Although this is his first assignment in this role, newly installed city manager Chet Simmons said this week he is “not beholden to old habits” and that he plans to truly “connect with the community.”
A native of Huntington Beach, Simmons comes to the position with an overall understanding of the area plenty of valuable government experience that may come in handy as Los Alamitos begins its slow climb out of the financial cellar.
“Honestly,” said Simmons, “I don’t think there’s a city in Orange County that has more going for it.” He said just the name “Los Al” garners respect throughout the community “just purely on name recognition.
Just the name conjures up a certain image, said Simmons, and “the question is how do we capitalize on that and continue to elevate to a better life for all our residents.”
Before creating a strategic plan, however, Simmons said he will be on a listening tour throughout the city. “I want to meet as many people as I can and get as much information as I can about this city and how they view it.”
“I want to know exactly where they want to go,” he added. For Simmons, open communication can be a key to effective governance.
“I really want to get a flavor for what Los Alamitos is about,” said Simmons, adding that “you can read all of the facts and figures you want to about a place but until you really get a chance to get out and meet people, you can’t really know.”
Regarding the city’s financial woes, Simmons said it did not factor into his decision. “I think every city has challenges, either financial or otherwise. I looked at it and said this not an unsurmountable issue for the city.”
“I think it is really about education. It’s about getting out and talking to people about what exactly they say about what they want” while coordinating with the Council to create a solution.
The city will ensure that any long-term solution factors in “the important life issues that we need to ensure that we maintain our tight knit, small community.”
Finally, while Simmons was a major factor in bring new economic development to his former employer (City of Westminster), the new city manager said he hope to use the same knowledge in Los Alamitos.
“I want to bring my skill set of the different things I’ve accomplished in the past to be able to see exactly what we can take advantage of in Los Alamitos.”
“Given the amount of transportation that flows through the city and given the businesses that are here now, there’s nothing but upside for Los Al.”
Simmons’ first day on the job was Feb. 3.