Gazette
Volume 2 • Issue 12 June 17, 2015
Wilton Manors
Twice-Monthly Neighborhood Outlook
Page 1 New City Manager
Page 2 Bike Gangs Abound
Page 3 Real Estate Geek
Page 4 Gables Parking
Page 4 Stonewall Drama
Community
Wilton Manors The ______ City
City searches for tagline By Michael d’Oliveira
In an effort to better define and market the city, officials are in search of a tagline. To come up with one, Conceptual Communications, the city’s public relations firm, will be asking residents and nonresidents for their input. Laurie Menekou, president of Conceptual Communications, said residents can vote on the tagline multiple ways: the city’s e-news letter, social media, paper ballots, at city facilities and through the Town Crier. “We’re going to leverage all the city communication platforms and have people get involved,” Menekou said.
She said the key is to come up with a tagline that is not too broad and not too narrow. Once the voting is over focus groups will be formed to help pick a final tagline and the top two choices will be presented to the commission, which will make the final decision. “In 30 days we’ll have this done,” Menekou said. Mayor Gary Resnick said a tagline could benefit the city in multiple ways, including increased tourism and higher quality job applicants, but warned the choice needs to be made carefully. “We don’t want to dilute the brand.” WMG
Business
Commission Hires Henderson as New City Manager By Michael d’Oliveira
In an historic vote, commissioners chose unanimously to hire the city’s first female city manager. Assistant City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson was hired June 9 to replace outgoing City Manager Joseph Gallegos, who submitted his resignation earlier this year. Gallegos, who has served as city manager since 1999, will step down in October. Henderson, who has been assistant city manager since 2003, has been with the city since 1999 when she started as a part time employee with the Public Works Department. “I believe we’ve made some unique history tonight,” Commissioner Justin Flippen said. Mayor Gary Resnick said the city was going to be handed off to someone with “great skill and vision.” Resident Paul Kuta said choosing Henderson represents “continued professional stability in our city government.”
Henderson said she was honored to be chosen as the first woman to lead the city. “Women have traditionally been underrepresented but that’s shifting. Wilton Manors has a commitment to inclusivity and equality and the commission is just another example of that.” As for Henderson’s replacement, she said finding the next assistant city manager will be one her top priorities. “It’s going to be very important.” Henderson said the search for the next assistant manager would begin this week. The city commission chooses the city manager and city attorney but all other personnel decisions are left up to the city manager. When she becomes city manager, Henderson’s salary will be $162,000. Gallegos’ salary is $163,000. Her compensation also includes a $500 per month transportation allowance. WMG
Photo: WiltonManors.com
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