Former Mayor Bill Bogaard Comments on City Manager Michael Beck’s Departure

Former Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, who was Mayor during the recruitment and hiring of City Manager Michael J. Beck, was issued comments on today’s announcement that Beck will leave Pasadena City Hall to assume a new position at UCLA in February, 2016.

“As Michael Beck arrived at City Hall in 2008, the great recession was devastating the local economy and he worked hard over several years to keep the City’s financial ship on course. His efforts in those troubled times were extremely effective, as they were on other challenges such as the Rose Bowl project, controversy about Rose Bowl use, police-community relations, energy efficiency and water conservation, the general plan, and the misappropriation of public funds.

“He consistently offered the Council thoughtful options and approaches to Pasadena’s policy needs and he will be hard to replace. I am grateful for Michael’s energetic and effective service and wish him the best of success.”

“Administrative Vice Chancellor of UCLA is a logical next step in Michael Beck’s career and that institution will benefit greatly from his executive leadership. UCLA came to recognize his talents during lengthy negotiations over the Rose Bowl renovation. I would not be surprised if they have been recruiting him for some time.” — Bill Bogaard, Former Mayor of Pasadena