Rohnert Park hunting for new city manager

<p>Rohnert Park's hunt for a new city manager is getting underway, with city officials hoping to start interviewing candidates by February and one potentially contentious candidate already expressing interest.</p><p>“There is a lot in our plate,” said Gina Belaforte, vice-mayor of the cash-strapped city of 43,000. Despite the challenging circumstances, the job holds a particular appeal, she said.</p><p>“We're on the cusp of really significant change in Rohnert Park,” she said. “If the right person comes in, they could leave a tremendous mark on the city. So as a city manager, it might be a huge opportunity.”</p><p>Sacramento-based recruiter Peckham & McKenney is conducting the search at a cost to the city of about $25,000.</p><p>The recruitment brochure hasn't been posted yet, but a controversial former city manager as well as the city's interim city manager have indicated their interest.</p><p>“I haven't decided whether I'm going to apply for the position or not,” said Carl Leivo, who was dismissed in 2005 after 13 years with the city, two as its top administrator. Over the years critics said he was too political, played favorites on the council and was too cozy with development interests.</p><p>Dan Schwarz, interim city manager since October, expressed more definite intentions.</p><p>“I am interested in the job,” said Schwarz, who was assistant city manager before being named to fill the top spot.</p><p>Schwarz took over from Steve Donley, who resigned in August to remain with the U.S. Coast Guard, which had called him up for active duty.</p><p>The council has various views on what type of candidate is best.</p><p>Councilman Joe Callinan said he was particularly interested in candidates with private sector experience.</p><p>“I would love to see someone from private industry get involved,” he said. “We've had so many city managers lately that come from government backgrounds, and we need someone who sees from a different perspective.”</p><p>Mayor Pam Stafford, though, said recent experience in California government was key to the position, because the state's regulatory environment is so complex and evolving.</p><p>Schwarz's salary is $190,000, but he receives $187,000 because he volunteered to pay his own retirement benefit costs as the city struggled to balance its budget.</p>