LYNN HAVEN — City manager job candidates ran the gauntlet Saturday, interviewing with commissioners and meeting with Lynn Haven residents.
The five candidates each had a 45-minute interview with the City Commission and held a joint meet-and-greet with about 35 people, answering questions and shaking hands.
All seek the manager post held by John Lynch, who died in September. Lynch cast a long, controversial shadow over the proceedings Saturday as some praised the former manager and others criticized him.
Sally Stanley said she was looking for another Lynch among the five, but hadn’t found him. She said a couple of the candidates impressed her, though.
“I want somebody that’s going to continue the growth of Lynn Haven, but not let the growth go out of control,” she said.
She said she saw no standout or clear frontrunner during the candidates’ impromptu remarks.
Commissioners said narrowing the field of five — Christopher
“I thought it would be easier,” said Commissioner Joseph Ashbrook.
The board decided to finish the day’s interviews and mull the five candidates over the weekend and establish a ranked top 3 at its Monday workshop. The next day, at its regular Tuesday meeting, the board will vote to begin contract negotiations with the top candidate.
If a contract cannot be reached, the commission would move on to the second-ranked candidate. If negotiations hit another snag, it would go to the third-ranked candidate.
The salary range for the position is $90,000 to $140,000 annually. The previous manager made about $110,000 annually, but had been in the job about 15 years.
The new manager would also be required to live in the city limits.
Mayor Walter Kelley said he was confident the commission would find the right person for the post, but thought any of them could do the work.
“We have a job to do; it’s a tough job, but we’re going to get it done,” he said. “We’ve got to move the city forward.”
The City Commission is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. Monday at the