Cook is Looking 'Forward to Assisting' Flad Despite Losing City Manager Seat

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On Tuesday, the South Gate City Council voted unanimously for Michael Flad to take on the role of city manager.

When some of the members of the council and other city officials expressed their support for Flad they also mentioned the positive attributes of another applicant that was ultimately not chosen.

This candidate was South Gate’s director of finance and assistant city manager.

“Bryan was a great candidate,” said Carmen Avalos, South Gate’s city clerk. “I am glad that he has been very positive throughout this process.”

Councilmember Henry Gonzalez was another person that had kind words for Cook’s candidacy. Stating that Flad was the favored choice, but that Cook was a skilled candidate.

“We had some qualified [candidates] including our current [director of finance] and current assistant city manager,” said Gonzalez.

Flad told Patch that he was going to do his best to keep Cook in South Gate. Further adding that he was also impressed by Cook’s professionalism throughout the choosing process.

“He will be a city manager somewhere and someday,” said Flad. “For a guy who competed for the position, and did not get it, his outreach has been spectacular.”

Patch reached out to Cook to find out more about how he felt in regards to the council's decision and as to whether he had plans to stay in South Gate. 

In an email statement to Patch he said the following:

"The City is very lucky to have found a City Manager with the depth of experience and the outstanding professional reputation Mr. Flad brings to South Gate, he will be a great asset to the community in facilitating its future growth and development.  I look forward to assisting him in moving South Gate forward."

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