Ontario council reacts to Devereaux’s departure
Liset Marquez, Staff Writer
Created: 01/12/2010 06:50:11 PM PST

ONTARIO – Acting quickly, the City Council on Tuesday night agreed to name Fire Chief Chris Hughes as the new city manager.

Hughes will fill the vacancy left by Greg Devereaux who was appointed as San Bernardino County’s new county administrative officer earlier that day.

Hughes, 46, still has to work out his contract with the city. He is expected to start in his new position on Feb. 12, which is also Devereaux’s last day with the city.

“I appreciate the opportunity to implement your vision,” Hughes told the council. “It’s an honor to serve the community in a different capacity, especially in this capacity.”

But on Tuesday, the council had nothing but praise for Devereaux, who has run the city for the last 12 years.

“He’s done an awful lot for the city,” said Councilwoman Sheila Mautz. “I wish him well but I wish he would stay, we still have a lot to do.”

It was no surprise to Mayor Paul Leon, who said he had heard speculation of Devereaux filling the CAO position for several months.

“I think this is the best situation for the county and I wish him well,” he said.

Councilwoman Debra Dorst-Porada said, “Greg has done so much for the city. He put the organization on the map, and we’re known worldwide now.”

Bowman said he supports Devereaux’s decision to leave.

“I for one really appreciate a person who wants to better himself,” said councilman Jim Bowman said. “This is a big move, this is the biggest county in the nation.”

The good news for several of the council members is that Devereaux is not going far, and his role with the county can only further relations between the two agencies, Councilman Alan Wapner said.

Bowman and Wapner were on the council in 1997 when Devereaux was appointed city manager.

“Without question he proved himself as one of the best in redevelopment in terms of housing and as a manager,” Bowman said. “We made the right choice.”

In that time, Devereaux has turned the finances of the city around and they are now “very solid,” Bowman said.

Ontario is experiencing budget cuts similar to those of surrounding cities, but compared to other cities “our head is above the water and we owe that to our city manager,” Bowman said.

Describing him as a “master general practitioner,” Bowman said Devereaux has kept a tight rein on the city’s finances and has made smart investments.

Besides being well respected not just regionally but statewide, Devereaux has also been key at identifying economic opportunities in the city.

His most notable project was the construction of Citizens Business Bank Arena.

Despite the fact San Bernardino County is experiencing trying times, Bowman said Devereaux is someone who takes “calculated risks,” and is more than qualified for the job.

“He’s going to do the county quite well, and he’s going into the county at a critical time,” he said. “As the board listens to his advice he will do wonders to the finances of this county.”

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