Don Lamm To Westminster As City Manager?

IF APPROVED, LAMM DEPARTS THE END OF APRIL
Former Daily Pilot reporter Deepa Bharath, now with the Orange County Register, reported HERE on Monday that Don Lamm, Costa Mesa Director of Development Services, has been picked by the City of Westminster as it's new City Manager. According to the article, if Lamm is approved by the Westminster City Council Wednesday night, he will start to work on May 1, 2009, replacing the outgoing City Manager Ray Silver, who retires on April 30th.
ROEDER NOT SURPRISED
I was in contact with Costa Mesa City Manager Allan Roeder this morning to confirm this story and to get a comment or two from him. According to Roeder, he was not surprised that Lamm was a finalist for the Westminster job. They are apparently looking for someone with a strong Economic Development background, which, again according to Roeder, is "one of Don's best assets."

LAMM IS ONE OF MANY
In a communication to his senior staff on this subject, Roeder said, "As a small irony and something I think our City can be proud of, Don's appointment will make a total of 5 City Managers currently in Orange County (including myself) from Costa Mesa. These include Steve Hayman (Rancho Santa Margarita), Carol Jacobs (Stanton) and Nita McKay (Los Alamitos) and now Don."

ROEDER'S LEADERSHIP SHOWS
Roeder has every reason to be proud of the fact that, through his leadership and coaching, so many fine municipal leaders have emerged to serve cities around the county. Roeder is broadly acknowledged as one of, if not the, most highly qualified City Managers in our region. The City of Costa Mesa is lucky to have him.

LAMM'S DEPARTURE AN OPPORTUNITY
From my perspective, the timing of Lamm's departure - should it come to pass - is a mixed blessing. Certainly, his skill and leadership will be missed. However, his departure leaves a huge hole in the budget which may be helpful as we attempt to steer a course through these very difficult municipal financial times. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Roeder is able to use this vacancy to do some creative shuffling and enhanced career development for remaining staff members. Quite frankly, development money has virtually dried up, so the demands on those units currently under Lamm's wing are in decline.

GOOD LUCK TO DON LAMM
We wish Don Lamm the very best should he be named the City Manager of Westminster. He's proven to be an extremely competent professional and a real asset to our city. He's built a strong team and leaves Development Services in good hands.