Next search is for a new attorney
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE— The final day to apply for Bradford County’s top administrative job was Sept. 9, and a total of four applicants responded to the county’s manager search.
Given there were only four applicants to consider, Commissioner Carolyn Spooner tried to expedite the hiring process, proposing the commission interview each applicant.
Spooner — who supported hiring a replacement manager from the beginning instead of the hybrid attorney/manager post approved by three other commissioners — saw the timeline as urgent.
Alachua County Manager Michelle Lieberman and others with the Florida Association of County Mangers have been guiding the process, including gathering input from Bradford commissioners and advertising the post.
The next step was to evaluate the applicants and forward the strongest candidates who met the county’s qualifications for consideration of the board.
Attorney Will Sexton encouraged the board to stick with the process as it is likely the managers will be able to narrow down the choices.
“I fully recognize the board has wanted this to move forward as quickly as possible, so I have no reason to suggest we can’t continue to move forward quickly. But I have a suspicion that they’re going to find a break somewhere in the four. And so I think, trying to set that interview schedule, prior to hearing back from them could potentially be premature,” he said.
Sexton said he, more than anyone, has no interest in delaying the process.
In addition to giving up manager duties, it appears Sexton is ready to leave the job as county staff attorney.
Spooner said the board needs to get that search underway after deciding whether they want an attorney on staff or would rather contract with a legal firm. She asked the discussion be put on the next agenda.
“This is a critical time for the county, so we need some stability,” she said.
