Ed Klobucher – Hazel Park’s City Manager
Ed Klobucher loves Hazel Park, his home town. Protective and proud of its past and excited about its future, he’s been the City Manager since 2002, longer than anyone else in the town’s 75-year history. He oversees the day-to-day operations, the budget, the personnel.
Hazel Park (which has a council/manager form of government) was incorporated in 1941, just after Pearl Harbor Day. The Municipal Building reflects Hazel Park’s sense of country and community, with its flags and faded news clippings that tell the stories of generations of veterans.
Hazel Park is Ferndale’s neighbor to the east. The towns share a lot, including part of the school district. But 
Hazel Park is Hazel Park. “We’re a little more blue-collar, maybe a little edgier” says Klobucher. He grew up in the shadow of the Hazel Park Raceway and smiles, recalling the day his mom had a big win. “She won the perfecta and we got new furniture.”
His parents are back in town after a retirement break. It’s good to have them in an urban environment with access to culture, community and health care. Ed lives here with his wife Diane. Two kids and two adored grandkids fill out the family.
He shares his office space with Assistant City Manager Jeff Campbell and Office Administrator Linda Yono. They bring a wealth of education and experience in so many different areas, from law enforce-ment and education to urban planning and film production, all of which help as they work for the diverse and collaborative community.
Klobucher speaks affectionately about former Police Chief and acting City Manager Albert Sadow, who was 
not only a mentor but a tremendous role model. He recalls the honor of being Sadow’s road patrol partner. Fast forward to the present and he praises Amy Kruppe, the Hazel Park School Superintendent. “She’s a pleasure to work with.” So many projects and people to discuss, but Ed is particularly proud of “Promise Zone,” a terrific program that “guarantees all residents a tuition-free path to an associate’s degree,” a wonderful opportunity.
Like Detroit and Ferndale, Hazel Park is in the process of a renaissance of sorts. They are trying to create a culinary district, which started with the opening of the wonderful Mabel Gray restaurant. There are more new places opening – announcements to come soon – but don’t forget the long-time favorites: Pi’s Thai, Louie’s Pizza, Brayz Burgers and Country Boy. “We keep what’s great, but we’re open to change.”
The citizens of Hazel Park will make sacrifices for the big picture, but you get the sense that Klobucher wants the folks who’ve invested their lives in his town to feel good about it. “Community resiliency is important to me.”
Great restaurants, small businesses, the Raceway, the Ice Arena, an annual arts fair, great opportunities for students. Good real estate value, outstanding city services, community, a terrific location. It’s easy for Ed to 
sell Hazel Park to the newcomer. “We are that little sliver of Oakland County east of Woodward. Five minutes from everywhere.” The cool new town? The City Manager smiles. “We’ve always been cool, but folks are now finding out how cool we are.”
His plan? Above all, Ed Klobucher wants his hometown to “survive and thrive.” He is cautiously optimistic about the future. Things aren’t perfect, but “I love what it’s been and I’m excited about what it can be. We’re doing everything we can to keep Hazel Park going in the right direction.”
To learn more about Hazel Park, call 248-546-7000 or go to www.hazelpark.org
