Ventura Nears Hiring Permanent City Manager, Promising Stability
After a period of uncertainty and frequent turnover, the city of Ventura is one step closer to hiring a permanent city manager. The announcement comes as the city seeks to bring stability to the role, which has seen four different individuals fill the position since late December.
While the identity of the final candidate remains confidential, former Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub has confirmed that he applied for the position. Ayub, who attended a recent council meeting, declined to disclose whether he is a finalist. The decision is now in the hands of the City Council, who will deliberate on the matter in future meetings.
The potential hire couldn’t come soon enough for Ventura, a city with approximately 107,340 residents. In an effort to ensure a comprehensive selection process, the city enlisted the assistance of a recruitment firm to attract qualified candidates. A total of 26 applications were received, and preliminary screening interviews have already been conducted.
As the negotiations progress, the hope is that a permanent city manager will bring much-needed stability and expertise to the role. The City Council expects to vote on the candidate’s appointment at either the August 7 or September 11 meeting.
Though the council members have remained tight-lipped about the finalist, they have expressed confidence in the quality of candidates they interviewed. Council member Doug Halter emphasized the importance of experience, noting that he wants a city manager who can hit the ground running without a steep learning curve.
Among the potential candidates, Sheriff Ayub stands out due to his extensive experience in public service. With over 37 years of experience, Ayub believes his skills as a sheriff are comparable to those required for a city manager. He has managed large budgets and personnel, just as a city manager would be expected to do.
The city of Ventura has seen some turnover in its upper management in recent months. Former city manager Alex McIntyre resigned in December following controversies surrounding credit card use and a violation of state open meeting laws. Since then, the role has been filled by interim and acting leaders, including Brad Brick Conners and Don Penman.
Now, as the city moves closer to hiring a permanent city manager, residents and local officials hope for an end to the revolving door of leadership. The chosen candidate will have the responsibility of overseeing Ventura’s $429 million budget and managing its 712 employees.
With stability and expertise, a permanent city manager has the potential to lead Ventura towards a brighter future. The council’s decision will shape the direction of the city and impact the lives of its residents for years to come.
