HAWTHORNE : Ex-Long Beach Official to Be Interim Manager
James A. Algie, former Long Beach financial director, has been hired as interim city manager for Hawthorne.
Algie, 63, was unanimously selected by the City Council earlier this month to run Hawthorne for three months while the officials search for a permanent city manager. Algie, who holds a master’s degree in public administration, ran the Long Beach finance department for 12 years before retiring in April.
Algie replaces City Manager James H. Mitsch, 56, who was fired Friday. Mitsch has been criticized for the city’s financial woes and has been on paid administrative leave for a month, said Doug Gates, city personnel director.
The city is facing an estimated $2-million budget deficit that forced officials to change from a one- to a two-year budget cycle in March.
In a letter signed by Mayor Larry Guidi, Mitsch was told he was fired because the council lost trust and confidence in his ability to serve as city manager.
The City Council voted June 13 to authorize more than $12,000 to hire an executive search firm to find a permanent city manager.
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