SEAL BEACH : Paso Robles Official Made City Manager

The City Council announced Monday that it has selected Paso Robles City Manager Jerry L. Bankston as the new city manager.

Bankston, who was chosen from a field of more than 70 applicants, will take over the duties of Robert Archibold, who has been acting city manager since the resignation of Robert Nelson last fall.

“I’m hoping that he’ll be able to get us back on track and unify the city again,” Mayor Edna Wilson said. “He’s not coming to work until the fifth of June, which will be the day after the election (on the controversial Hellman Ranch initiative and an alternative advisory measure). We thought that was fair not to get him involved in this political issue.”

Bankston, 46, is a graduate of Cal State Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public administration.

“On the personal side, it’s like coming home again,” Bankston said. “Having gone to Cal State Long Beach, both my wife and I are familiar with the area.”

Before becoming city manager of Paso Robles in 1986, Bankston was assistant city manager of Camarillo for 10 years. While in Paso Robles, he helped the city develop new parks and community centers and expand water and sewer facilities.

“He seems to have high professional standards, and I look forward to strong leadership from him,” Wilson said. “I feel really good about the appointment. And the fact that it was unanimous really made me feel good.”

City Council members said they were impressed with Bankston’s financial background. He currently serves as president of the Central Coast Cities Self Insurance Fund and vice chair of the San Luis Obispo County Managers Assn.

“We felt he had real financial experience and was a real hard worker, and we questioned him on the budget because one of our top priorities is to balance the budget,” Councilman Frank Laszlo said.