Acting NLV city manager now permanent

North Las Vegas has a new city manager.

In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the City Council chose Pat Importuna, who has been the acting city manager for the past five months, to help lead the city into the new millennium.

"I told you so," said Councilman William Robinson, referring to the time and money the city spent on a nationwide search to fill the position.

But Mayor Michael Montandon said the search for a manager for the growing city -- most recent state estimates show the population at nearly 107,000 -- was a learning experience.

"We attracted some very good talent, but in my opinion, while the talent may have been equal to the job that Pat Importuna has been doing as acting city manager, no one excelled it," he said.

Councilwoman Paula Brown, who was out of town on city business, submitted a letter also voicing her support for Importuna.

But one resident questioned why the city spent approximately $20,000 to recruit a city manager, only to hire from in-house.

"How many people applied for the job or did you plan on hiring him (Importuna) all along?," asked Dorothy Walker, who also questioned the interview process. Finalists were interviewed over the telephone by council members, a process Councilwoman Stephanie Smith defended because it saved taxpayer dollars.

Montandon explained that a field of 22 applicants was narrowed to six, three of whom later dropped out of the running. Importuna was chosen ahead of finalists Robert Stockwell, chief administrative officer for Provo, Utah; and Steven Kueny, city manager for Moorpark, Calif.

Importuna, 51, has 24 years of public administration service. He was hired as deputy city manager in July 1995.

Importuna replaces former City Manager Linda Hinson whose contract the council voted not to renew in July. No reason was given.

Hinson was earning $121,178 annually when she left office.

The council directed Importuna to draw up an employment agreement including his salary and benefits for negotiation.

Importuna said his goals include balancing the city's strained budget and working to meet the council's goals including providing more parks and recreation for residents.

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