Josh Kleinbaum
Mark Alexander describes himself as analytical and ordered. The La
Canada Flintridge city manager weighs his words and actions
carefully, and loves to immerse himself in his work, as he did during
his 60-hour weeks in June working on the city's budget.
So when he hires an assistant city manager, he is looking for just
the opposite.
"I'm not looking for someone who is similar in turns of style or
personality as myself," Alexander said. "It's helpful to have a
different perspective, someone who can tell me what he or she thinks,
even if it contrasts what I think."
Alexander is accepting applications for the job through today. As
usual, he is being slow and deliberate with the hiring process -- the
assistant city manager will be his first major hire since he was
named city manager 45 days ago.
At least a dozen people have applied for the job, but Alexander is
expecting a spike with today's deadline. He has not decided if he
will interview candidates himself or if he will form an interview
panel. But he knows what he is looking for.
"I'm looking for someone who has a breadth of experience, is a
good generalist and has worked in a number of areas," Alexander said.
"I'm also looking for a leader, someone who is going to lead the
administration department and integrate with other department heads
and lead them as well. Someone with strong interpersonal skills who
will be able to get along with staff, the council and the community."
The last time the city hired an assistant city manager, it
promoted from within, giving the job to Alexander, who had held two
positions in six years with the city before landing the job.
Alexander served as interim city manager from June 16 to July 21
before the City Council gave him the permanent job.
Alexander said no city staff members have applied for the job, and
he did not expect that any would. He said he would not establish a
time frame for hiring someone until he knows how many people have
applied for the job and he decides on his interview procedures.
