By Mike Lednovich
What many folks don’t realize is that over the past 12 months, there have been five different city managers running the city.
Dale Martin served 9 weeks before being fired in March. Former police chief Mark Foxworth was interim city manager for 52 days. Deputy City Manager Charlie George served his first stint as interim city manager for six months. Ty Ross was hired as the new city manager, lasted nine weeks and resigned Friday.
Now George is back as the interim to guide the city.
The next steps in this revolving door of city administration leadership will be determined by the city commission Tuesday at 5 p.m. during a special meeting.
It’s obvious to most people who closely follow city administration what needs to happen now: name George as the city’s next city manager.
Fernandina Beach finds itself at a crossroads. Amid this uncertainty, George has emerged as a stabilizing force, having shouldered the responsibility of interim city manager not once, but now twice.
His city manager experience includes crafting the city’s 2023-24 budget. George was deft in handling the protection of oak trees and historic sidewalk pavers on Eighth Street, negotiating with the Department of Transportation and property owners to find solutions.
George’s expertise as a coastal engineer means he is data-driven when making decisions. He has the support of city department heads who have been absent a steady leader throughout this year.
Fernandina Beach needs a leader who can navigate the complexities of local governance with a steady hand, and George has proven his capability in doing just that. His experience as interim city manager has afforded him valuable insights into the inner workings of our community, enabling him to identify challenges and devise effective solutions. This familiarity with the city’s intricacies positions him as an ideal candidate to lead Fernandina Beach through a period of transition and growth.
Further, his engineering expertise would be especially valuable while three big projects loom: finishing the riverfront stabilization project, addressing sewer lift stations that are at the end of their projected life, and getting the Alachua Street rail crossing done. Fernandina Beach has a history of kicking such cans down the road. A low-key, systematic leader like George – with his engineering knowledge – could overcome that history.
Moreover, George’s dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to the community’s well-being are evident in his actions. His leadership during these turbulent times has been characterized by a calm and measured approach, qualities that are essential for a city manager tasked with steering the ship through uncertain waters. In a time when stability is paramount, George’s consistent presence has been a source of reassurance for both residents and city employees.
The alternative is conducting another city manager candidate search. The last one took six months, and this time it could be longer because of the collateral damage from Ross’ term in office. Highly qualified candidates may be more cautious about considering a role in our city with its recent history of managerial turnover. Recruiters will find it challenging to attract strong candidates due to concerns about the work environment, the city’s commitment to ethical standards, and potential public relations challenges associated with the city manager position.
And city commissioners will want to double down on their choice to make sure their next city manager selection is a “perfect” choice.
However, selecting George as the next city manager would not not be merely a decision based on expediency but one that aligns with the principles of continuity and institutional knowledge. Appointing George as the permanent city manager would provide stability that has been sorely lacking. It would also allow for a seamless transition, minimizing disruptions to ongoing projects and ensuring that the positive momentum gained under his interim leadership is sustained.
Why should he take a job where his employment is subjected to the whims of the Commission.
I have heard good things from insiders at the City about Mr. George. Let’s keep the position “in house” this time. Sometimes you just need to look within to find the best option.
I couldn’t agree with this more! I have seen no hint of politics in the way George has approached issues which he has addressed. His approach is what is most needed at this point in our city development.
Easy is not always best. The search firm guaranteed Ross’ selection so reopening the search would have minimal additional costs. Are the other 3 of top 4 candidates still interested & available. Should open the search for any new candidates. Add Mr George to the mix if he is interested & let him compete. Subject him to the same due diligence as other candidates.He might well be the best candidate available & interested. A new search doesn’t need to start at the very beginning. A month or 2 more will make little difference in the long run.
My only question is why wasn’t he considered in the candidate pool originally?
if there’s an internal candidate he/she should always be considered if they’re qualified.
Just sayin…..(-:
He never applied……here is the exchange reported on 21Aug as the Citizens Committee wrapped up:
One last possible nominee was discussed, and Poynter suggested that Interim City Manager George might be considered.
That suggestion was met with opposition by Davis and committee members Jackie Miller and Wayne Peterson.
“I don’t think I can personally recommend someone who after all the other candidates have gone through such extensive background checking and the entire packet put together and then to have us consider someone at the last minute and say ‘we like this guy let’s put him in.’ It doesn’t seem fair to all the other applicants,” Miller said.
Charlie would be an excellent City manager. However if I was him I would not do it either. Here’s why.
Charlie’s been a public servant for the city of Fernandina for a long time. I think he’s done a very good job. Why would he risk that to become city manager when he could get fired in a year when perhaps three new city council members are elected and can have him removed just because they don’t like the way he dresses. I’m being kind of facetious.
So here’s a solution that would probably work. Make Charlie the interim city manager so he can maintain his current job and security.
Bring in an an associate city manager or call him whenever you want and give them a two year contract. Use the same recruiting service as before. (We get them to do it for free this time. It’s in the contract) Have the new person work side by side with Charlie so they can learn about our city it’s hstory it’s assets and issues. If it works out make them permanent manager. If not, well you’ll know the rest.
I’m almost certain the city won’t do this because it makes too much sense saves the taxpayers money aggravation and we might actually start getting things done. In other words it’s not going to happen.
By the way I still love living in Fernandina Beach. Just not thrilled about the way it’s being run these days.
I agree with offering the job to Mr. George. I would waive the requirement that he lives in the city. Being in the county is good enough. I very much like that Mr. George knows Fernandina Beach. There is a mindset for island living that seeks to preserve paradise. And I like that. If not Mr. George, I would offer the job to candidate Anthony Hammond. Mr. Hammond was raised in Fernandina and graduated high school here. His family lived in a two -story house on the beach a little south of where the Bean family lived. I lived on the beach side of Fletcher between the Beans and the Hammonds. He moved away to be a city manager after his Navy experience. He still has roots on the island with his brother and sister. I would think that growing up on the beach would make him love the beach as much as I do. I think having an affinity for Fernandina Beach is a big positive in our city manager.