LV City Council appoints city manager replacement

Betsy Fretwell, a deputy city manager for Las Vegas, has been chosen to take the place of departing City Manager Doug Selby.

Her appointment was approved by the City Council on Wednesday and takes effect Jan. 23.

Selby announced recently that he is leaving the post he has held for six years to pursue other opportunities.

Fretwell will be taking the reins at a time when Las Vegas is struggling with budget shortfalls and slow growth.

"We've got tough times ahead of us," she said. "But I think we're ready for it. ... I know that we're going to do great things together."

Councilman Steve Wolfson said that Fretwell has her work cut out for her in following Selby.

"You've got some pretty big shoes to fill," he said. "We probably consider this the most important appointment that we make. I'm very happy."

Fretwell started working for Las Vegas in 2000. Before that, she was the director of intergovernmental relations for Henderson and also held positions with Clark County, including that of chief lobbyist to the Legislature.