City Commissioner Calls for Vote on City Manager’s Removal

A noteworthy development is currently impacting the political landscape of The City Beautiful. Commissioner Fernandez has formally initiated a vote for the removal of City Manager Peter Iglesias, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s governance. The request, outlined in a letter to fellow commissioners dated February 5th, is set to be discussed at the upcoming commission meeting on February 13th, 2024, at 10:00 AM. This development arises in the aftermath of intense debates and decisions, particularly centered around the controversial Fritz & Franz Bierhaus lease agreement, raising broader concerns about city leadership and questioning Iglesias’ tenure and management approach.

In addition to advocating for Iglesias’s removal, Commissioner Fernandez suggests Assistant City Manager Alberto Parjus as the potential new City Manager. With two years of experience in the Assistant City Manager role and a background in previous positions in Miami-Dade County, Parjus brings valuable insights into local government operations and municipal management intricacies. This recommendation reflects a desire not only for a change in leadership but also for a shift towards a management style that prioritizes collaboration, transparency, and responsiveness to both the commission and the public.

The move to oust the city manager should not come as a surprise. For one, the City Beautiful appears to be under intense scrutiny. Complaints from residents regarding mismanaged projects that were exclusively handled by the manager (Burger Bobs, Le Parc, Mobility Hub) and the employee retention problem that we reported on a year ago (Crisis on the Horizon) contribute to the dissatisfaction. This is also the second time that Commissioner Fernandez has placed this item on the agenda. The first time was at the May 9, 2023 commission meeting, but he was unable to secure the three votes needed. Now, nine months later, it appears that he believes the scales have tipped in his favor.

As the commission meeting approaches, both the public and city officials are eagerly anticipating the outcome of Commissioner Fernandez’s proposal. The decision will have immediate implications for city leadership, providing insight into the commission’s priorities and its approach to addressing the city’s challenges. This moment holds significance in defining the balance between elected officials’ vision for the city and its administrative execution.