AZUSA - A key figure in the city's multiple redevelopment projects left his post with little explanation, officials said Tuesday.
The sudden departure of Robert Person follows the exit of Bruce Coleman, the city's former economic and community development director. Coleman resigned April 17 to work for the city of Murrieta.
Person did not return phone calls seeking comment.
City Manager Fran Delach said Person left his position Thursday, but offered little explanation, saying he wanted to respect the former assistant city manager's privacy.
"Replacing him is not going to be easy," Delach said.
Azusa Mayor Joe Rocha said he was not surprised by the departure, even though he said he hadn't received prior notification.
He added Person had been seeking jobs elsewhere.
Rocha said he was told Person left to "explore other opportunities."
"We have the talent to keep things going, they'll just have to work a little harder," he said.
Rocha added James Maksnoff, public works director, would help fill in the gap left by Person and Coleman.
Person joined Azusa's staff in October 2000 to work as assistant for former City Manager Rick Cole. He previously worked as assistant to Pasadena's city manager for more than a decade.
Peggy Martinez, director of the Downtown Azusa Business Association, said while the city's redevelopment has slowed because of the economy, the setbacks of Person's and Coleman's exits won't stop it. "The progress is slowed momentarily," she said. "But it won't stop the projects, I hope."