By Suzell Rodriguez….
Despite the dissent of colleague Velma Palmer, South Miami’s City Commission named City of Miami Police Department’s Hector Marabile as City Manager-elect September 7.
Commissioner Palmer, sole objector in the 4-1 vote appointing Mirabile, characterizing the decision as “rash” since she did not have sufficient time to review qualifications as presented, nor adequately involved in the selection process.
Mayor Philip K. Stoddard, however, was adamant to move forward during the special meeting called for the selection since little time had been paid to city business during the last two weeks, other than choosing the manager.
Asked if she could abstain from voting, Palmer was told by City Attorney Laurence Feingold that so long as she was present, she must render a vote.
With her “nay” vote, the decision was made to approve the hiring of Mirabile with instructions that terms be drawn for his employment in the form of a contract which still needs Commission action at a subsequent meeting.
More than 30 years in municipal government, Mirabile, a retired senior military officer with multiple decorations, has served or is associated with several boards and affiliations. Dr. Mirabile’s education includes a Bachelors in Accounting, a Masters in Business Administration, a Masters in Strategic Studies, a Ph.D in Organization Management and Leadership.
He has also studied in negotiation courses from Harvard University Law School and is a graduate of the Miami Police Academy.
A commander of coalition forces in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, he also served in the city police over several years with rankings as a sergeant and lieutenant, and as major for the past five years in his post directing employee relations.
Asked for his reaction to the decision, Mirabile said he was “humbled and honored in the appointment by the City of South Miami Commission as their new city manager.
“I look forward to a long and cooperative relationship with the Commission, staff, citizens, and businesses throughout the ‘City of Pleasant Living,’ ” he continued.
“Together we can position our City as the crown jewel by providing an ever pleasant and enjoyable place to live and work.”
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