ANAHEIM : Ex-City Manager to Seek Council Seat

Just more than one month since his retirement as city manager of Anaheim, Bob Simpson has announced that he will run for the Anaheim City Council in November. Simpson said he wants to restore “stability” and “dignity” to what is often a divided council.

“I don’t think it’s a secret to anyone that there are differences” among council members, Simpson said. “Government should be conducted . . . with dignity.”

Simpson, 59, has had a 35-year career in public service, including five years as chief of the Anaheim Fire Department before his appointment to the city manager post in the fall of 1987.

He announced his retirement last October amid reports that a 3-2 City Council majority had forced his resignation so that a younger person could be hired in his place. Those rumors led to investigations by both the district attorney and the grand jury, which are still pending.

James D. Ruth, 54, Anaheim’s assistant city manager, was hired to replace Simpson in March.

Though recently retired, Simpson said he may be seeking part-time employment in the private sector in addition to the council post.

Simpson is the second challenger to step into the City Council race. Planning Commissioner Frank E. Feldhaus Jr. also is seeking a seat, and Councilman Irv Pickler announced this week he will challenge Mayor Fred Hunter for the mayor’s position.