Photograph by Paul Myers
Los Gatos' new director of parks and public works, John E. Curtis, has an extensive résumé of public works experience.
New parks and public works director aims to rebuild morale in department
By Gloria I. Wang
The new Los Gatos Director of Parks and Public Works started his job this week, and already his calendar is full.
According to Town Manager Debra Figone, John Curtis' schedule for the week of Oct. 22 includes a presentation to the Chamber of Commerce and interviews with candidates for the openings of town engineer and traffic engineer. "He's going to hit the deck running," Figone said.
The director will manage projects such as the Town Plaza renovation and the street resurfacing project.
Curtis, 60, says he expects the position to require hard work, but that being in Los Gatos will be a "positive change" for him. While he sees that the town needs some improvements, Curtis says one of the things that attracted him to Los Gatos was the fact that those running the town had direction and vision.
This is the third post as the head of a public works department that the Redwood Shores resident has held. Until last week, Curtis had been the public works director for the city of Belmont, a job that he held for four and a half years. While he was with Belmont, Curtis oversaw a $97 million grade separation project that was completed in May 2000. The project was a remedy for the safety problems and traffic congestion in the area caused by Caltrain tracks. As a result, public works raised the train tracks over five major intersections in a design similar to an overpass. That project, Curtis says, helped traffic move along more smoothly.
According to Curtis, 25 percent of the jobs in the Belmont Public Works Department were unfilled when he began his tenure in 1997. After he hired people to fill those positions, he maintained high retention--only three employees left during his tenure. "I hope to continue with ... rebuilding morale in the department," Curtis said.
Figone says that Curtis' "reputation as an outstanding manager" was one of his selling points. Parks and public works, Figone says, has gone through many changes in recent years, and the town was looking to hire a director with a track record of bringing stability. "He'll really help us to balance and set schedules in place," Figone said.
Another plus for Curtis, Figone says, is his professional background. His experience includes managerial work, such as heading a department, but also "front-line experience." Curtis' job history includes acting as an engineering consultant, and in construction management and bridge consultations.
"I like to build things. I like to solve problems so that people can get a better quality of life," Curtis said. Curtis says that to him, it means improving roads, fixing sewer systems and building bridges.
Curtis was raised on the East Coast and received his undergraduate degree and master's degree in civil engineering from Cornell University. He also earned a master's degree in public administration from California State University, San Bernadino.
While in college, he met his future wife--"she was the girl next door," he says. They have been married 39 years. The couple have a son who lives in Santa Monica. Their daughter lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband and 18-month-old son. "He does all of those things that grandkids do, but better," Curtis said, chuckling.
In his spare time, Curtis says, he enjoys sailing, skiing, bicycling and jogging. Curtis also counts photography among his hobbies. "I think I'm probably creative," he said.
Curtis describes himself as someone who is fair and enjoys life and traveling. He has been told that he is straightforward. "If we did something wrong, I'll say so," he says. "If we don't know something, I'll say so."
The position of director of parks and public works opened up in March, after previous director Larry Perlin resigned. Curtis read about the opening in a trade publication and wanted to apply because he was attracted to the town. "You always had a real comfortable sense when you were walking down Santa Cruz Avenue," Curtis said. "It just seemed pleasant."
Figone made Curtis an offer in September after he went through several months and rounds of interviews. Curtis discussed the job with his wife, and he accepted the offer, giving Belmont a three-week notice. In those weeks, Curtis finished up affairs in Belmont and practiced saying "town" instead of "city."
Curtis' starting annual salary is $130,921.
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
