Five months ago, upon the resignation of former City Manager Bret Plumlee, city officials in Los Alamitos had to do something quick to fill the position as they searched for a long-term replacement.
They reached out to Les Johnson, who was then the city’s Development Director, and asked him to become city manager until the city until they were able to fill the position.
At the time, city officials were preparing to embark on a citywide listening tour at which residents would be told that, through no fault of the current administration, the city was on track to be bankrupt by 2025.
Johnson, a community developer, assumed the role and has served five months until last Friday, which was his last day on the job.
“I’ve enjoyed my time as interim city manger,” said Johnson on Thursday, which was his last physical day in the office at city hall.
“Every city has its challenges,” he said, “and Los Alamitos is no exception. Johnson said while Los Al faces some acute budgetary problems, “most cities have a challenge of balancing the budget, wants versus needs, and outside of that, the situation (in Los Alamitos) is not totally out of character.”
Johnson said, in fact, that he was gratified to be able to serve in that position as city officials launched a road show, both to properly inform citizens of how much financial trouble the city is in and to probe citizen’s appetite for additional revenue (new taxes).
While some are complaining about the low number of citizens willing to take a contracted survey, Johnson said he thinks citizens of Los Al “provided input” to the city sufficient to understand a basic
“I enjoy solving problems, helping to make a difference,” said Johnson.
“Los Alamitos has a very strong identity,” according to Johnson, saying that during the open public hearings, he had a chance to speak with many residents, even those who did not necessarily offer public comments.
Of the residents who did offer an opinion, Johnson said he was struck by their frustration about being put in this situation, but “how really proud they are about being residents of Los Alamitos.” They are frustrated but do not want to see the situation change the city’s quality of life, he said, “and I heard that many times.”
People understand that it’s a “dark cloud,” he said, but residents “are very community oriented.”
Johnson also had praise for the Council, saying they offered him support and cooperation through his short tenure as interim city manager. “They were very supportive of me,” he said, adding that he believes “they all care about doing the right thing for the city.”
Regarding his colleagues on the staff, Johnson had high praise, calling them among “the most dedicated and committed” group of city employees he’s ever been associated with. “They are fiercely dedicated to the city of Los Alamitos,” he said, “and it shows in their work. They are not afraid to go the extra mile.”
He said staff’s support and impressive work ethic is what stood out the most about his short tenure at the helm.
