An informal Sun social media survey found some residents want the council to wait before selecting the next city manager.
As previously reported, City Manager Jill Ingram has resigned effective Oct. 31 Before a recent closed session of the council, the council candidates who are running unopposed in Districts Two and Four asked the council to wait until after the election to select a new candidate. (See “Gallegos to be interim city manager” at sunnews.org.)
The Sun posted the following question on five social media pages to get community comments:
“On the record, for possible publication in both the print and online editions of the Sun Newspaper, should the council wait until after the election to hire the next Seal Beach city manager?”
This was (obviously) not a scientific survey.
Comments
The following are the relevant comments, lightly edited for punctuation.
Laura Forrest of Seal Beach North wrote: “Absolutely wait. Let interim show what he can do for a few months, new council members would be the ones to work with new city manager.”
Jim Akers of Old Town and the Hill wrote:
“Hold off until after election. Also, survey citizens as to what the qualifications for City Manager should be such as education, years [of] experience, past accomplishments that could be applied to Seal Beach city administration.”
Audrey Gralewski wrote:
“No, do it before.”
Gary Jacobsen wrote:
“After, would be my instinctive answer.”
Earick Ward wrote: “Yes, particularly if it means banking the savings.”
Lori Muller Gray wrote: “Absolutely.”
Rita V Strickroth wrote: “Yes … no rush. Patrick can handle it for next few months.”
Richard Glassman wrote:
“We have a Seal Beach resident Robert Goldberg that always spoke so intelligently at council meetings about Seal Beach wasting money and great ideas to make money for our city. We need Robert Goldberg’s help in the time being. He is the type of great citizen to do it for his love of our town and not the pay. He is like a forensic accountant discovering missing tax money. Wouldn’t it be great if a long time resident who looks after our city grabbed the bull by the horns.”
Jackie Dominick wrote: “Yes!”
Kellee Fritzal wrote: Yes!”
Randy Barnaby wrote: “For what purpose?”
Penny Peddicord wrote: “Yes.”
Stan Sark wrote: “Yes.”
Rita V. Strickroth wrote: “Yes … there should be no rush. Patrick can hold down the fort until then!”
Strickroth was apparently referring to Assistant City Manager Patrick Gallegos, who has already been appointed interim city manager.
Jose Osuna wrote:
“November is just around the corner … probably a good idea to hold off the actual selection of a new City Manager. But, the process to start looking for one can begin, so there can be vetted candidates to review-interview and select a City Manager by the City Council.”
Frank Champion wrote:
“If [they] do it right, it should take that much time anyway. And I thought current city manager was here through October. We should be able to find a quality manager for less than the current manager. Take the time to do it right, please.”
Steve Riggs wrote:
“Yes!! Hopefully the tax increase will be voted down, then they need a business person who can implement some of the revenue ideas that will upgrade Seal Beach.”
