Stockton City Manager Staying On Board After All

STOCKTON (CBS13) -- City Manager Bob Deis announced Tuesday that he will remain in Stockton, ending weeks of speculation about his job status after he had earlier announced plans to retire in March.

"After much reflection and conferring with the City Council, I have decided to rescind my retirement notice and commit to staying at the City of Stockton," Deis said in a press release. "We have too many challenges and opportunities to turn my back on at this time."

The city manager, 55, had announced his retirement in August amid an ongoing dispute with the Stockton Police Officers Association, which purchased a house next door to Deis.

Deis noted an outpouring of support as the reason for staying. "Besides the wonderful dialogue with a great City Council, I have to admit, the people that I have met in this community are truly remarkable," he said in the statement.

The City Council and Deis met in a special, closed-session meeting on Monday evening. No announcement was made immediately following the session. Councilmembers expressed their support of his decision to stay.

"I am pleased that Bob has reconsidered his plans to retire," Councilmember Diana Lowery said in the press release. "He will be able to assist the Council with implementing solutions to the challenges facing Stockton."