Antoich will have an Assistant City Manager for the first time in several years. Bay Area News Group picked up the story, and noted that the promotion "paves the way for Bernal becoming the city manager when Duran retires in a few years."
Here's details from a press release run in East County Today.
City Manager Steve Duran announced that he has appointed Ron Bernal to the Position of Assistant City Manager effective April 17, 2016, and that Ron will also retain his department head responsibilities for Public Works and Engineering.
Mr. Bernal has served to the City since 1998 and has been the Public Works Director and City Engineer since 2002. He worked for the City of Dixon, CA from 1984 to 1998. Mr. Bernal holds a Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of California at Davis and is a registered civil engineer.
Antioch City Manager Steve Duran said he was pleased to promote Mr. Bernal and hoped to see him succeed him as City Manager in the future.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to promote Ron to the position of Assistant City Manager. He is a terrific team player. Ron’s professional and personal knowledge of the City of Antioch and his exemplary track record of leadership in managing large, complex and multifaceted City operations make him worthy of his new responsibilities,” said Duran.
Duran further highlighted he will be leaning on Bernal to chair a few interdepartmental task forces, such as on blight and homelessness.
“I also want to have Ron more involved in the budget process and economic development to help other staff and to round out his City-wide experience,” said Bernal.
Bernal noted that he plans to work on a variety of issues facing Antioch.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the City of Antioch in this new role. I look forward to working with the City Manager on homelessness, economic development, emergency operation preparedness, protecting our water rights and other important issues facing our community,” said Bernal.
The appointment comes after a March city council meeting where the council voted 4-1 with Ogorchock being the “no” vote to bring back the position. The city hasn’t had an assistant city manager since 2010.