County Commissioner Craig Cates called the promotion of Christine Hurley to the top job of county administrator an example of making the best of a “bad situation.”
At the end of a budget hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 4, Cates proposed the county attorney negotiate a contract with Hurley for employment as county administrator. The other four commissioners were enthusiastic in their support of Hurley, who has worked for Monroe County for more than 11 years.
Hurley is currently the executive director of the county’s land authority, but previously headed its growth management division, which regulates development, and has served as assistant county administrator under Roman Gastesi.
Gastesi was expected to return to the job this month following a planned six-month retirement that was necessary under the state’s pension and retirement system. But a recent indictment for official misconduct, and scathing grand jury report prompted the commissioners to alter course.
Kevin Wilson had been acting county administrator during Gastesi’s planned six-month absence. The commissioners on Wednesday all thanked and commended Wilson for his skills and commitment to the county, and hoped he continues in his prior role as assistant county administrator.
“We ended up here because of a bad situation, but I think this is a great opportunity to move forward with a proven administrator who has done a tremendous job with all we’ve asked of her,” Cates said.
“Most importantly, she knows the Keys, and that’s what we need right now,” County Mayor Holly Raschein said, while Commissioner Jim Scholl joked that his only reservation was how the county would replace Hurley in her current position as head of the land authority.
Commissioner Michelle Lincoln echoed those sentiments, adding, “Christine Hurley understands ROGO; she knows FEMA and planning and rules and regulations as well as dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.”
Hurley has indicated she would accept the position, and County Attorney Bob Shillinger will negotiate a contract that is expected to be approved at the commission’s Sept. 11 meeting in Key Largo.
