New Faces Expected in Government
Personnel changes will be at the top of the agenda this year as Newport Beach seeks successors for two key officials and replaces two City Council members whose terms will expire.
Assistant City Manager Ken Delino, who was hired by the city in 1982 and also served as planning director, has announced his resignation, effective at the end of this month.
Under Delino’s direction, the city has formed business districts to foster economic growth.
City Manager Kevin J. Murphy said he hopes to find Delino’s successor by March.
In other staff changes, LaVonne Harkless will take over as city clerk. She will replace Wanda E. Raggio, who retires Jan. 22 after 15 years as the city’s official records manager. Harkless was formerly assistant city clerk in Manhattan Beach.
The November ballot will include candidates to succeed City Council members John C. Cox Jr. and Jean H. Watt, both of whom will have completed the second of two four-year terms, the limit under city rules. Councilwoman Janice A. Debay is up for reelection.
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