California City manager Jack Stewart to receive Kern COG leadership award

Honored for service to California City, East Kern County region

BY BILL DEAVER
 

CALIFORNIA CITY - City Manager Jack Stewart will receive the Kern Council of Government Regional Award of Merit for Distinguished Leadership by a Public Official at ceremonies in Bakersfield March 4, KernCOG Executive Director Ron Brummett announced this week.

According to the two-page nomination submitted to KernCOG, Stewart has "overhauled the way business is done in city hall, from the front counters to the back office... turning around the attitude of (city) employees into a pro-active and positive group whose goal is to assist the public in every way possible."

Stewart has also "proven himself as a person of great vision, strong character, and integrity," since being hired in January, 1999, the nomination notes.

Stewart said he "is very pleased" to be nominated for the award.

Cooperation

Written by City Clerk Helen Dennis, who received the KernCOG award for Local government in 2001, the nomination cites Stewart's efforts in working with other agencies, communities, and with officials in Sacramento and the nation's capitol.

"Mr. Stewart has championed cooperation between cities and counties throughout the region," promoting partnerships on transportation improvements, creation of a foreign trade zone, and promoting regional commercial development in California City, Ridgecrest, and Tehachapi, the nomination reports.

"Mr. Stewart has successfully demonstrated his ability to bring together leaders from all of East Kern to work together toward successful projects to improve and develop the entire region," Dennis wrote.

In efforts to promote the city, "Jack has been the tip of the spear in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.," on a number of projects vital to the city's future, including obtaining approvals for the Corrections Corporation of America prison and the $60 million Hyundai/Kia automotive test facility currently under construction, according to the nomination.

Grand Jury report

Dennis also noted that the recent, positive report on the city by the 2003 Kern County Grand Jury, "is a tribute to Mr. Stewart's leadership and his ability to inspire those who can work with him." Stewart plans to retire in June.

Others from East Kern to be honored at the annual awards ceremony include Christopher J. Rush of Edwards Air Force Base, who will be honored for his environmental efforts, the Tehachapi Hospital Guild, which successfully raises thousands of dollars each year for equipment and services at Tehachapi Hospital, and state Senator Roy Ashburn, whose district includes Southeast Kern.

Awards will be presented at ceremonies March 4 at the Holiday Inn Select in Bakersfield. A 6:30 reception will be followed by the ceremonies at 7 p.m.
 
 

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