City manager to retire

“And he plays a good game of poker, literally as well as figuratively.”

Frank takes the heat for unpopular City Council decisions and none of the credit for popular decisions, even if they are based on his recommendations, with equanimity.

“Ken never looks for praise and his dedication to the city’s welfare cannot be overstated,” Purcell said.

During the 1993 fire, Frank was in his City Hall office, already at work on financial assistance for the city as his house burned down. He was one of the few property homeowners who did not take advantage of the council’s sympathy vote to allow expansion without the usual red tape.

“When I am out and about in the county, I get pulled aside and told, ‘You do know you have the best city manager in Orange County?’” Mayor Elizabeth Pearson said.

“Of course, I know it,” she continued. “He is recognized throughout California. He is regarded as a fount of knowledge by other city managers, and he is well liked by them.

“An extensive search will be held for a new city manager. We will retain a firm to help us identify candidates and outline criteria.”

Frank’s successor will have tough shoes to fill, Purcell said.