March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Replacing the City Manager:

The first round of interviews to fill the large and heavy shoes of City Manager P. Lamont Ewell took place this week, behind closed doors, not open to the public. The Santa Monic City Council met in special session Monday and Tuesday night, interviewing an undisclosed, yet trimmed down number of candidates from the more than 100 applicants.

Mayor Ken Genser was not present at the special sessions because of health issues, said councilors who spoke to The Mirror. Even if the attending council members interviewed and agreed on a candidate, an additional meeting with the mayor will be necessary for full body ratification.

Councilors added that an additional meeting would likely be necessary to discuss terms with any potential new city manager, which is how the procedure went when Ewell was hired.

“We’re looking for someone exceptional, as a manager, who shares the values of Santa Monica,” said Kevin McKeown, a council member.

McKeown also said that whomever is chosen, they will have plenty of work ahead of them, tackling issues such as fiscal strategy, traffic, development, education, sustainability and affordable housing. The biggest challenge appears to be navigating the economic crisis.

Councilors who spoke to The Mirror pointed out that Santa Monica, as a city, has some very unique elements that make it an attractive city to manage. Some of those elements are its half of a $.5 billion budget, bus systems, rent control and dealing with a large tourism industry.

Robert Holbrook, said few of the applicants had experience with all aspects of this job, but added “You don’t have to know everything about everything, but you have to make sure it’s well managed.”

Richard Bloom, a council member, said he is keeping long-term issues in mind when selecting the new city manager.

“We need somebody that will do well with the issues we’re not anticipating,” he said.

McKeown said that at the end of the interviews, if the perfect candidate isn’t chosen, the Council will continue to interview until the perfect match is found. He said the decision would not be rushed and constrained to a timetable.

Ewell, who announced his intended retirement in August and plans to leave office at the end of December, has expressed his willingness to stay on until the right candidate is chosen to replace him.

Councilors told The Mirror that they had received concerns about the replacement process taking place behind closed doors and not having an election. McKeown pointed out that the 1953 Brown Act allows for matters regarding personel to take place outside the public.

“What it comes down to is we need someone who will work well with the City Council, with the boards and the commissioner and the residents,” said Holbrook.

Holbrook added that as elected representatives, they know more about what qualities and traits the candidates will need and added that it’s difficult to get quality candidates if the proceedings are under public scrutiny.

“I’ll be glad when we make our final selection,” said Bloom, “because it’s important for the community to know who the replacement is and to have a smooth transition.”

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...