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New Westminster City Manager to Assume Duties in September

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SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Bill Smith, currently city manager of Manhattan Beach, has been appointed Westminster city manager. He will assume the job on Sept. 5.

The City Council appointed Smith last week after a five-month search. He was picked from among four finalists to fill the position after Jerry Kenny retired in March.

Acting City Manager Robert J. Huntley, who was hired when Kenny left, will remain until Smith begins, officials said.

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“It’s a major increase in responsibilities,” said Smith, who will take over a city with a population of 81,000, compared to Manhattan Beach’s 30,000. “But I’ve heard only good things about the city staff and the community.”

Smith, 54, said the current labor negotiations with the firefighters union and the municipal employees union are his immediate concerns, but “my intention is to come with an open mind.”

“He’s friendly, not flamboyant, but easily established rapport with the members of the council,” Mayor Charles V. Smith said. “We like his management style.”

Smith, no relation to the mayor, is expected to sign a one-year contract that will pay him $9,166 a month, officials said.

A native of New York, Smith spent 25 years in the Marine Corps before entering public administration in 1981. He had three tours of duty in Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in action.

Smith has a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and a master’s in public administration from Golden Gate University. He has been Manhattan Beach’s city manager for the past five years.

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He also was city administrator of Sonora and assistant city manager of Monterey.

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