LOS ANGELES - The bankrupt city of Stockton, Calif. is launching its search for a new city manager with a public forum on Wednesday.
The city council and The Mathis Group, a consulting and recruiting firm, are seeking community input and participation in the process of finding a replacement for Bob Deis.
“We have worked hard to set the course for Stockton’s recovery, and selecting a city manager who has the leadership qualities and characteristics that are the right fit for the council, employees and the community is extremely important,” Mayor Anthony Silva said in a statement. “While the ultimate decision is made by the council and me, we value the opinions and ideas of the community and urge everyone to join us for this important forum.”
The forum will be held at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium on Sept. 11. It will include a presentation and overview of the search, nomination and selection process, and offer participations the opportunity to share their priorities and viewpoints.
Stockton hired The Mathis Group, led by management psychologist Bill Mathis, during a special meeting in August. Mathis said during the meeting that he planned to find a new city manager as early as late November.
Mathis, who has worked with distressed California cities such as San Bernardino and Fresno, said he believes Stockton’s next city manager should have a “fire in their belly” as well as experience and an understanding of working and living in the diverse community.
The next city manager will replace Deis, who has served as city manager for three years. He announced in June his plans to retire, effective Nov. 1.
Deis started work in Stockton in July 2010 and has helped guide the city in its bankruptcy process. Stockton was granted eligibility to file for Chapter 9 protection in April, after declaring bankruptcy in June 2012.
