The Region : City Manager of Long Beach Resigns

Long Beach City Manager John E. Dever, who oversaw a reversal of the city’s economic fortunes during the last 10 years, resigned unexpectedly. Dever, who could not be reached for comment, announced his resignation in a letter to Mayor Ernie Kell and City Council members that was enclosed in a weekly package of city business delivered to council offices. His resignation is effective Jan. 30. Dever wrote that during his years of employment the job he “was hired to do has largely been completed. It is time to seek and accept a new challenge. It is also time for the city to change leadership.” Dever, 63, has had troubles with council members in past months. In August, the council scheduled three successive monthly meetings to review Dever’s job performance after some council members complained that he had not kept them informed on city issues. Kell said there never were enough council votes to fire Dever, whom he praised for doing a good job.