Mayor Pacheco clarifies vote on city manager's retirement

DOWNEY — Downey Mayor Blanca Pacheco issued the following statement today to clarify her vote Tuesday to approve the separation agreement between the City of Downey and city manager Gilbert Livas.

Under terms of the deal, Livas will receive $452,000 to retire July 1. The agreement was approved by the city council 4-1, with Councilwoman Claudia Frometa in opposition.

Below is Pacheco’s full statement:

“I would like to clear up an apparent misconception that some people may have about my vote on February 8th regarding the future of City Manager Gilbert Livas with the City of Downey.

“To be clear, my affirmative vote was NOT to terminate Mr. Livas as City Manager. To the contrary, I have greatly valued Mr. Livas' unparalleled service to the City and continue to value it to this day. Instead, my vote was to accept the resignation of Mr. Livas under the terms of a mutually beneficial separation agreement.

“Critically, that agreement allows the City to retain the leadership of Mr. Livas through the fiscal year, which is of great benefit to the City and its residents. My genuine feelings about Mr. Livas and his service to Downey is reflected in the statement that was released following the Council meeting.

“Mr. Livas has led our City through difficult times and it has been a pleasure serving alongside him. He is not only our City Manager, but also my friend and I am truly sad to see him go.”