Ballot Measure Prompts City Manager to Resign

City Manager P. Lamont Ewell announced Friday he plans to resign, effective July 1.

Ewell was named city manager in April after his predecessor was forced to resign amid criticism by City Council members of his handling of the city’s pension deficit problem.

In a memo to council members, Ewell said he is resigning because of passage of a ballot measure decreasing the powers of the city manager and enhancing those of the mayor. He said he prefers to work in a city manager-style government.

Ewell was fire chief in Oakland before being hired as San Diego’s deputy city manager. “I thank you for an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said in his memo.