Meet the City Manager
Sunny Isles Beach Welcomes A. John Szerlag
By Bari Auerbach

Have you been introduced to new Sunny Isles Beach City Manager A. John Szerlag? If not, you’re invited to visit Government Center and make an appointment to get to know him – but just in case you’re unable to get acquainted, reading this interview will be the next best thing until you can “Meet the City Manager”…

Q: How did you get into the field of municipal management?
John Szerlag: In college, I majored in business administration and while working to earn my Master’s degree, I was an intern for the City Manager of Troy (a 35-square mile city in Michigan with a population of about 85,000). I later served as Assistant City Manаger in neighboring cities until accepting the opportunity to become the Assistant Manager of Troy in 1989. Then in 1999, I was promoted to City Manager.

Last year, when it was time to start thinking about retiring, I decided I’d like to continue my career in a southern, coastal community. In the International City Management Association newsletter, I saw an ad for Sunny Isles Beach City Manager and decided to apply for the job.

Q: Considering there were other qualified applicants for City Manager, why do you feel you were selected to fill the position?
JS: I feel I was successful in the interview process because there was good chemistry between myself, members of the City Commission, the Police Chief and city staff. The Commission was also looking for a person with the kind of character traits and experience that would benefit Sunny Isles Beach. Ultimately, I think I was the “best fit” in terms of professional background, personality and attitude.

Q: What are some of the top priority issues you’ve been addressing since you assumed the position of City Manager?
JS: I’ve been analyzing the cost efficiency of outsourcing services and the feasibility of blending internal staff operations with consultants. We want to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent most efficiently. I’m also focusing on city budget goals and objectives as well as the status and progress of capital improvement projects.

Q: Is the city preparing for hurricane season?
JS: I’ve asked our city staff to develop a brochure regarding hurricane preparations and evacuation procedures that will be mailed directly to residents…It will also feature links to other city resources such as our website and cable TV station that help impart vital information to residents and business owners. A hurricane supply checklist has also been published in the Sunny Isles Beach Sun newspaper, compiled by Alyce Hanson of Administrative Services; and just recently, our city representatives attended the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Orlando.

Q: Do you think there is a balance between what’s being built and what developers are giving back to the community?
JS: I think the Commission has done a good job balancing resident/developer needs…From parks and beach access points – to streetscape upgrades and art in public places - developers “building more” are required to give back more public enhancements.

Mayor Norman S. Edelcup recently noted, “[Sunny Isles Beach] is a partnership between the city, residents and developers…Everyone gains by these enhancements…When we can work together to our mutual benefit, it helps everybody in the long range.”

Q: Do you think Sunny Isles Beach is a role model city in terms of citizen involvement?
JS: I think the city’s Mayor’s Advisory Council and associated committees are a great asset to the city, promoting citizen involvement. In any municipality, volunteerism and participation are paramount to having a community achieve the highest quality of life. I also feel the best way to determine what people want is to give them opportunities to tell you.

Q: What do you think some of the positive impacts will be as a result of a public school opening in Sunny Isles Beach in 2008?
JS: A good school in Sunny Isles Beach is bound to attract even more families looking for a first or second home. Corporate entities seeking an optimal South Florida address for associates relocating will also appreciate that beyond the beautiful beaches, Sunny Isles Beach has many great amenities including the new K-8th grade public school opening soon, one of Miami-Dade’s lowest property tax/crime rates as well as outstanding municipal services.

Q: What do you think are two of the city’s greatest assets?
JS: The residents and the ocean!

Q: What is your “10-year” prophecy?
JS: Ten years from now, I envision Sunny Isles Beach being completely built-out with development on the west side of Collins compatible with development on the east side of Collins and in line with the community’s demographics. I’m sure there will be a strong infrastructure in place…the school will be open; park land will be developed; and a culture of responsive professionalism will continue to thrive at Government Center. For all these desirable features and many more, I think people won’t just contemplate moving to Sunny Isles Beach – they’ll “aspire” to live here.

Q: What are you looking forward to?
JS: I hope to meet and exceed the expectations of the City Commission and city residents - I’m looking forward to meeting everyone! Also, I’m used to cheering on the Detroit Pistons and the Lions – but now I plan to become one of the Miami Dolphins biggest new fans!

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