Long Beach Democrats start city manager search; police commissioner resigns

Although the newly elected Democratic members of the City Council won’t be sworn in until Jan. 1, the new team is already taking steps to begin the transition, which includes initiating a search for a new city manager.

On Nov. 8, Democrats Fran Adelson, Scott Mandel and incumbent Len Torres won the majority of votes and edged out Republican-led coalition incumbents Tom Sofield Jr. and Mona Goodman, along with their running mate, Marvin Weiss, erasing their 3-2 majority on the council.

With a new 4-1 Democratic majority, residents can expect some significant changes at City Hall and in the Police Department. Last week, Police Commissioner Tom Sofield Sr. submitted a letter of resignation, effective Nov. 29, since the new administration will almost certainly be looking for a new police commissioner.

“It’s official,” City Manager Charles Theofan said of Sofield’s move. “I was just as surprised as anyone; I didn’t know what he would do. But why stick around? He would have to go back to being a lieutenant.”

Amid speculation that Sofield will receive a hefty compensation package and other benefits, Theofan said that he is not getting a “golden parachute.” “All he’s going to get is … his accumulated vacation time and a portion of his sick time that he’s entitled to,” Theofan said.

Rumors have circulated that the Democrats may tap Lt. Michael Tangney as the city’s new top cop, though Democratic Committee Chairman Mike Zapson said that a new police commissioner has yet to be named and that the selection will be made only after a new city manager is appointed.

“It’s way too early to speculate,” Zapson said. “The one thing I can tell you is that the council has agreed on their framework and to work with the new city manager to determine the other positions.”

One of the first changes the new council will make, Zapson said, will be to amend the city charter to require that the city manager live in Long Beach, after it was changed several years ago to accommodate Theofan, who lives in Freeport. Zapson said that the transition team is looking to bring in someone who has not previously served as city manager.