ON SECOND THOUGHT …. AND NO MORE PLAYING SECOND FIDDLE ….
Dear Readers … I promised some interesting PRRs…and here is one that sure could have made a difference in so many of our lives over the last few years…including this writer’s…
“March 29,2007
Dear Bob,
I want to express my sincerest appreciation for the confidence you have displayed in me during these past weeks, by appointing me Assistant Town Manager. My tenure as Assistant Town Manager has served as a tremendous learning experience and made me aware of how difficult, demanding and challenging the job of Town Manager really is.
It is because of this experience, that my admiration and respect for you and your management skill, have now become more apparent to me than ever before. I have always known you to be a professional, ethical, and dedicated Manager, but I did not know how stressful this job was and now that I do know, it is incredible to me, how you have for years on end, handled the Town Managers responsibilities with such a calm professional demeanor, this is truly something to be admired.
I want to specially thank you for all the support you have provided me on a daily basis during my tenure as Assistant Town Manager, without which guidance and advice, I could not have successfully carried out my duties.
But as we have discussed in the past, I want to express my desire to continue employment with LBTS in the capacity of Finance Director effective Monday, April 23, 2007, and hope to continue to serve in that capacity under your tutelage and guidance for many years to come.
Respectfully submitted,
Esther Colon”
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BC- Monday, April 23 2007 came …BUT….on Tues. April 24, 2007…. came … Second Thoughts and no more playing ” Second Fiddle”….
Regular Commission Meeting -April 24, 2007 …excerpt….
“Acting Town Manger Colon stated that she was tired of sitting second fiddle to everyone. She
said that either she’s the Town Manager or she’s going back to Finance.”
Full text minutes…..
12. OLD BUSINESS
G. Discussion and/or action regarding how to proceed further on the issue of Town
Manager Baldwin’s resignation (Mayor Parker — tabled from 4/10/07)
Mayor Parker stated that Mr. Baldwin knows that the Commission has accepted his resignation
in 90 days, and Mr. Baldwin indicated that he did not intend to withdraw the resignation. Mayor
Parker indicated that he doesn’t think they should wait 90 days hoping Mr. Baldwin will change
his mind. He further stated that the Town needed to take some steps to figure out what its
going to do.
Commissioner McIntee motioned to have Esther Colon be appointed Town Manager and
request the car be returned immediately. He stated that Town workers have a right to know
who their boss is.
Discussion followed regarding keeping Acting Town Manger Colon until they could workshop
and work towards hiring a permanent Town Manger.
Commissioner Clark asked if Acting Town Manager Colon was agreeable to this.
Acting Town Manger Colon stated that she was tired of sitting second fiddle to everyone. She
said that either she’s the Town Manager or she’s going back to Finance.
Mayor Parker asked if Acting Town Manager Colon was willing to take the job permanently.
Acting Town Manager Colon stated that she is willing to take the position with the same contract
that Robert Baldwin had with the exception that she will not work on a day to day basis.
Mayor Parker moved, seconded by Commissioner Clark, to appoint Esther Colon as Town
Manager with the same contract as Robert Baldwin with the one exception.
Vice Mayor Yanni asked if the Town would need a new Finance Director.
Acting Town Manager Colon stated that for 11 weeks she has been doing five jobs, and the only
thing she is asking of the Commission is that they hire professional people in the Town. She
said it may take longer, but she’d rather have a decent staff that can all work together towards.
Commissioner McIntee asked to withdraw his previous for acting, and wanted to amend it to
permanent Town Manager.
Mayor Parker stated that he already made the motion.
Commissioner McIntee stated that his own motion was before Mayor Parker’s.
Attorney Cherof stated that there is no such position as permanent Town Manager, only Town
Manager.
Commissioner McIntee amended his motion to Town Manager.
Mayor Parker asked Attorney Cherof whose motion counted.
Attorney Cherof indicated that the chair decides what came first or second.
Discussion followed.
Everyone withdrew their motion.
Commissioner Silverstone motioned, seconded by Vice Mayor Yanni, to appoint Esther Colon
as Town Manager starting immediately.
Commissioner McIntee directed the Town Attorney to send a letter to Mr. Baldwin asking him to
return the car.
Vice Mayor Yanni stated that Esther Colon should get the car.
The motion passed 5-0.
Discussion followed regarding Robert Baldwin’s resignation.
Mayor Parker stated that the Commission needed to pass a motion accepting Robert Baldwin’s
resignation.
Commissioner Clark motioned, seconded by Vice Mayor to accept Robert Baldwin’s resignation.
The motion passed 5-0.
http://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/town/arc-meetings.htm
………..
BC- If Only….
To come what the former Finance Director received from her former boss…
more to come….
Tags: Lauderdale by The Sea Former Town Manager Esther Colon Had Second Thoughts On Return To Finance In 2007, local government, Local Politics, Scoops
