City manager Gilbert Livas to stay
Gilbert Livas listens as several community members speak in his support. Photo by Alex Dominguez
DOWNEY - Gilbert Livas will continue in his role as City Manager.
News of Livas’s seemingly impending dismissal sent shockwaves through the community when sources at City Hall, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed to the Downey Patriot that three of the city’s council members – Mario Trujillo, Catherine Alvarez, and Mayor Pro Tem Sean Ashton – were poised to vote to fire Livas as early as this week.
The scenario became all the more real when a special meeting was announced to evaluate and discuss the City Manager’s position in the city, which was held Thursday evening.
The community came out in a massive showing of support for Livas, spending almost two hours addressing council.
Speakers included community members, community leaders, volunteers, former mayors, unions, city staff, and former mayors.
Former Mayor Mario Guerra said that this decision would be the council’s “legacy.”
“Today, you’re writing your legacy, you’re writing a big part of your legacy; right here, right now,” said Guerra. “…Doing what’s right is always the right thing to do. Keeping Gilbert Livas is the right thing to do for the city of Downey. Don’t do this. Be reasonable, responsible. Our city’s legacy depends on it.”
Speakers addressed the council for nearly two hours in overwhelming support of Livas. Photo by Alex Dominguez
Former mayor Roger Brossmer, like many who spoke, was visibly and audibly frustrated.
“I’m not sure how we’re here today. I’m not sure how we’re having a special meeting with 24-hours’ notice on a Thursday at 3 p.m. before the holiday. I don’t know how we’re here right now,” said Brossmer. “That’s what I’m not sure about, because if we want to be about community, input, and transparency, this doesn’t feel right.”
Brossmer was part of the council that would hire Livas, and was even sworn in as mayor the same night as him.
“I do know Mr. Livas. I do care for Mr. Livas. That’s what I do know. I know that he is a man of honor and integrity. He is ethical,” he said.
Kim Sodetani, an executive secretary for the city, suggested that morale was low at the city due to the situation.
“I have worked on all floors of city hall here in my 19 years of service to this community…I have been proud of the work that I see our city hall professionals accomplish every day,” said Sodetani. “I now see those same professionals are worried and sad over the sudden potential loss of our city manager, Mr. Livas.”
“We do not understand why a man who has dedicated his life to public service would be terminating after doing so much good for the community that he serves.”
Another staff member, Lisa Fox, pleaded with council to retain Livas.
“Everything said about Gilbert today has been said. Everyone here knows what an ethical person he is, what a moral person he is, and how good he is for our city. There’s just no more to be said,” said Fox. “What I can tell you, on a personal level that a lot of these people don’t know, is city hall is full of heavy hearts, because you cannot find one employee here to speak an il word about that man, and that speaks volume.”
Livas is embraced after the announcement that he would be staying with the city. Photo by Alex Dominguez
Council members retreated to closed session for nearly an hour before reemerging with a decision.
The announcement was made by City Attorney Yvette Abich Garcia.
“Mr. Livas remains employed by the city,” said Garcia. “The Council continues to value his service.”
Council Members are not allowed to comment on the closed-door meeting, and no other information as to how the discussion unfolded or the final vote was immediately available.
After the decision was announced, an emotional Livas made his way around the chambers to a flurry of hugs and handshakes by staff and community members.
After the meeting, Livas thanked the community and staff for all of their support, while expressing his eagerness to continue to serve the City of Downey.