By DPM
The Inglewood City Council announced that Jose Cortez will be the new assistant city manager at the meeting on Tuesday.
It was an upbeat day as the city expressed confidence in promoting within its ranks and selecting a longtime public servant. Cortez exits the post as the city’s Human Resources Director to take on the new role.
“It feels great to be in this new position,” said Cortez. “I am very thankful and grateful that they entrusted me with this position and promoted me. I know it’s going to be some big shoes to fill, but I am ready for the challenge,” added Cortez.
All the council members extended hardy congratulations in their oral reports. Councilwoman Gloria Gray was absent. Mayor James Butts summed up their overall sentiment about Cortez’s selection.
“It’s a big day for the city! “Said Butts. “Jose is a 21-year veteran of the city who has worked his way through finance and human resources. We’re very proud of him being able to work his way to the number two position in classified service.”
Butts said Cortez’s duties will include managing the directors of IT, finance, and human resources departments. Cortez said this promotion was the realization of a goal after starting as a clerk.
“I’m a public servant for the city,” said Cortez. “I started in finance as a senior account clerk. This is a really rewarding promotion for me. I have worked progressively to be promoted to different positions.
“If I could, I would love to be the city manager, but I’m running out of time. I’m approaching retirement,” said Cortez who turns 60 next year. “I won’t get to that position, so this is the top spot,” he added laughingly.
The council also discussed a contract with HHJ Construction not to exceed $192,000 to provide sound insulation work on 81 residential units for noise mitigation.
