Reprint from the Progress Times - June 1, 2007
©Progress Times 2007 - All Rights Reserved

Alton Selects New Interim City Manager

By Kathy Olivarez

In a surprise move the Alton City Council held a special meeting Monday, May 28, to select a new interim city manager.

George Arcaute, whose last day as city manager for San Juan is Friday, will assume the position of interim city manager for a period of six months. Arcaute held the position of city manager for 12 years but spent a total of 30 years working with the City of San Juan. Arcaute will receive a salary of $75,000 per year and a car allowance of $6,000 per year.

Steve Pena, who held the position of assistant city manager for two days before being appointed as interim city manager in a special meeting held Monday, May 14, will return to his old position as finance director.

Concern about the action was expressed in the open meeting prior to the council going into executive session. Former Alderwoman Anita Lugo questioned why and on what basis the action was being taken when it had just been two weeks since Pena had been made interim city manager. No answers were given.

After the executive session the council returned and voted three to two to appoint Arcaute as interim city manager. Dr. Jose Picasso and Oscar Tovar cast opposing votes.

Following the meeting the Progress Times asked Mayor Salvador Vela why the action was taken.

Vela said that with the growth the city was facing, the council felt it was best to find an interim city manager with experience as a city manager.

"Steve Pena does an excellent job managing the city’s finances. He will return to his former position as finance director and Community Development Block Grant director," said Vela.

City Commissioner Jose Picasso also spoke to the Progress Times voicing his disapproval of the action. Picasso and Tovar first learned of the plans to replace Pena with Arcaute during the weekend while attending an Urban County conference held on South Padre Island. Picasso and Tovar were told by people attending the conference that Arcaute was to be appointed as Alton’s new interim city manager. While the two councilmen knew a meeting had been posted for Tuesday, they did not yet know what it was about.

"My comments are not meant to imply anything against Mr. Arcaute, " Councilman Picasso told the Progress Times. "However, I cannot support this motion because just two weeks ago all members of the Alton City Council voted unanimously to have Steve Pena fill the position as new interim city manager. With the tragic events that occurred over the weekend, I strongly believe that this is not the time to make any changes."

Picasso, referring to a shootout where Alton police shot a man involved in a domestic dispute, went on to say, "I am very disappointed in Mayor Salvador Vela, Commissioner Ricardo Garza and Commissioner Arturo Galvan because they apparently had already made the decision days prior to the posted meeting. Neither Commissioner Oscar Tovar or myself were consulted on this matter until the day of the executive session to discuss the action." said Commissioner Picasso.