Key West City Attorney Shawn Smith called it quits on Wednesday, Nov. 9, tendering a scathing resignation to the mayor and city commissioners after 16 years as their lead legal counsel.
Smith will become co-general counsel for the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority with attorney Bob Feldman, as of the water utility’s Nov. 9 board meeting.
In his resignation letter — sent Wednesday afternoon to the mayor and city commissioners — Smith writes:
“I’m deeply troubled with the direction, or lack thereof, of our City. We talk about acting on issues but fail to actually take such action,” Smith writes in his resignation letter. “Continuing to work here is harming the reputation I have worked diligently to build over my 16 years at the City of Key West and nearly 25 as an attorney. I cannot remain quiet watching the City devolve into a mayor-run style of government rather than the manager-commission form called for in our charter. It seems we have forgotten that our primary obligation should be helping ALL citizens get to yes within the bounds of the rules we have. To say we are internally dysfunctional is an understatement. Worst of all, is the rarity in which the truth enters the mayor’s vocabulary.
“…I am resigning my position as Key West’s City Attorney, which I’ve held since 2006. …I am providing the City 120 days notice from today’s date of my departure unless otherwise agreed.
“I’d like to thank the mayor and the commissioners, including Commissioner Lopez, that originally hired me. An extreme amount of gratitude goes to my loyal and dedicated staff as well as the numerous commission members in between. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to current Commissioners Davila, Hoover, Kaufman, Lopez, Wardlow and Weekley for their ardent support over the past four years. Having worked with your newest commissioner before, I am confident that Commissioner Carey will do a fantastic job.”
Mayor Teri Johnston’s only comment about Smith’s resignation and letter was, “I thank him for his years of service to the city, and I wish him well in his future career endeavors.”
During the Nov. 9 FKAA board meeting, utility attorney Bob Feldman suggested Smith as his co-general counsel. The FKAA board learned at that meeting that Smith would be available to accept the job.
Smith becomes the second city leader in two years to leave city hall for the aqueduct authority. Former city manager Greg Veliz left to become FKAA’s deputy director in April 2021.
