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Westminster keeps city manager after hours of deliberation

July 13, 2023

After spending more than four hours in deliberation, the Westminster City Council voted 3-2 to keep City Manager Christine Cordon, who has served seven years in Westminster government, in her role.

On Wednesday evening — and into early Thursday morning — residents as well as city staffers thronged City Hall to voice their support for Cordon. Some held placards that said “We stand with Christine” and “Don’t fire our City Manager.”

Before the closed-session decision, public comment went on for more than two hours. Some called the decision to dismiss Cordon “an insidious power grab.”

No public speaker spoke out in favor of dismissing Cordon.

Sonia Kelly, a retired member of the Westminster Police Department trauma support team, recalled meeting Cordon after the murder of former Westminster City Clerk Amanda Jensen. Cordon was eight months pregnant at the time, Kelly said in her public comment, yet took over city clerk duties.

“Christine worked her a** off to ensure all work was still completed in the city clerk’s office,” said Kelly. “She worked late every night up until her baby was born. I was so impressed with Christine. Her strength, professionalism, dedication, tenacity and work ethic are second to none.”

Also voicing support for the city manager were members of the Westminster Police Officers Association and the Westminster Municipal Employees Association. They lauded her for moving the city forward. Other city employees called Cordon a “fantastic representative” of city staff.

In 2021, Cordon was elevated to the role of city manager from her role as city clerk after then-City Manager Marwan Youssef retired following outrage over his decision to hire former Westminster Councilmember Tyler Diep as a city consultant.

Cordon is Westminster’s first Vietnamese American city manager, according to the city. Before coming to Westminster, she spent nearly 11 years in Costa Mesa, the city said.

Still waiting on the council decision. Crowd has dwindled to about 20 folks and some have left their signs behind. pic.twitter.com/7LWPRG8NEK

— Yusra Farzan (@ByYusra) July 13, 2023

Since taking the city’s top job, Cordon was instrumental in pushing for city leaders to put a 1% sales tax measure on the ballot. Without the sales tax measure, Westminster would have been forced to eliminate more than 30 senior management positions, cut its police force by 33%, and disband all commissions not required by law.

“We’re already running thin,” Cordon said at the time.

Earlier this year, she was recognized by Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Seal Beach, and State Sen. Janet Nguyen, R-Huntington Beach, for her work in Westminster.

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Westminster keeps city manager after hours of deliberation

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