Orange City Manager to End 31-Year Government Career

City Manager Ron Thompson has announced that he will retire Oct. 1 after 31 years in city government.

“A former mayor told me I’d know when it’s time (to retire), and it’s time,” said Thompson, 61. “It isn’t as much fun as it used to be and, quite frankly, there are some other things I want to do.”

Thompson has been Orange’s city manager since 1989 and served as the city’s economic development director from 1985 to 1989.

As city manager, Thompson has dealt with the effects of the national recession on Orange. With income falling, the city has had to lay off about 100 employees since April and still faces a $2.5-million budget deficit for fiscal year 1993-94.

“This is the toughest I’ve seen it in my 31 years of city service,” Thompson said. “I just hate to stay around and see young workers go out the door.”

Mayor Gene Beyer praised Thompson’s work.

“He’s given good service to the city, and we’re very appreciative. We’re sorry to see him go,” Beyer said. “He’s supplied leadership to the city.”

Added City Councilman Mike Spurgeon: “He managed the city during a difficult period of transition.”

Thompson began his career in government with the city of Anaheim in 1962 as a planning aide, working his way up to economic development director before coming to Orange.

Thompson said he has seen drastic changes in Orange County and the way government operates during his time as a government employee.

“It was a lot easier to accomplish things 30 years ago,” Thompson remembered. “Today the regulatory processes and all levels of government are really tough on citizens and business. It really does make the job harder.”