A sharply divided Salinas City Council approved a three-year contract Tuesday for former Tacoma City Manager Ray Corpuz, who is set to become Salinas’ next chief executive officer.
The council voted 4-3 to approve the pact for Corpuz, who comes to the city with a reputation as an economic-development whiz but carries some baggage. He was credited with revitalizing downtown Tacoma during his tenure here but was fired in 2003 for his support for Police Chief David Brame, who shot and killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself in a shopping center parking lot. In February 2004, Corpuz was arrested by Pierce County sheriff’s deputies on suspicion of drunken driving. Corpuz pleaded not guilty. About three months later, he received a ruling of a “deferred prosecution” from a judge and was ordered into two years of alcohol treatment and five years of probation.
Salinas granted Corpuz a three-year pact that will see him earn $215,000 annually. Corpuz will also receive an annual benefits package worth an estimated $88,000, officials said.
Corpuz has been the Salinas council majority’s leading candidate for the city manager job since a closed session vote was taken Nov. 19, according to sources who spoke to The Californian on condition of anonymity.
“Ray is without question the best candidate within the pool we looked at,” council memeber Steve McShane said. “He has tremendous experience.”
Council member Kimbley Craig said she had issues with both the recruitment process and with contract.
“I feel like we’re giving a highly complimentary package to a controversial candidate,” Craig said.
Corpuz had been the city manager in Seaside, Calif., since August 2005.
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