Saratoga News

Photograph by Robert Scheer

Community development director Paul Curtis.

Curtis resigns position as Saratoga community development director

By Sarah Lombardo

Paul Curtis said the situation reminds him of a saying that hangs in his kitchen: All guests in his home bring happiness, some when they arrive and some when they leave. But he hopes he won't be considered in the latter category when he leaves Saratoga for a job with a private consulting firm later this month. Curtis turned in his resignation last week; his last day as Saratoga's community development director will be Feb. 28.

Curtis said his decision to leave the city was not an easy one. He was approached by Robert Bine, William Frost and Associates in October. He begins his new job with the company March 1.

"You could say they made me an offer I couldn't refuse," Curtis said.

Part of that offer included being able to stay in the Bay Area, Curtis said. The company, headquartered in Irvine, wants Curtis to head up a new office opening up in San Jose, which means that Curtis won't have to move out of his and his family's Los Gatos home.

Curtis, who has a degree in urban planning, is no stranger to moving around. He has worked in Livermore, Claremont, West Covina and Chesapeake, Virginia, and has worked in the public sector for 25 years. But it was in Southern California in high school, when his family moved out from West Virginia, that Curtis found his calling working for a mapping company.

"A lot of times when you're in this field, the way to advance and get more experience is that you have to move," Curtis said. But Curtis said he is happy this latest professional move won't mean a change in address.

"I'm excited to go because of the challenges and opportunities that are ahead," Curtis said, "but I'm always sad to leave those who I have worked with."

Saratoga Associate Planner James Walgren, who has worked with Curtis for five years, said he will be sad to see Curtis go. "I have a lot of respect for Paul Curtis," Walgren said, "and have learned a lot from him."

The sentiment was echoed by Finance Director Thomas Fil: "I wish Paul the best of luck. He's a gentleman and a good guy," Fil said. "I hope it works out for Paul."

With the city talking about the possibility of implementing a hiring freeze until a new budget is worked out, Curtis said he did not know if or by whom he would be replaced.