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St. Pete Beach settles on city manager candidate

Former Miami Lakes manager Alex Rey is the top pick
 
St. Pete Beach has chosen former Miami Lakes Town Manager Alex Rey to be the next city manager
St. Pete Beach has chosen former Miami Lakes Town Manager Alex Rey to be the next city manager
Published Feb. 6, 2019

ST. PETE BEACH — The City Commission unanimously picked former Miami Lakes Town Manager Alex Rey on Wednesday as their city's next manager.

That decision will become official following mutually satisfactory contract negotiations, which the commission directed to begin immediately.

Mayor Alan Johnson, City Attorney Andrew Dickman and consultant Colin Baenziger plan to discuss salary and contract issues with Ray.

Before becoming town manager in Miami Lakes in 2010, Rey previously worked as building director for Miami Beach.

During his public interview with the commission last week, Rey cited his oversight of construction of a permanent government center and redevelopment of a commercial town center project in Miami Lakes as among his accomplishments.

He stressed that he sees his role as an "advisor and counselor" to elected officials and pledged to "honestly" give his opinions.

"I want to tell you yes when I agree and I will be happy to tell you no if something is impractical," Rey said.

Rey holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and management and is working on a thesis in industrial engineering.

The commission picked Michelle Neuner, assistant manager of Winter Park, as their second choice for city manager. If negotiations with Rey break down, she would become the top pick.

Neuner was previously budget and administrative services manager for Maitland and holds a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's degree in business administration.