Council OKs 5-year contract for new city manager

Roger Bradley, an assistant city manager with Corona who has more than 20 years of government experience, will become Downey's chief executive next month after the City Council unanimously OK'd a five-year contract.

Bradley's first day as Downey city manager is set for March 14.

His salary will total just more than $287,000 per year, the staff report said, not including a $300 monthly car allowance and other fringe benefits, such as health insurance.

“We were fortunate to have a remarkable field of candidates for the city manager position, demonstrating Downey's reputation as a high-quality community with a long tradition of good government,” Mayor Claudia Frometa said last week in a news release announcing the impending appointment. “Roger Bradley impressed us with his strong local government background, commitment to customer service, his thoughtful approach to leadership and in his insightful analysis of Downey's future needs.”

Downey launched a nationwide search for a new permanent city manager after Bradley's predecessor, Gilbert Livas, retired in June.

The city had 41 candidates for the post, with Bradley selected as the best one.

The City Council OK'd his contract, which runs through March 2028, during its Tuesday meeting.

Bradley holds undergraduate degrees in political science and statistics from Brigham Young University and a master's in public administration from USC.

As Corona's assistant city manager, Bradley oversees several departments, including Public Works, Planning and Development, Community Services, Utilities and the city's accounting functions.

Bradley