Dana Point Hires Manager Despite Protest

A divided City Council has appointed a city manager, 11 months after the last full-time city manager retired.

John B. Bahorski is leaving the same position in Grover Beach, a coastal community in San Luis Obispo County, to take the $90,000-a-year job here.

“I think he’s going to be great--his leadership, his energy level,” Mayor Bill Ossenmacher said, listing some of the qualities that landed Bahorski the job. Councilwoman Toni Gallagher cited the fact that Bahorski had experience managing a small beach town.

But Councilman Harold R. Kaufman--who cast the lone vote against Bahorski on Saturday--said that wasn’t enough.

“I don’t think he has the experience to deal with the kinds of problems we have here,” Kaufman said. “He’s coming from such a small city. I think it’s an awfully big step.”

Dana Point, with about 36,000 residents, is almost triple the size of Grover Beach.

Bahorski could not be reached for comment. But he released the following statement: “I am excited to be appointed as Dana Point’s city manager. It’s a wonderful city, and I look forward to this excellent professional opportunity.”

Bahorski has also served as city manager of Calistoga, in the Napa Valley, and worked in city government in Dallas and Del Mar, Calif.

In addition to his salary, Bahorski will be eligible for up to $4,500 in performance bonuses every six months, and six months’ severance pay upon termination. The terms were unanimously approved by the council.

Bahorski, who has a master’s degree in public administration from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in public affairs from Wayne State University in Detroit, was chosen from about 60 applicants. He starts July 21.

The city’s last full-time city manager was Steve Julian, who retired in July. Since then, other officials have filled in temporarily.