Melekian calls withdrawal from CM search 'difficult decision'

Interim City Manager Barney Melekian called his decision to withdraw his name from the list of candidates for the permanent position a "very difficult" one in a phone interview today.

But he denied that concerns about a long and arduous selection process had anything to do with his choice, blaming it instead on his impending duties as president of the California Police Officers Association.

"I am scheduled to be sworn in as the next president here in Pasadena in March," said Melekian, who currently serves as the group's first vice president. "I sincerely wish this opportunity (for city manager) had come along a year later."

Melekian said he made his decision to take his name out of the permanent city manager hat several weeks ago but took his time evaluating his choice before announcing it to the council on Monday night.

He added that while the Police Chiefs Association presidency would take up a bit more of his time, he did not plan on leaving the chief's post anytime soon. In fact, serving as an active police chief is a requirement for the position.