OGDENSBURG — The City Council is sure it’s found its man.

After announcing John M. Pinkerton as their choice for city manager, council members said his business experience is what sealed the deal for them.

“A businessman looks at things unlike a typical government person,” said Deputy Mayor Michael D. Morley. “He makes budgets that you can live with. He would make sure every dollar counted because that is what business does. We’re not out to make a profit, like a business would, but we want to make sure we don’t waste money.”

Mr. Pinkerton has almost 40 years of business experience, starting at the Newell-Rubbermaid-owned Bulldog Hardware manufacturing facility in Ogdensburg as a material analyst.

He changed positions in 1973 to become a purchasing agent with the company; then, in 1977, he became purchasing manager, responsible for purchasing for both the Ogdensburg plant and another in Miami, Fla.

In 1986, he became the operations manager at the 100 Paterson St. plant and at a distribution center in Memphis, Tenn.

In 1992, Mr. Pinkerton saw the facility through hard times as it laid off more than half of its 76 workers while waiting to finalize a distribution deal with Walmart. The plant weathered the difficulties and went on to expand during the winter recession.

Mr. Pinkerton served as operations manager at the Ogdensburg plant until its closure in 2003. At that time, it was Ogdensburg’s oldest manufacturing operation.

“It is my understanding he had an opportunity to move on with the Newell company when they shut down here, but he decided to stay in Ogdensburg,” said Councilman Wayne L. Ashley. “He has a genuine interest in Ogdensburg — he wants to see us do well.”

Since that time, Mr. Pinkerton has continued to serve as a consultant for Newell-Rubbermaid. In February 2005, he was hired at CITEC Manufacturing & Technology Solutions, a nonprofit business development company based at Clarkson University, Potsdam.

“All I can say is that John is an excellent employee and a talented individual and he would do fantastic in any role he is in,” said William P. Murray, CITEC executive director. Mr. Murray declined to comment additionally until after Mr. Pinkerton’s selection is made official.

Mr. Pinkerton is not a complete stranger to public service.

Former Mayor Richard G. Lockwood called on him in 1995 to serve on a committee to examine the benefits of switching Ogdensburg to municipally owned power.

In 2007, Mr. Pinkerton served on a municipal board that helped determine the fates of Ogdensburg’s Sherman and Lincoln elementary schools.

Council members said Mr. Pinkerton’s lack of experience in government is not a concern.

“I think he is very bright. What he doesn’t know, he’ll learn,” said Councilman Daniel E. Skamperle. “I think he has the fortitude and the intelligence to do it. He is completely into this job and he is so dedicated to Ogdensburg.”

Mr. Pinkerton has also been an Ogdensburg Kiwanis member, serving as the club’s president.

He declined to comment until the City Council votes to hire him Monday.

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