ORANGE : City Officials Choose Interim Manager

City officials announced Thursday they have selected an interim city manager who will run the city until a permanent manager is found.

William F. Cornett Jr. is set to take the post later this month, when outgoing City Manager Ron Thompson retires.

Cornett’s career in city government spans 37 years. He served as city manager of Riverside and Fullerton and was interim city manager of Twentynine Palms and Rancho Palos Verdes.

“We were impressed by his extensive background and experience,” said Mayor Gene Beyer. “He has what we are looking for.”

Beyer predicted that a permanent city manager will be selected in about four months. He said the city is limiting its search to candidates with experience in California.

“We don’t want someone from New York or Massachusetts,” Beyer said. “We want someone who is familiar with the problems of these communities.”