Both Larry Spring’s and Jeff Cazeau’s contracts were approved at last night’s North Miami City Council meeting well after 11:00 pm when most of us were sleeping.  Present company included.

How do I know?

‘Cuz I Twitter-stalked Miami Herald reporter Lance Dixon this morning.

#NorthMiami council approves contract to hire Larry Spring as new city manager.

— Lance Dixon (@LDixon_3) March 23, 2016

And the city attorney’s contract is unanimously approved.

— Lance Dixon (@LDixon_3) March 23, 2016

After months of controversy surrounding these two important positions, both Mr. Spring and Mr. Cazeau were approved last night with relatively little fanfare (by North Miami standards).

The proposed contracts were posted on the city’s website for last night’s meeting agenda, which you can view here and here.  I’m told that the Mayor and Council made some minor changes to these proposals, so these are not the final versions.  Most of the terms of both contracts, however, were approved.

Congratulations are in order for Mr. Spring and Mr. Cazeau, but, the real winners are the residents of North Miami.

Both of these individuals are more than qualified for their respective positions.

Jeff Cazeau is a highly respected attorney, who works for the distinguished firm of Becker & Poliakoff.  According to a recent Miami Herald article, he will will work for North Miami in his individual capacity as a part time city attorney (Update: He was hired as the full time city attorney).  Mr. Cazeau is well versed in municipal law, having been the assistant town attorney for Surfside, as well as the current attorney for Florida City.  It certainly appears that Jeaf Cazeau will prove to be a valuable asset to the City of North Miami.

Larry Spring also has an impressive resume.  He was formerly the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Miami, as well as the Finance Director for North Miami.  As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, Mr. Spring has a big job ahead of him.  The problems plaguing the police department need to be addressed.  Plus, the underhanded lobbyist problem is getting even worse (more about that in a future blog).  Mr. Spring is also going to have to contend with the shady hiring practices that have gone on under his predecessor’s watch, and get the bleeding of taxpayer money under control.  I do not envy him.  I do have a suspicion, however, that Larry Spring will not disappoint.

I’ve been saying for some time that North Miami residents deserve better.

Let’s hope they will finally get the leadership they deserve!

Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”