Town picks retired CHP officer as manager

A retired California Highway Patrol lieutenant was the top pick to serve as Genoa Town Manager at a meeting on Thursday.

Genoa Town Board members voted 4-1 for David J. Qualls, according to interim Town Manger Amanda Reid. Trustee Brian Crowe voted for one of the other two candidates.

Town Board members also indicated Qualls, 62, should receive the mid-range of the $63,419-$95,139 a year salary.

Thursday’s action was just the first step in the process to hire a new manager. Qualls must also undergo a background check and salary negotiations with Douglas County Human Resources.

According to his application, Qualls served with the California Highway Patrol for 29 years where he rose to the rank of lieutenant before retiring. He is a Yerington resident.

During his career, he said he received 40 hours of public affairs training and conducted live television interviews for 13 years as part of his responsibilities.

That skill could come in handy, as the manager is essentially the spokesman for the town

The manager also coordinates the annual Candy Dance, which draws around 30,000 people to the town of around 300 Sept. 24-25 this year.

Town board members met Thursday morning to interview Qualls, Minden resident William Kohbarger and Genoa resident Michael Chapton.