SANGER – With a vision for growth and development, the city is actively recruiting its next head of administration to steer Sanger into the future.
Sanger has been without a permanent city manager since July 13, when Tim Chapa submitted his resignation. Chapa’s resignation was effective Sept. 8. The city posted the opening for a permanent city manager to its website on Oct. 6; the final date to file is Nov. 10.
The city of Sanger, nor Chapa, ever disclosed the reasons for Chapa’s resignation. Sanger Police Chief Greg Garner became interim city manager on July 13.
In an email describing what qualities he would like the new city manager to possess, Mayor Pro Tem Michael Martinez, representing District 3, said “the best candidate will be someone to help guide Sanger into the future, specifically with growth.”
“As we all know, the state is in a housing crisis, Sanger needs someone to help continue our current city council direction which includes infrastructure improvements and maintaining reasonable and responsible growth,” Martinez said. “New Rooftops will bring retail, and alongside these new commercial businesses is the potential for more green space, parks and a regional sports park. Which are all quality of life improvements our residents deserve.”
Councilmember Michael Montelongo, District 4, said, “My colleagues and I have been working hard to get the best qualified individual to be our new city manager. I am referring you to the brochure that will give you all the information you need regarding our recruitment. My colleagues and I have worked hard on this brochure and it reflects who we are looking for. I hope this helps.”
Mayor Frank Gonzalez and council members Esmeralda Hurtado and Dolores Melendez did not provide comment to the Times as of press time.
THE BROCHURE/THE CANDIDATE
The four-page brochure Montelongo referred to – and which is available on the city website – describes the ideal city manager candidate as a motivated and dynamic individual who will work with the council and key stakeholders to achieve economic growth and improve the quality of life in Sanger.
The ideal candidate must be politically astute, possess strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as exemplary personal and professional integrity. This individual will have an entrepreneurial mindset, possess a proven record in community development and have sound financial acumen.
The city is looking for a bridge-builder; an individual who can “provide options and solutions with different sides to an issue with strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks for each alternative.”
Sanger outsourced the search to Koff & Associates. It is according to the brochure that the last day to file for the city manager position is Nov. 10.
