A new pick for the city manager at the City of Fort Myers is coming under fire.
The NAACP has major concerns over the selection of Marty Lawing to succeed former Saeed Kazemi as the city manager of Fort Myers.
The concerns are about what they say are racist and sexist decisions throughout Lawing’s career.
Lawing’s contract was the topic of discussion at a special meeting at the City of Fort Myers on Wednesday.
Lawing’s contract was approved 4-3 after a lengthy, somewhat heated debate and public comment about his past. Lawing’s compensation package will be $230,000 a year.
Congratulations to Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson and councilmembers Teresa Watkins Brown, Terolyn Watson and Johnny Streets for their commitment to and ratification of the long-awaited modernization of Centennial Park. Combined with the city’s existing partnership with Mainsail Development (operator of the Luminary Hotel and Caloosa Sound Convention Center), a world class public amphitheater on the east perimeter of the park will proceed to construction.
The hotel, parking garage and convention center were completed in September 2020. The Luminary accomplishes at-capacity bookings despite the pandemic, with travelers choosing to spend their dollars domestically at a top destination spot. Forbes Magazine just recognized Fort Myers as one of Florida’s most underrated cities for a weekend getaway, specifically citing the AAA Four Diamond venue and directing visitors to local restaurants and businesses.
Watson and Brown voted against appointing Lawing when a confirmation vote was taken. Council members who ranked Lawing first were joined by Streets in the 5-2 vote to make Lawing the manager.
Watson said that while she thought each of the finalists could do the job, she wasn t ready to make a choice. I think we should seek a little bit more talent for such an important position. I think we could see a little bit more, Watson said. They all brought something different to the table . I just wanted to see a little more talent before I make a decision like this.