BRENTWOOD – After a nationwide search and careful review of candidates, the Brentwood City Council unanimously approved the appointment of G. Harold Duffey as the next city manager.
Duffey, who previously served as an assistant city administrator in Oakland, will begin his duties on Nov. 3. On Tuesday, he said he looks forward to working with city staff and councilmembers.
He stated that integrity and transparency are principles he follows in his role as city manager.
“If I lose the trust of the council, I’ve lost the council,” Duffey, who has three decades of local government experience, said.
As city manager, part of his role is to ensure that he and city staff fulfill their obligations and responsibilities by providing councilmembers with relevant information that enables them to make informed decisions.
“I’ve, of course, have had great projects, the best projects of all available. And the council tweaks it, changes it,” said Duffey. “I say to my staff, OK, the train is leaving. Get on the train. Let’s make sure we get this thing done.”
Public concerns related to Duffey’s appointment have centered on his background and qualifications, prompting councilmembers to address the matter on Tuesday night.
Mayor Susannah Meyer said the City Council is not a “rubber stamp” and “does not blindly” approve matters, adding that they spend a lot of time researching issues before every meeting.
“We are not stupid; we are not blind. People are sending us things that we’ve already seen,” said Meyer, in reference to social media posts about Duffey. “In fact, Mr. Duffey shared these things with us before anyone did. He was transparent with us before anyone told us or showed us.”
Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson said residents may question a city manager’s qualifications, but must ensure their information is accurate and not based on assumptions or stereotypes.
The concerns over Duffey’s appointment revealed “bias,” said Pierson.
“As a Black woman from Oakland, I’ve spent my life navigating spaces where excellence is simply because it doesn’t fit a certain mode,” said Pierson. “I know what it feels like to have questions and qualifications scrutinized more harshly and contributions minimized way too quickly, and I also recognize a pattern in our city.”
She said previously, residents have also spoken against “highly qualified Black professionals” in leadership roles.
“When excellence continues to be met with skepticism only when it comes in Black skin, it’s not a coincidence; it is a bias,” said Pierson. “So, when I hear statements that amount to, ‘I don’t want him because he’s Black,’ I feel a responsibility to call that mess out.”
Councilmember Faye Maloney said Duffey’s hiring was “the most intricate process” she’s been part of, as it took a lot of time, collaboration, and discussions.
She also had high praise for Duffey, adding she was impressed with him during the interview process. Maloney apologized to Duffey on behalf of the community.
“Some people’s comments were very derogatory. I am sorry that you have to go through and experience that,” said Maloney, adding she was appalled by them.
She hoped residents would give Duffey a chance to prove his skills and help further build Brentwood.
According to a staff report, the City Council worked with the recruitment firm Peckham & McKenney to search for a city manager following the departure of Tim Ogden in April.
The recruitment firm screened over four dozen applications, and only six candidates made it to the first round of interviews.
The City Council then identified Duffey as their pick.
Duffey’s annual base salary will be $304,515.