in Kent for most of his life, graduating from Kent City Schools, and also sought a seat on Kent City Council, when he was defeated by current Mayor Jerry Fiala.

City Manager Dave Ruller said the city’s human resources manager is working to advertise the position, and he expects it to take 60 to 90 days to go through the selection process. In the interim, Assistant Law Director Eric Fink will pick up some extra duties, and the city may hire outside counsel for any specific legal needs that arise in the interim.

"Kent has a reputation as a professionally run city, a stable and progressive City Council, and a vibrant and active community so we’re hoping for a good amount of interest from strong candidates," Ruller said. "Kent has a lot to offer prospective candidates."

Silver said he has seen many changes in the city during his tenure.

"It’s been amazing," he said. "We had council members with insight and they bought property. We had people who were willing to go out on a limb to rebuild the downtown."

He said he expects to maintain his law practice on a minimal basis, and can fill in as a municipal court judge when needed. He expects to do some traveling, do some reading and play golf. 

His wife, Terri, retired about a year and a half ago from the guidance office at Theodore Roosevelt High School. The couple has three adult children who all live out of state. Their daughter, Rachel Giltz and her husband, Danridge, live in New Jersey. Their daughter, Kelli Myers and her husband, Rob, live in Nashville with their children, Erin and Adrian. Their son, Paul, is a senior at Purdue University and will graduate with his degree in May.

Ruller said Kent is Silver’s hometown, and said his concern for the city was always evident in his work.

"It’s always hard to have a colleague leave the team but we’re really happy for Jim and his family," Ruller said. "Jim has been an integral part of the city’s leadership for many years and his calm demeanor and voice of reason was particularly valued during times of stress. Jim helped Kent navigate through some tough challenges which is why it’s great to see him able to retire at a time when Kent is enjoying a renaissance that he helped create."