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# Manager vacancy has city talking
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/manager-vacancy-has-city-talking/
- Published: 2005-10-18T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:59:51.000Z
- Author: Ryan Hyatt
- Tags: Government & Politics, Santa Monica, #archive-import

CITYWIDE — As the countdown continues for Santa Monica to find a replacement for its top administrator, community members are beginning to discuss the qualities they would like in a new city manager.

City Manager Susan McCarthy, who has held her position since 1999, informed the City Council in July that she will retire in November. She has worked for City Hall for 24 years. Responsible for the “belt-tightening” that enabled City Hall to ride out the post-9-11 economic downturn, she intends to spend more time with her husband and aging parents.

On Tuesday, community members speaking to the Daily Press lamented the loss of McCarthy, often described as a quintessential professional. One quality they said they would like to see in McCarthy’s replacement is an ability to effectively understand and communicate with the diverse

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 18, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/101805.pdf?ref=smdp.com)