Oak Ridge city manager finalist in Texas

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. - The Oak Ridge city manager is being recruited for a similar position in Texas and says he'll consider taking the job if it is offered.

Mark Watson told The Oak Ridger he didn't initiate contact with the city of Pearland, Texas, but plans to visit the city in the next few weeks. Pearland is about 20 miles from Houston and has a population of about 100,000 people.

Watson arrived in Tennessee in 2010 after being recruited away from his job as city administrator for Yuma, Ariz. He replaced then-City Manager Jim O'Connor.

Mayor Tom Beehan says city officials are aware Watson is being recruited by someone else.

The mayor also said he is "staying positive" and encouraging Watson to stay.

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