Countywide : Aide Will Fill In Until Airport Chief Is Named

Murry L. Cable, who was shifted from the job of John Wayne Airport manager to assistant county administrative officer two weeks ago, was designated acting airport manager Tuesday until the county selects his replacement.

The Board of Supervisors, in approving Cable’s appointment, stressed that his replacement is likely to be someone now working for the county.

“I have a strong preference for a vigorous in-house recruitment,” said Supervisor Roger Stanton. “I would be very, very surprised” if the supervisors have to go outside the county in their search, he said.

Supervisor Bruce Nestande said a new airport manager should be chosen within 30 days. The supervisors agreed to set the annual salary for the post in the $63,000-to-$71,000 range.

Cable said he expects to spend “mornings up there” at the Hall of Administration, working in his new job, and “afternoons down here at the airport.”

Among the candidates for Cable’s old job are Denis Horn, chief of operations at John Wayne; Stephen Kozak Jr., airport administrative officer, and John Sibley, Orange County employee relations manager, officials have said.

Supervisor Thomas F. Riley said the county has “to ensure that critical airport operations and planning continue uninterrupted and on the course we have directed” during the search for Cable’s replacement.

Riley suggested increasing the pay above the $58,115 annual salary that Cable received, “to more accurately reflect the duties of this highly responsible, sensitive position.”

Cable, 39, earns $70,907 a year in his new job, which he began Oct. 22.