James Sanchez has been city attorney for 6 years, but actually started out as a deputy city attorney back in 1984.
"I remember as a kid walking around the downtown area, and growing up in downtown Fresno and wondering what was going on in those buildings..."
Outgoing city attorney James Sanchez recalls wondering, as a kid, what it would be like to work at city hall, and what it would be like to have an influence on the decisions that were made.
"And so as I sat in this chair, many times, I remembered that, even when things were difficult, I remembered that."
Some of those difficulties in his time as Fresno city attorney came in the last 4 years, as constant budget cuts led to less resources, and greater tension between his office and city administrators.
But he says that's not the reason he's leaving.
"This is my hometown. Even in the times that were challenging, I recognized that each day is a privilege, and I make it work that way, and if ever there was a time where it got to a point where I was no longer seeing it as a privilege, I would've moved on a lot earlier."
He started with the city in '84, but came back after a stint as Salinas city manager.
In 2006, he was promoted here in Fresno after former city attorney Hilda Cantu Montoy retired.
Now, he's taking a job with the City of Sacramento, and will serve as city attorney there.
He says the opportunity was just too good to pass up.
As far as what's next for the City of Fresno, the council members are responsible for hiring for the city attorney's position.
Council President Clint Olivier says a nationwide search will be conducted for Sanchez's replacement.
"It's a difficult job, and it's a tightrope act. I think Jim Sanchez did a fantastic job of it, and he leaves big shoes to fill."
Sanchez starts his new job in Sacramento on December 1st.
His last day as Fresno's city attorney will be November 26th.
Mayor Ashley Swearengin issued a statement on Sanchez's resignation, wishing him luck in his new position.
She said, "He's been a dedicated public servant while serving the city as our attorney, and hope he will always consider Fresno 'home.'"
TXT 24
Twitter
Facebook