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On Tuesday night, Patrick Bowie was named the sole finalist for the city of LaGrange’s city manager position. By state law, the city has to wait 14 days to make it official, but that will happen on Feb. 27. 

Bowie, who has served in an interim capacity since Meg Kelsey’s departure in December, simply had the interim tag removed.

The city completed interviews a few weeks ago during executive sessions and following an extensive search that included approximately 24 candidates, officials said Bowie’s experience with the city made him the clear top choice.

We’d quibble about state law that allows the identities of others in serious condition to be withheld, as the city “may” identify up to three finalists. However, it can certainly choose to identify only one finalist, as it has done here.

But beyond that, and regardless of who the others in serious contention were, it’s clear that Bowie is a great choice for this position. He has done an unbelievable job overseeing the utilities department of the city of LaGrange, the main arm of revenue in the city.

He has extensive knowledge of the city’s budget that we’re guessing no other candidate possessed.

Plus, his hire provides some continuity in a city that could really use it right now.

We lost Mayor Willie Edmondson Friday, a man who has spent decades of his life in service to LaGrange. It’s impossible to replace his knowledge and background of the city’s innerworkings. 

The city also still has a relatively new fire and police chief — both were hired last year. 

Bowie has worked for the city for more than 30 years and has served as the director of utilities since 1992.

It’s a well-earned promotion for an employee who has done his job and then some.

We’re excited for the future as Bowie as city manager.