Seiler and Gretsas Dispel Buddy Nevins Rumor
So what happens now with City Manager George Gretsas?
Mayor Jack Seiler and City Manager George Gretsas
Rumors have been running wild.
A published rumor,at the end of last week , on the blog of former Sun-Sentinel political reporter Buddy Nevins, seemed to have the scoop! It quoted unnamed "sources" as saying Gretsas could be out of town as early as "next week".
Nevins
The story went on to say that Commissioners were working the phones "overtime" to find a
replacement. It even named possible replacements! And in a tone reminiscent of Nevins style while at the Sun-Sentinel, warned the City Commission against making "back room deals". He ended his blog telling the Commission that it " only takes hitting the send button to file an ethics complaint".
The only problem with all the tough talk is both Seiler and Gretsas say it's all incorrect.
This evening, Seiler and Gretsas called the reporting bunk and Gretsas sent me the following statement, along with Seiler's comment to Buddy Nevins.
Mayor Jack Seiler and City Manager George Gretsas
Rumors have been running wild.
A published rumor,at the end of last week , on the blog of former Sun-Sentinel political reporter Buddy Nevins, seemed to have the scoop! It quoted unnamed "sources" as saying Gretsas could be out of town as early as "next week".
Nevins
The story went on to say that Commissioners were working the phones "overtime" to find a
replacement. It even named possible replacements! And in a tone reminiscent of Nevins style while at the Sun-Sentinel, warned the City Commission against making "back room deals". He ended his blog telling the Commission that it " only takes hitting the send button to file an ethics complaint".
The only problem with all the tough talk is both Seiler and Gretsas say it's all incorrect.
This evening, Seiler and Gretsas called the reporting bunk and Gretsas sent me the following statement, along with Seiler's comment to Buddy Nevins.
Tim,
Got your message about the Nevins piece. Below is a statement that the Mayor just posted on the Nevins site which hopefully corrects the record. I was at City Hall working on Friday. Work continues as normal. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with the entire Commission. I love my job and will continue to work hard as long as I am welcome to do so.
George
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from Jack Seiler to Buddy Nevins
Buddy:
Although you have been one of the best and most reliable members of the local media and you have generally been accurate in your coverage, I must dispute the above post.
First, I am not an “anti-Gretsas” Mayor. Based upon the reasons already discussed and debated in public, I decided not to give George a three (3) year renewal of his employment contract. It was an extremely difficult decision to make, as I had to consider numerous factors beyond his past job performance (which had been generally solid).
Second, I have not made any telephone calls concerning George's exit or George's replacement. I also have not had any communications with Hoffman, Bentley, Witschen or anybody else (including Tim Smith) about becoming the next City Manager. Further, I have not had any “backroom” discussions about the City Manager position with any elected member of our City Commission. My impression has been that our City Commissioners fully understand the meaning, intent, spirit, and significance of our Sunshine Laws.
Third, as I previously stated, I will be sitting down with George in the near future to discuss where we go from here, and where the City goes from here. George has a contract through next summer and I would expect that George and the City would honor that contract. George has been a professional and responsible City Manager, and I have no reason to believe that George will not remain a professional and responsible City Manager. When the time comes to make a final decision about George's future, I can assure the public and you that the City Commission, George Gretsas, and I will all put the best interests of the City of Fort Lauderdale first.
Thanks for the opportunity to set the record straight.
So for those of you that thought the Gretsas employment matter was resolved - think again!
Stay Tuned ! ....... Tim
Got your message about the Nevins piece. Below is a statement that the Mayor just posted on the Nevins site which hopefully corrects the record. I was at City Hall working on Friday. Work continues as normal. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with the entire Commission. I love my job and will continue to work hard as long as I am welcome to do so.
George
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from Jack Seiler to Buddy Nevins
Buddy:
Although you have been one of the best and most reliable members of the local media and you have generally been accurate in your coverage, I must dispute the above post.
First, I am not an “anti-Gretsas” Mayor. Based upon the reasons already discussed and debated in public, I decided not to give George a three (3) year renewal of his employment contract. It was an extremely difficult decision to make, as I had to consider numerous factors beyond his past job performance (which had been generally solid).
Second, I have not made any telephone calls concerning George's exit or George's replacement. I also have not had any communications with Hoffman, Bentley, Witschen or anybody else (including Tim Smith) about becoming the next City Manager. Further, I have not had any “backroom” discussions about the City Manager position with any elected member of our City Commission. My impression has been that our City Commissioners fully understand the meaning, intent, spirit, and significance of our Sunshine Laws.
Third, as I previously stated, I will be sitting down with George in the near future to discuss where we go from here, and where the City goes from here. George has a contract through next summer and I would expect that George and the City would honor that contract. George has been a professional and responsible City Manager, and I have no reason to believe that George will not remain a professional and responsible City Manager. When the time comes to make a final decision about George's future, I can assure the public and you that the City Commission, George Gretsas, and I will all put the best interests of the City of Fort Lauderdale first.
Thanks for the opportunity to set the record straight.
So for those of you that thought the Gretsas employment matter was resolved - think again!
Stay Tuned ! ....... Tim
Nice job of getting the facts, Tim. It's a credit to you that you've done so and have not simply passed around any of the many rumors we've all been hearing that have covered just about every imaginable scenario that could be dreamed up both sides on this.
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I hope all due consideration is given to keep George. He is a great representative of and for the gay community. I think he is a great guy and wonderful deal with and look at.
H5
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Oh Please Beach Ambassador! George sucks..
There are others who live in our city other than the gay community.
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Such typical homophobic comments are not surprising. George cleaned up the beach for us consenting adults to roam free of hatred like that you exude. George understands the gay community in so many ways and knows they are a valuable resource. I am sure looking back now he wishes he did more to help Cindi or Dean get elected.
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The beach clean up had started way before the "idiot" (George) arrived in Ft. Lauderdale.
George may understand the gay community in so many ways, maybe because he is gay hisself.
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Seems Buddy boy is up to the same old sh-**** as usual,spreading lies... Didn"t the Sun-Sentinel fire him for that????
I can recall a time when he spewed some lies about you too Tim,never giving credit to those in public service who really made a difference,instead,lapping at Nasty Naugle's boots...
Perhaps Buddy should start a fiction rag- maybe call it The Republican Digest!!
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Beach_ Ambassador with a space between is not the original BeachAmbassador without a space between.
Please don’t let the new blogger with the space between get you confused.
The original BeachAmbassador “Me” will be signing off this site permanently
Best to all
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Jack Seiler is a true statesman. He is a man of integrity who makes wise decisions time and time again. I am a woman of 71 years of age, and have watched him over the last 17 years of his service to the public. I watch him over and over. I tape him on the television and watch him in my HIGH rise apartment on floor FIVE. He is just delicious.
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Tim Smith for City Manager! What an excellent idea. Look no further Jack, Tim's your man with Genia Ellis as the Deputy. Fort Lauderdale would rise like a phoenix out of the Gretsas ashes.
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Ya know its amazing when you research some of the players (including the members on this site) in Ft. Lauderdale, regardless of ability to do the job, they prompt each other for positions and align themselves for no other reason than thier proximity to each other at a dinner party..or how far up they shove thier noses to each other on public forums..Needless to say I have the uncanny ability to insult everyone regardless of party affiliation...or stature in city government..I hate to be the one to break it to some of you, but many of you who are in the public profile and or the taxpayers dime had better get your minds right. On facebook just for kicks mind you, I followed the "Young Democrats Club" and the candidates this group was endorsing..you really had to laugh, I specifically followed "Dave Aronberg" which I certainly have no love lost for and its amazing how this Aronberg positions himself in "all the right" places for "Donations to his campaign" and never once do you see or read a voter narrow him down on an issue on Facebook. I mean its a perfect platform to get your message and your stance across on an issue if utilized. Oh ya see Aronberg shaking hands, then you see the posters of the pics, high fiving the guy and offering to walk thru fire for him, but when you ask either Aronberg or his followers about a specific issue, Aronberg wont answer or his followers just dont know??? I find that incredulous in this day and age..I also see some of those same tendencies here on this site..many of the so-called pesky scandals are glossed over, subject is changed and overall the sooner they are forgotten the better, kinda like your "land deal" Tim. Now I am not completely throwing stones here, I realize not all is as it seems and certain aspects of impropriety can be forgiven, but taxpayers are tired of good ole boy clubs and self serving power players..we know the "pay to Play" game is alive and well, but at some point the bones you throw the taxpayers really do need a little more meat on them..
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