City reps. raise concern over mayor plans for El Paso interim city manager for El Paso

Henry Rivera

KFOX
by Staff | Jennifer Cuevas
Tue, March 14th 2023, 10:53 AM CST

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — El Paso city council voted Tuesday to name retired Army Col. Cary Westin interim city manager.

In a 7 to 1 vote, Westin was appointed interim city manager.

City representative Henry Rivera voted against the item.

Rivera cited being left out in conversations about the agenda item. 

I am very uncomfortable the way this item was posted, Mayor. We weren't included, we weren't included in any discussions whatsoever," Rivera said. "I got nothing against Mr. Westin. It was the process that was carried out that makes it looks shady.

City representative Cassandra Hernandez voted in favor, but brought up concerns about the process.

I cannot ignore the fact that there is no process here. I'm certainly disappointed the way this was approached because, mayor, had you come to council in an inclusive and transparent way, I think you would have been able to secure all of our support, hands down for Mr. Westin based on his accolades and his experience, Hernandez said.

El Paso Mayor placed the item for city council's meeting Tuesday.

Westin will be the interim city manager when Tommy Gonzalez leaves.

Westin said is deeply honored to take such an enormous responsibility.

“I know it's a significant responsibility. This is all about how we deliver services to this community so my responsibility is not just with the employees and the city of El Paso, but it’s to the citizens as well. I take that a deep sense of responsibility on how I lead and execute that,” Westin said.

Westin didn't provide comment on his future plans.

Westin currently works for the city part-time as a senior operations officer.

He previously served as senior deputy city manager for the city before he retired in 2022.

Westin will become full-time and assist Gonzalez up until his last day on June 29.

Westin will assume the interim city manager role on June 30.

He served 25 years on active duty in the Army.

He earned a Master of Strategic Studies at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 2006. He also holds a BA (English) from the Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Gonzalez's employment contract was terminated without good cause after a tie-breaking vote on Feb. 28.

The city of El Paso currently operates as a council manger form of government.

Council also voted to direct staff to find an executive search firm to begin a national search for the permanent city manager position.