COMMERCE : Ex-South El Monte Official Gets Top Post

Raul Romero has been named city administrator, becoming the second Latino to serve in the city’s top non-elected position.

Romero, South El Monte city manager since 1984, will begin the job Jan. 3, replacing Louis Shepard, who is retiring Tuesday after seven years with the city. Romero was selected by the City Council over 33 other candidates during a four-month search.

“(Romero) has the right experience and background for the job, and we expect him to fit right in and do a great job for the city,” Mayor Ruben Batres said.

Romero’s salary will be about $105,000, compared to his $82,500 annual salary in South El Monte. Shepard earned $131,000.

The city administrator takes care of the day-to-day responsibilities for the city, which has undergone profound economic, demographic and political changes in recent years.

“Just as I’ve done in my previous jobs, I’d like to make economic development one of Commerce’s highest goals,” said Romero, 48.

Before his job with South El Monte, Romero served as city manager of Coachella, assistant city administrator for Hawaiian Gardens, administrative analyst for the cities of Glendale and Long Beach and community relations coordinator for Monterey Park.

Romero grew up in East Los Angeles. He attended East Los Angeles College and Cal State L.A., where he received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. He earned a master’s degree in public administration at USC.

His experience in South El Monte includes establishment of the South El Monte Economic Development Committee, made up of business, education, utility, resident and government representatives. Romero also helped form the Rosemead Business Improvement District.

“The Commerce residential and business communities are similar to those in South El Monte,” Romero said. “I have made it a point to develop positive rapport with both communities here (in South El Monte) and plan to do the same in Commerce.”

The only other Latino to have served as city administrator in Commerce’s 34-year history is Ed Oliva, who held the job during the early 1980s, city spokeswoman Judy Rambeau said.

According to the 1990 census, Commerce’s population of 12,100 is 91% Latino.

“It’s an advantage being able to communicate with residents in their own language,” Romero said. “But I certainly feel I’m also very qualified for the job.”