Three candidates advance in Kajaani mayoral selection

The city of Kajaani has shortlisted three candidates for suitability assessments in its search for a new mayor, state broadcaster Yle reports.

Laukaa municipality director Linda Leinonen, Rovaniemi personnel and administration chief Antti Määtä, and Iisalmi business development head Terho Savolainen will proceed to the evaluation stage. A selection committee chose the three from the applicant pool.

Kajaani’s city council will appoint the new mayor at its June 24 meeting. The successful candidate will assume office in early September, with a monthly salary set at €12,000. Acting mayor Joni Partanen currently holds the position on an interim basis.

The vacancy follows the resignation of long-serving mayor Jari Tolonen, who stepped down after 16 years in the role. His final working day was in late February.