Long Beach City Attorney Robert Shannon informed the City Council Tuesday that he would be stepping down from his post on July 2.

Shannon has held the position since 1998; he was re-elected to the top post in 2002, 2004 and again in 2010.

“During my tenure,” Shannon stated in a memorandum that announced his resignation, “I have been blessed with the support of an office of municipal attorneys and staff without equal in California. This fact has played a significant role in my decision as I am absolutely confident that I leave the office in experienced and capable hands.”

Shannon has served the city since he began as a senior deputy attorney in 1974. He is leaving less than a year before the end of his term, which completes in 2014. 

Though his direct reasons for resigning remain to be known publicly, his retirement from the position provides City Council with an interesting opportunity: they unilaterally get to pick a new city attorney. The City Council will quickly select an acting city attorney while they determine who to appoint to fill the remainder of Shannon’s term. The person appointed could be a current deputy or assistant city attorney, or someone from outside Long Beach government.  Regardless, Shannon’s successor will then have the opportunity to run for the position again in 2014.

The City Attorney holds vital sway over policies including the City’s stance on ordinances and zoning regulations.

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