STANTON : City Manager Matz Resigns for New Job

City Manager Terry Matz has resigned to become city manager in Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

The move is purely professional, Matz said Thursday. “It’s an excellent career opportunity for me.”

The City Council decided Wednesday to hire a search firm to fill the city manager’s post, but Matz said it might take three to four months to find a replacement. In the meantime, the council will appoint an acting city manager, he said.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” said Councilman Joe V. Harris of Matz’s impending departure. “We dedicated ourselves to the job as a team. I’m losing my quarterback.”

Matz noted that the next city manager will have to oversee the move to the new Civic Center, scheduled to open this summer on Katella Avenue. The city has been headquartered in an abandoned school on Western Avenue since 1985.

Matz, 41, who was hired in July, 1989, will work through April 29. He lives in the City of Commerce but said he will move to Agoura Hills, a city of about 20,000. “It’s a beautiful community both to live and work in,” he said.

City officials and others praised Matz’s work.

“He was very open and honest,” said Joan Thomas, director of the Stanton Chamber of Commerce. She said Matz was always willing to meet with city business people and gave straight answers.

“He didn’t just promise things to keep people happy,” Thomas said.

Councilman William C. Estrada said Matz brought the city through some tough actions this year, such as the recent levying of a 6% utility tax. “I really hate to see him go,” Estrada said.