Contract Approved for New City Manager
The Pasadena Board of Directors Tuesday approved a contract for Philip Hawkey, who will become Pasadena’s city manager June 18 despite vigorous opposition by members of the city’s black community. The contract includes a $119,500 annual salary and generous severance pay if Hawkey, now city manager in Toledo, Ohio, is dismissed without just cause.
The severance pay provisions--18 months’ salary if fired during the first year and 12 months’ salary if fired in the second or third years--will insulate Hawkey, who is white, from politically motivated attempts to fire him, Director William Thomson said. The vote was 4 to 2 to approve the contract, with Mayor Jess Hughston abstaining.
Hawkey was chosen for the job over two black finalists. His four years in Toledo were marked by racial tensions, including a discrimination complaint filed against him and the city. Hawkey, 43, will receive a $500 monthly auto allowance and financial help to buy a home here. He succeeds retiring City Manager Donald McIntyre.
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