Commentary -- The Manager Solution: Make Charlie George Permanent

Charlie George

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.