LOS ANGELES - After months of searching, the Stockton, Calif. has selected a new city manager to lead it through the final stage of bankruptcy and into recovery.
The current interim city manager, Kurt Wilson, has been selected by the Stockton City Council to officially take the position.
"I am honored to nominate an extremely qualified individual who represents continuity, fairness, diversity and professionalism," Mayor Anthony Silva said at the beginning of the city council meeting Tuesday night. "This is truly a fresh start for our city."
Wilson has been with the city as a deputy city manager since Sept. 4, 2012, overseeing the operational departments of Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works, and Municipal Utilities.
He has served as interim city manager since Nov. 1, following predecessor Bob Deis's retirement.
Prior to joining Stockton, Wilson was city manager of Ridgecrest, Calif., and also served in local government in both San Bernardino and Rialto.
"Beyond the headlines, Stockton is a great place to work, filled with caring people who want the best for this community," Wilson said. "As we work together, we will overcome our challenges and restore this great city to the level our citizens deserve."
Wilson holds a bachelor's degree in public administration and a master's of business administration degree from University of La Verne. He also has a Master of Education degree from California Coast University. His annual salary will be $240,000.
"Sometimes finding the very best candidate does not require an outside search," said council member Kathy Miller. "Mr. Wilson is an outstanding city manager. He is familiar with the organization, up to speed on our bankruptcy, and he provides the leadership that the city needs at this time."
The city filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in June 2012 and received eligibility approval in April 2013.
Stockton's confirmation hearing — which is the last step in the bankruptcy process — is set for March 5, during which U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Klein will either approve or deny the city's plan of adjustment.
