Long Beach Airport Director Leaving For Indianapolis; Departure Means City Mgr. Will Hire New Airport Chief Either Under Exiting Mayor/Current Council Or New Mayor and New Council Majority

(April 21, 2014) -- Long Beach Airport Director Mario Rodriguez has resigned to become Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. Mr. Rodriguez's exit means the City Manager -- under either exiting Mayor Foster and the current Council or (as of July 15) incoming Mayor Garcia or Mayor Dunn and a new Council majority -- will choose a new LB Airport Director. The City Manager's choice doesn't require Council majority voted approval, although the City Manager ultimately answers to a City Council majority.

Mr. Rodirguez's last day in LB will be May 23, 2014. A City Hall release says an Interim Airport Director will handle matters until a nationwide seach is completed that will consider both internal and external candidates who choose to apply.

Mr. Rodriguez leaves after overseeing construction (approved by a previous Council under the previous Mayor) of upgraded and expanded permanent terminal area facilities which have won industry awards and consumer plaudits and construction of a new parking structure. Mr. Rodriguez has said the new facilities are right-sized and protect the Airport and taxpayers from exposure to industry economic volatility and unmanageable debt and also respect Long Beach's Airport Noise Ordinance.