Former San Juan Bautista City Manager Larry Cain took over
operations as the Aromas Water District’s general manager
Wednesday, just four months after being fired from his post in the
Mission City.
Aromas – Former San Juan Bautista City Manager Larry Cain took over operations as the Aromas Water District’s general manager Wednesday, just four months after being fired from his post in the Mission City.
Cain was selected by the water district’s board of directors out of approximately 20 applicants after the previous general manager, Mario Iglesias, resigned to take a new position in Morgan Hill, according to Cain.
The board issued a statement saying they and the rest of the water district’s staff “are looking forward to enjoying a positive relationship” with Cain, a long-time San Benito County resident.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Cain said. “It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s a good staff and I think it will be a lot of fun.”
Cain will be an at-will employee, and will be reviewed by board members in six months, he said. He believes his experience as city manager and knowledge of water issues will help considerably in his new endeavor.
Calls were placed to members of the water district staff for comment, but none were returned by press time yesterday.
Cain was ousted from his position as San Juan Bautista’s city manager in March after the City Council approved his firing on a 3-2 vote.
The timing of the decision caused an uproar among some San Juan residents. Cain was fired as a $3.8 million federal water grant hung in the balance. The council later secured the funding and is in the preliminary stages of improving its dilapidated sewer and water system.
Council members said at the time that their decision was based on their belief that Cain failed to communicate with the Council and was derelict in his duties. Council members also said they liked Cain as an individual and that the decision to let him go was not personal.
San Juan Bautista resident Rebecca McGovern, who staunchly supported Cain and filed a recall against two of the council members who voted to fire him, was pleased to see Cain land on his feet. She believes Cain’s knowledge of water issues will be a boon to the district.
“He’s doing great,” she said. “The Aromas Water District is very fortunate to have a person of Larry’s quality and ability to take over.”
Erin Musgrave covers public safety for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or em*******@fr***********.com.
