The Sunshine Law prohibits ANYONE (including the City Manager) from carrying "messages" from one commissioner to another. By "messages" I mean anything another commissioner says to him about any issue likely to come before the commission that requires a commission vote. The commissioners cannot speak to each other about those issues with the goal of preventing a "back room deal." All discussion is to take place in a public meeting. Mr. Hurwitz appears to be in a position to sway votes individually via a "counseling" mandate which initially included helping a dysfunctional commission get along better. In addition, having a "commission counselor" (?!) report to the City Manager is outrageous. It is an unethical backdoor to commission control and Sunshine violations. Has anyone seen Mr. Hurwitz's "reports?" I am guessing they are not in writing.
The position itself is a problem, even if the Commission were to approve the expense.
But you bring up a great point. It's possible that some Commissioners were aware, but this certainly was not discussed in a public meeting.
Marlon Brown the City Manager who hited Hurwitz and had Hurwitz report to him, resigned as City Manager in August 2024 and left in last October.
Shortly after announcing his resignation, on August 27th, Brown signed an additional agreement with Mr. Hurwitz. Mr. Hurwitz already had an agreement with Brown/the City which ended December 31, 2024. On 8/27/24 Brown signed a new agreement with Hurwitz for October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. So Brown worked to ensure that Hurwitz would stay in place well beyond Brown's departure.
What reason did Brown have for signing a contract that would obligate any successor to keep Hurwitz on?
In January, Brown became the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Director of Governmental Relations - a government lobbyist. This violates his industry's ethical standards, which require waiting two years before lobbying the City of Sarasota government. In this lobbying position, it may be very useful for Brown to have Hurwitz remain in his role.
You have presented in a very logical way exactly what many of us have wondered and worried about since the election of Brody followed by election of Arroyo and Battie who immediately fired Tom Barwin and with no interview or process elevated Marlon Brown to City Mgr! I believe that very unusual step by 3 inexperienced young men was the beginning of the change in the ‘culture’ of city hall! From that day forward changes took place that were at times extremely worrisome. The changes were significant, we saw the city mgr act in ways I believe were unprofessional and bordered on unethical. Two examples are his public and constant abusive treatment of Commissioner AhearnKoch and his involvement in the reelection of Commissioner Liz Alpert, who publicly thanked him at her swearing in ceremony! There are other instances such as his now being involved in selecting his replacement, sponsored by Mayor Alpert and his new job at the Chamber of Commerce possibly a lobbying job! It is my opinion both ‘other instances’ seem very out of line. One example is the strange and unauthorized very expensive contract with a “coach” for commissioners. It is a huge unanswered question as to the need as no where in any other city in Florida does such exist…..one must question that.
There are many situations that a new city manager must face and correct.”
I hope we are successful in finding one who can see the beauty of our fabulous
small town community and honor us with his/her commitment to improving our city hall heath!
The Sunshine Law prohibits ANYONE (including the City Manager) from carrying "messages" from one commissioner to another. By "messages" I mean anything another commissioner says to him about any issue likely to come before the commission that requires a commission vote. The commissioners cannot speak to each other about those issues with the goal of preventing a "back room deal." All discussion is to take place in a public meeting. Mr. Hurwitz appears to be in a position to sway votes individually via a "counseling" mandate which initially included helping a dysfunctional commission get along better. In addition, having a "commission counselor" (?!) report to the City Manager is outrageous. It is an unethical backdoor to commission control and Sunshine violations. Has anyone seen Mr. Hurwitz's "reports?" I am guessing they are not in writing.
Wow. Thank you Cathy for the investigative reporting. I have met Marty several times but didn't know any of the details. Very revealing.
Shouldn’t the council be approving these expenditures? It also sounds like the city manager is inept and needs to be removed.
The position itself is a problem, even if the Commission were to approve the expense.
But you bring up a great point. It's possible that some Commissioners were aware, but this certainly was not discussed in a public meeting.
Marlon Brown the City Manager who hited Hurwitz and had Hurwitz report to him, resigned as City Manager in August 2024 and left in last October.
Shortly after announcing his resignation, on August 27th, Brown signed an additional agreement with Mr. Hurwitz. Mr. Hurwitz already had an agreement with Brown/the City which ended December 31, 2024. On 8/27/24 Brown signed a new agreement with Hurwitz for October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. So Brown worked to ensure that Hurwitz would stay in place well beyond Brown's departure.
What reason did Brown have for signing a contract that would obligate any successor to keep Hurwitz on?
In January, Brown became the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Director of Governmental Relations - a government lobbyist. This violates his industry's ethical standards, which require waiting two years before lobbying the City of Sarasota government. In this lobbying position, it may be very useful for Brown to have Hurwitz remain in his role.
The plot thickens!
Yes, more to come!
You have presented in a very logical way exactly what many of us have wondered and worried about since the election of Brody followed by election of Arroyo and Battie who immediately fired Tom Barwin and with no interview or process elevated Marlon Brown to City Mgr! I believe that very unusual step by 3 inexperienced young men was the beginning of the change in the ‘culture’ of city hall! From that day forward changes took place that were at times extremely worrisome. The changes were significant, we saw the city mgr act in ways I believe were unprofessional and bordered on unethical. Two examples are his public and constant abusive treatment of Commissioner AhearnKoch and his involvement in the reelection of Commissioner Liz Alpert, who publicly thanked him at her swearing in ceremony! There are other instances such as his now being involved in selecting his replacement, sponsored by Mayor Alpert and his new job at the Chamber of Commerce possibly a lobbying job! It is my opinion both ‘other instances’ seem very out of line. One example is the strange and unauthorized very expensive contract with a “coach” for commissioners. It is a huge unanswered question as to the need as no where in any other city in Florida does such exist…..one must question that.
There are many situations that a new city manager must face and correct.”
I hope we are successful in finding one who can see the beauty of our fabulous
small town community and honor us with his/her commitment to improving our city hall heath!