For Wasserman, it's City Hall Redux

 to last more than four months. 

He couldn’t be happier. As a retired city manager for the City of Encinitas, he loves taking temporary assignments with cities. 

In the 13 years since he retired, he has assumed interim posts in Imperial Beach, Oceanside, National City, La Habra and San Bernardino County.

“I only go to cities I like,” he said.

This will be his third temporary job with Coronado. In 2000, he filled in as director of engineering and project development, and in 2009 he held the director of community development position.

He comes here not only because it’s a coastal city like Encinitas, but because he likes working with city employees. “Coronado has a great staff,” he said.

This is his first gig overseeing public services, but he doesn’t view it as a problem.

“When I served as director of engineering I didn’t know anything about that job either,” he said.  He makes up for it with a wealth of knowledge about local government. 

“I have a good many years of management experience and I’m going to rely on the employees to do their jobs, which I expect they will do and will do well,” he said.

He’ll be doing more than assuming a title and letting the staff carry out their duties unfettered.  “As an outsider I can give an organization a fresh look. This is sometimes helpful to the city manager,” he said. He can also help with hiring.

After serving as interim director of engineering, he helped select his replacement. He doesn’t know if he’ll play the same role this time. “That’s up to the city manager,” he said.

When he’s not on temporary assignment, Wasserman plays the ukulele, rides his bike and plays tennis.