Officials, others react, give advice to new city manager

Scott Mitnick Reaction to the Thousand Oaks City Council’s appointment of Scott Mitnick as permanent ity manager last week was gen

rally positive but mixed with

ome concern. Opinions and advice were offered by Mitnick’s predecessor as well as residents

nd local leaders representing dif

erent segments of the community.

Former City Manager Phil Gatch left in April under controversial circumstances. Some residents believed he was forced out by several council members. Mitnick, who had been the assistant city manager, was named interim city manager by the council.

Five months later, Gatch is not surprised Mitnick was appointed. He believes Mitnick will do a good job because he’s in tune with what council members want to accomplish.

“Scott has prepared himself and has the confidence of the city council,” said Gatch, who now sits on the board of the Retired Employees of Thousand Oaks, a group that represents the interests of retired city employees. “I did work for the city for 38 years and want the best for it.”

Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks, who served on the Thousand Oaks City Council and on the planning commission, feels Mitnick is very competent and offers a suggestion.

“I would hope he works hard not to get embroiled in politics, especially in a political town like Thousand Oaks,” Parks said. “It’s important for a city manager to stay above politics. That’s the way you gain respect and longevity.”

Jerry Lewi, who’s served on several city committees and boards, said Mitnick is knowledgeable and competent. Lewi’s concern involves Mitnick’s relationship with staff.

“I don’t have a good view of how Scott deals with staff because I’ve never discussed it with him, and that’s key,” Lewi said. “He’s certainly young enough to stay around for a long time and is being compensated enough to have no reason to leave.”

Although he’s found Mitnick to be smart and likeable, John Fonti, president of two local homeowner associations, believes it would have been beneficial for the council to have considered other candidates before appointing Mitnick.

“If I were in his shoes, I would have supported going out for a search because it would have eliminated any controversy either now or in the future if there is a change in council direction,” Fonti said.

Judy Lazar, a former Thousand Oaks mayor, feels the council made the right decision in not conducting a search. A similar search was undertaken two years ago before Gatch was appointed.

“I think the candidates available would not have been significantly different from two years ago,” Lazar said.

Even if the council had done a search, there’s no guarantee that a competent candidate would have been chosen.

“There is no foolproof process for what you are going to get,” Lazar said. “There is a lot to be said for a candidate who has experience with the city.”

Familiarity with city operations as well as other groups makes Mitnick the right choice, according to Mike Berger, chair of Conejo Recreation and Park District.

“We don’t have to retrain anybody about what the park district is in town,” Berger said. “People sometimes have a hard time understanding how the park district works.”

In many other cities, parks departments are run by city hall, according to Berger. In Thousand Oaks, the park district is a separate, independent agency but does work closely with the city on some issues. One future challenge the city and park district face is the possible recreational development of the 326-acre Rancho Potrero open space site.

“The ongoing relationship between the city and the parks department has to be good,” Berger

A leader among senior citizens, June Glasmeier of T.O. thinks Mitnick is competent and hopes he’ll address senior-related issues. She plans to keep him posted on local senior events.

“I hope he will do a good job for seniors,” Glasmeier said.

Rick Principe, president of Westcord Commercial Real Estate Services in Westlake Village, has already worked with Mitnick on issues relating to the Thousand Oaks Business Improvement District. Principe said Mitnick is very goal-oriented.

“He has no political agendas,” Principe said. “I think he truly has the city’s best interest at heart.”