In Re Motion to Dismiss Miami Beach City Manager

January 21, 2012

Commissioner Jonah Wolfson
Commissioner Deede Weithorn
City Commission
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

Subject: Motion to Dismiss City Manager Jorge Gonzalez

I understand that the City Commission shall entertain your motion to dismiss City Manager Jorge Gonzalez after reviewing his record and any other information that might be forthcoming, although that record and information apparently does not matter, at least not to Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Commissioner Jorge Exposito, who have, I am informed, declared their undying support for Mr. Gonzalez. And they are probably not the only ones, his retention said to be a foregone conclusion wrought by the ruling machine. He himself said, at a Civic Circle meeting some time ago, that he would stay as long as he likes, and mocked residents for thinking that they are his bosses--indeed, the commissioners and not the residents are his bosses. His confidence reminded me of Boss Pendergast's Kansas City manager, whose retention was so foregone after periodic reviews that he once inadvertently gave his acceptance speech prior to the council being polled.

Nonetheless, it is high time to publicly review Mr. Gonzalez' performance, and in doing so I pray that you will hear anyone coming forth to praise or blame him for his conduct, and offer evidence in support of their feelings. My own judgment is suspended, although I have persistently criticized him. I blame him for what I perceive to be his arrogance, for which the structure of our system is partly to blame, and for his failure to diligently oversee departmental fiefdoms, whose heads are as arrogant as he because no one holds their feet to the fire. In fine, people do not care because they do not have to care. At least the commissioners care for the fifteen percent of the electorate who have elected them; sadly, the will of those who have become too apathetic to vote are ignored.

I attach an updated (as of today) investigative file involving one and perhaps two departments that have in my opinion lacked adequate supervision. There are two others that I may submit files on in the event I believe the performance review will be seriously conducted.

Sincerely,

David Arthur Walters

cc. Jorge Gonzalez

Investigative File

http://www.scribd.com/doc/77351359/Inquisition-Re-City-of-Miami-Beach-Handing-of-Decrepit-Properties