West Covina : Manners Heads Group

Councilwoman Nancy Manners has been elected president of the 44-member Independent Cities Assn., a collective municipal lobbying and regional planning organization.

The Southern California association, an amalgam of small- and medium-sized cities, addresses regional issues, often pooling resources to combat problems. The group’s efforts include a risk management authority that allows member cities to self-insure and a financing authority that allows cities to purchase capital equipment they otherwise could not afford.

Manners’ goals for the coming year include expanding the organization’s political influence through better communication with the county and state officials. Also, Manners would like to add member cities to the 29-year-old organization.

Manners’ appointment takes effect in September. Glendora Councilwoman Lois Shade also has been named as one of the organization’s vice presidents.