WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. From the Mayor's Office. May 10, 2004, UPDATED May 11, 2004, 7:00 E.D.T., UPDATED May 11, 2004, 1:00 P.M. E.D.T., 3:30 P.M. E.D.T. : George Gretsas, Executive Officer of the City of White Plains released a statement Monday from the Mayor's office, indicating he is pursuing the Fort Lauderdale City Manager post with enthusiasm. WPCNR also learned from Councilman Glen Hockley Monday that the May 12 Budget Session scheduled for Wednesday evening was cancelled over the weekend. May 12 is the day the City of Fort Lauderdale is inviting candidates for their city post to "come on down" to interview, meet Fort Lauderdale movers and shakers, and city commissioners at a reception Thursday evening. However, Mr. Gretsas is reported to be already in Fort Lauderdale.
WPCNR has learned Tuesday afternoon that there are now only 4 candidates left in the hunt for the City Manager position in Fort Lauderdale. James Ley, the County Supervisor of Sarasota County withdrew from considertion Monday, according to the WPCNR source, leaving Mr. Gretsas, George Kolb of Augusta, Georgia, Michael West of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Thomas Hoover, formerly City Manager of Worscester, Mass, in the race. The source also said the city has had a lot of trouble finding candidates who want to come to Fort Lauderdale, because of the budget problems the city faces.
Meanwhile, Budget Decision Night, according to White Plains City Hall Spokesperson Ammirato today, has been moved to Monday, May 17. Ammirato said it was not true that the hearings were moved up because of Mr. Gretsas' absence. Rick Ammirato, spokesperson for the Mayor's Office, refused to comment on Mr. Gretsas' whereabouts today, Tuesday. Here is the text of the Gretsas statement released to WPCNR Monday afternoon from City Hall:
George Gretsas to WPCNR on The Fort Lauderdale Opportunity: “The Ft. Lauderdale City Commission is conducting a national search for a new city manager and has invited me to their city to discuss the position. While I have not been actively pursuing other job opportunities and expect to remain in my current position, the Ft. Lauderdale position is extremely prestigious and I am honored to have been one of only 7 out of 220 people selected to meet with the City Commission. I am anxious to learn more about what they are looking for in a city manager and to see whether this is the right opportunity for me and whether I am the right fit for them. The other four finalists are a “Who’s Who” of city and county managers from across America and it is a thrill to be in their company.” Photo from WPCNR News Archives.
According to a Journal News report by Susan Elan, relased Tuesday morning, Mr. Gretsas issued the statement from city hall while already in Fort Lauderdale "for interviews about the job."
Apparently, Mr. Gretsas' pursuit of the position has resulted in the postponement of the 2004-05 budget crisis discussions which were to resume Wednesday, but instead, according to Mr. Hockley will be resumed next Monday, May 17. Ammirato said this was not true, that Mr. Gretsas did not have to be there for the hearings, and said Tom Roach, the Common Council President could verify that.
MAYOR DELFINO GIVES HIS BLESSING: Mayor Delfino, who did not release a statement to the media on the matter, is giving Mr. Gretsas his support in a statement to The Journal News, saying according to Ms. Elan's article this morning, "With all that has been accomplished in the city, White Plains has developed a national reputation, and it's not surprising that other cities would look here. I think the world of George and will support whatever decisions he makes for his future. I'm very blessed to have such a talented and professional staff. The continuing renaissance of our city will undoubtedly attract even more national attention." Photo From WPCNR News Archive.
WPCNR'S call to the City of Fort Lauderdale Public Information Office Monday afternoon for information on how far along the Gretsas interviews were, and for information on the Thursday evening reception for the five candidates, was not returned by that Office Monday. The City of Fort Lauderdale Public Information Office referred WPCNR to the Assistant City Clerk who is handling the itinerary for the City Manager finalists, but Mr. Modarelli was not available when WPCNR called him.
Mayor James Naugle of Fort Lauderdale said in a statement to the Journal News, said the finalists were down to four, including Mr. Gretsas, but did not name them. Naugle said in Ms. Elan's article, that Fort Lauderdale wants a person with strong budget skills. Naugle, who has been Mayor of Fort Lauderdale for 12 years is quoted by The Journal News reporter as saying "We have the strongest revenues of any city in Florida, but it's a very high cost city with a spending problem."
