City Commission declines to select city manager

Sarasota city commissioners declined to select a new city manager Monday after it was discovered the four votes needed to select one candidate weren't going to be cast, especially after one commissioner didn't even cast a vote.

Before the meeting, the candidate list that originally was set at five was down to three. Texas candidate Rick Chaffin alerted the city’s search consultant last night he has withdrawn as a candidate for the position, explaining he didn’t feel it was the right move, “either professionally or personally.”

The list of three candidates left included former Oak Park, Ill., City Manager Thomas Barwin; Daytona Beach City Manager Jim Chisholm; and West Palm Beach City Manager Edward “Ed” Mitchell.

Although Vice Mayor Willie Shaw nominated Barwin and Commissioner Terry Turner announced he would support Barwin, as well, there weren't enough votes to make the selection.

Commissioner Paul Caragiulo nominated Chisholm but received no other support.

Mayor Suzanne Atwell nominated Mitchell but received no support.

Commissioner Shannon Snyder declined to nominate or vote for any of the candidates.

"I don’t think there’s consensus for a candidate, and this is too big of a decision and too big of a mistake if we do it wrong," Snyder said.

Atwell agreed.

"This disturbs me," Atwell said. "It's not a good way for someone to come into this city. These aren't good numbers."

A motion passed 4-1 to have search firm Colin Baezinger & Associates continue to look for new city manager candidates. Shaw did not vote for the motion.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].