ONTARIO – It is probably safe to say Dan Cummings never imagined one day he would be a city manager.
Not anywhere, and certainly not in Ontario.
“If you’d asked me 10 years ago I would have laughed at you. I never gave it any thought. But times change,” said Cummings recently.
The Ontario City Council selected Cummings to be the new city manager from a field of eight candidates.
Cummings has served as interim city manager since April. He succeeds Adam Brown, who took a similar job in Keizer.
Cummings said he is “loving” his new role.
“I love the challenge,” he said.
Cumming will also remain as the city’s community development director, a position he held for seven years, until a replacement can be hired.
The base salary for Cummings is $141,000 a year but he will also be paid $10,000 a year to operate the Community Development Department.
Cummings said he foresees remaining in his new position for awhile.
“I am planning on putting at least 10 to 15 years in if my health permits. I am not going anywhere,” said Cummings.
Cummings said one goal is to plan for two pedestrian trails in the city. The city received a federal grant to begin planning the Tater Tot Trail and a state Transportation Department subsidy for the North-South Connector Trail.
“That’s plenty. It is a full plate and I still have to do all my planning and zoning stuff so there is lots going on,” said Cummings.
Cummings was an easy choice for city manager, according to Michael Braden, Ontario city councilor.
“Really it came down, with Dan, to a lot of community input. Everybody I spoke with, the feedback was always positive on Dan Cummings,” said Braden.
Ken Hart, city council president, said Cummings delivers much-needed institutional knowledge to Ontario.
“He understands the players in town and what we’ve been doing. I think he brings a lot to the table,” said Hart.
Riley Hill, Ontario mayor, said he admires Cummings’ work ethic.
“He has a lot of experience and credentials, not only in management, but in development for the city. He’s just really good at meeting with the public,” said Hill.
Cummings was born and raised in Bridgeport, Nevada, and arrived in Ontario in 1974 to attend Treasure Valley Community College. He is also a licensed surveyor.
“It’s a big job, that’s for dang sure, but I am happy,” he said.
News tip? Contact reporter Pat Caldwell at [email protected].
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