Boynton fire chief tasked with putting out fires as interim city manager
Boynton fire chief tasked with putting out fires as interim city manager
For the first time since December 2012, Boynton Beach has a new city manager.
James "Jim" Stables, 55, is moving over from his job as Boynton's fire chief to serve as interim manager, replacing Lori LaVerriere, who was fired April 19. The city commission unanimously voted in Stables over two other contenders — Assistant Police Chief Joseph DeGiulio and David Scott, the city's director of economic development and strategy.
Stables will have to hit the ground running because there are no shortage of big issues facing the city from the possible merger with the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office to finding a new police chief to replace the departed Michael Gregory to deciding the eventual fate of Mark Sohn, the city police officer involved in the death of 13-year-old dirt bike rider Stanley Davis III on Dec. 26.
I haven't spoken to Stables since he was named to the interim position. He's obviously been very busy getting up to speed, but we are tentatively scheduled to speak on Friday. Among my first questions will be whether he intends to apply for the permanent position. The city commission has yet to iron out how they will handle the search.
Aside from the city commission, Stables also appeared to have the support of community members during a meeting to select the interim city manager on April 26.
That doesn't mean everyone is happy about the circumstances involving LaVerriere's dismissal. Several people voiced their opinion against the move during the April 26 meeting including former commissioners Mack McCray and David Merker.
Never a dull moment in America's Gateway to the Gulfstream.
Have a great week!
Jorge Milian
South Palm Beach County reporter | The Palm Beach Post
Twitter: @caneswatch
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Post on Boynton Beach weekly newsletter
