Local News in Brief : Stanton : City Manager Leaving to Take New Position

Stanton City Manager James W. Buell, who played a role in the city’s recent economic recovery, has resigned and will go to work for Long Beach.

“I have done what I came to do and that was to help the city gain some fiscal solvency and give the city a new direction,” Buell said this week.

Buell, 47, who submitted his resignation Tuesday night during an executive session of the City Council, was city manager for almost 3 years. His resignation is effective Dec. 4.

Buell will become manager of operations and administration of Long Beach’s General Services Department.

During Buell’s tenure in Stanton, the city was forced to eliminate the police and fire departments because of an economic crunch. The city now contracts for service with the County Sheriff’s and Fire departments.

But redevelopment projects along Beach Boulevard and recruitment of such major discount stores as Home Club and Price Savers have increased city revenue.

Buell said he regrets leaving Stanton before the city builds a new civic center with a city hall. City Hall is now in a former elementary school.

“I believe the next stage for the city recovery will be a continued staff effort to build a new image for the city,” he said.