New Long Beach city manager sworn in

Long Beach’s new city manager, Jack Schnirman, was sworn in during a special City Council meeting on Tuesday morning, where he received a standing ovation after he pledged to move the city forward amid tough economic times.

Schnirman, 34, is the former chief deputy supervisor in Brookhaven. He was selected for the city manager position, council members said, because of his proven leadership ability and experience dealing with fiscal problems in Brookhaven.

At the meeting, the council unanimously voted to appoint Schnirman city manager, saying that he would bring more accountability and accessibility to government.

“After an exhaustive search, the City Council has made an informed decision and we have full confidence in Jack’s abilities to lead the new administration in the right direction,” Council President Fran Adelson said in a statement.

Though Councilman John McLaughlin, now the council's lone Republican, was not present at Tuesday's meeting, he expressed his support for Schnirman and said he was hopeful that the council and residents would give him "the trust and confidence to make the right decisions for our city."

"I'm looking forward to working with the council, and especially Jack, for the next two years," he said in a statement. "I feel that if we are proactive in our efforts, we can overcome the current fiscal conditions that not only affect Long Beach but the county, state and national government. I would ask that he be given our full support."

After he was sworn in by Corporation Counsel Corey Klein, Schnirman thanked the council and a room packed with city workers and residents. “I look forward to working with you as we implement your reform agenda of saving taxpayer dollars through efficient, accountable and accessible government,” Schnirman said. “Together, we’re going to make Long Beach proud, and set a new standard for good government.”