Cape Coral finds a new city attorney
The Cape Coral city council unanimously chose Sarasota County litigator Alexander Boksner as city attorney.
He will proffer legal advice and counsel to the city currently grappling with several legal issues, including a lawsuit from Waste Pro, and an incoming suit from former City Manager Rob Hernandez.
Last month, Cape Coral City Attorney Dolores Menendez died after battling cancer. She had planned to retire next year, which had prompted the city to begin a search early this year.
Deputy City Attorney Brian Bartos, who plans to retire soon, is handling the duties currently.
The position was advertised at the end of March, and the city received three applicants.
Mark Moriarty, an assistant city attorney with the city, Aleksandr Boksner, a deputy county attorney for Sarasota County, and Jennifer Cockcroft, a senior associate with Lacey Lyons Rezanka, a firm in Brevard County, were all in the running.
The three candidates met and interviewed with the city council on Tuesday. They then presented themselves and answered questions before the council on Wednesday.
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The candidate
Aleksandr Boksner is a current deputy county attorney for Sarasota County who has been practicing law for 22 years.
Boksner previously served in several city and county attorney offices throughout Florida, including West Palm Beach, Miami Beach, Ocala, and Port Charlotte.
He was previously vying for the position of Sarasota County Attorney earlier this year.
Council Q&A
During the interview process, council members let the candidates introduce themselves, and answer questions, before letting the candidates end on a closing statement.
Councilmember Keith Long asked Boksner what makes for a successful city attorney, and Boksner answered that he wouldn't let political factors or agenda drive his legal advice.
"To be a successful city attorney, it requires to be very straightforward, be direct, and have the ability to understand you are dealing with different individuals with a different agenda or idea on where they want the city to go," Boksner said. "I do not alter or change my legal advice based upon your political position."
Councilmember Bill Steinke ask about his thoughts on using outside counsel, and Boksner said he takes a "totality of the circumstances" approach.
"In the city of Miami Beach, I had a situation where I needed someone to deal with permitting issues both in the federal and state level for a seawall, that was something that required expert knowledge," Boksner said.
He said he understands that a city attorney's office has limited staff, and when time is crucial and officials prioritize it, he will get outside help.
"I've worked at both city and county, and I know I got day-in and day-out responsibilities, and if I were going to essentially immerse for example in a federal lawsuit, it may ultimately take up a lot of staff time and resources," Boksner said.
He will also get outside counsel if the city expects serious legal issues.
Mayor John Gunter asked about the candidate's top three best qualities, and Boksner said his integrity, knowledge, and ability to listen are what make him a good city attorney.
What's next?
The city council voted and unanimously approve letting Gunter meet with Boksner to negotiate a contract.
The previous city attorney earned an annual salary of $197,308.80.
Boksner's contract will be presented and voted on by the city council at 4 p.m. June 26.
Luis Zambrano is a Watchdog/Cape Coral reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. You can reach Luis at Lzambrano@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Lz2official.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral chooses Sarasota County lawyer as next city attorney
