City Manager candidates being interviewed in real time

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 22, 2015 1:08 p.m.

Four individuals who aspire to be the next city manager of Fernandina Beach began individual interviews with city commissioners mid morning today. The interview process will conclude with public interviews sometime this evening, probably before 9:00 p.m. The commissioners may or may not make a selection this evening.

The city commissioners will interrupt their consideration of the applicants for another Special Meeting, scheduled to begin at 5:05 p.m. this evening to consider adoption of the millage rate and budget for the next fiscal year that begins October 1, 2015.

Yesterday evening the city held a publicly noticed meet-and-greet to allow local citizens to meet the candidates for the city manager position. All city commissioners attended, as well as some former city commissioners, city department heads and candidates for city commission. Public turnout was low, consisting primarily of citizens who serve on city boards in addition to representatives of the Tourist Development Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

Citizens and commissioners speak with the city manager candidates.
Citizens and commissioners speak with the city manager candidates.

Photos below show the candidates engaged in discussion with the city manager candidates. Note that the agendas for both commission special meetings this evening allow for public input. Extensive information on the finalists may be found on the city’s website.

Debra Figueroa (Carlisle, PA) responds to questions.
City Manager finalist Debra Figueroa (Carlisle, PA) responds to questions.
City Manager finalist Dale Martin (Winsted, CT) chats with commissioner Tim Poynter.
City Manager finalist Dale Martin (Winsted, CT) chats with commissioner Tim Poynter.
Fernandina Observer co-editor Susan Steger(l) and commission candidate Jennifer Schriver (back to camera) talk with city manager finalist Mark Kutney (former town manager of Loxahatchee Groves, FL).
Fernandina Observer co-editor Susan Steger(l) and commission candidate Jennifer Schriver (back to camera) talk with city manager finalist Mark Kutney (former town manager of Loxahatchee Groves, FL).
City Manager finalist Calvin Peck (Bald Head Island, NC) talks with city commission candidates Len Kreger (l) and Roy Smith (r).
City Manager finalist Calvin Peck (Bald Head Island, NC) talks with city commission candidates Len Kreger (l) and Roy Smith (r).

Suanne Thamm 4Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.