Now former Alpena City Manager Thad Taylor says he doesn’t know why he was fired.

In a closed session meeting Monday night, the municipal council voted 3-1 to terminate Taylor’s employment after nearly 20 years.   

“Nobody gave me a reason,” Taylor told True North Radio.  “I asked for a reason but they (council) wouldn’t give me one.”

Mayor Matt Waligora said council is “going in a new direction.”  Councilman Mike Nunneley expounded on that a little Tuesday, by adding “There was a difference in philosophy and economic conditions warrant a different direction and leadership.”

Councilmen Sam Eiler and Shawn Sexton both wanted Taylor to remain on the job.  “I think Thad did an outstanding job,” Eiler said.  He was totally un-deserving of this fate.”

Taylor says he will now likely have to move out of town because he wants to continue working in local government.  “It makes me sad to think I have to move out of Alpena,” he said.  “A place I love dearly.”

Nunneley says council will take its time finding a replacement.  Clerk, treasurer and finance director Karen Hebert has been named interim city manager.