Search Begins for New City Administrator

Three months after the city’s top nonelected official resigned in what many insiders said was a move forced by the City Council majority, the city of San Fernando will begin a national search for a new administrator this week.

“We would like to keep it as local as possible, but we know that to get the best candidates we have to look outside,” said Saul Gomez, San Fernando’s administrative services manager.

With a salary between $91,000 and $111,000 per year, the new city administrator will be responsible for implementing the council’s policies and coordinating city affairs and will also serve as executive director of the San Fernando Redevelopment Agency, officials said.

In July, longtime city administrator Mary Strenn resigned from her position in a move that was supported, and some believe orchestrated, by Mayor Raul Godinez II and newly elected Councilmen Silverio Robledo and Jose Hernandez.

Councilman Doude Wysbeek and Councilwoman Joanne Baltierrez, who have found themselves on the short end of several key council votes since elections in March, opposed Strenn’s resignation.

Gomez said the council is unified on the hiring criteria for the new city administrator.

“We’re looking for the best candidate that best fits the needs of the city. Everyone agrees on that,” Gomez said.

Minimum qualifications for the position include a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, five years of experience as a manager in a municipal setting and experience with economic development and redevelopment.

Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish is highly desired, officials said.

Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, and the selection process is expected to take three to six months, officials said.

For more information, call San Fernando’s job hotline at (818) 898-1219.