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| Mayor Grover Robinson gave an interesting take on the concept of a "Strong" Elected County Administrator on Rick's Podcast yesterday. It was a very interesting interview and opinion.....revealing a somewhat unexpected position on the topic... |
After he was done speaking with Rick about several city issues--the topic of the pros and cons of the City Charter's Strong Mayor was discussed in depth. And then the conversation naturally segued into the current discussions wafting around a few downtown offices about a "Strong County Administrator" type of governance structure.
As a guy who used to be a commissioner and who now wields incredible power as a strong mayor of Pensacola-- his vantage point on this topic is unique. And I must admit I was somewhat surprised by his comments on this subject. He said "he didn't think it would work." Then he elaborated on his rationale for thinking this--discussing some of his current interactions with the city council and also discussing and describing his time on the BCC and different administrators he worked with. He also discussed our community's switch in 2020 from an elected to an appointed superintendent.
He then asked a seminal question that we should all ponder.
"Tell me how that structure [elected county administrator] is better?"
It is a worthwhile interview to hear--for folks on both side of the issue.
I've made my personal opinion known with emphasis.
Now, apparently, the current mayor of Pensacola has as well.
I wonder if John Peacock and the others heard the interview yet?
