Community Meets County Admin Candidates

Residents in north Sarasota County got their first glimpse of the last night during a meet and greet with the applicants.

The finalists, James Baker, Ed Mitchell, Randall Reid and Fred Russell, each gave a 10-15 minute introduction. The public then asked questions, to which each of the candidate responded.

Q & A Highlights:

How important are the arts, parks and the environment?

• "They can rev up the economy. Help small businesses in particular. Quality of life is something that is the responsibility of the government." – Randall Reid
• "I believe that parks and rec and arts are economic drivers. We need those to compete in a global market" – Ed Mitchell
• "Recreation plays an important role to our community. There is not a high quality of life unless you respects the arts and the environment." – Fred Russell

What is your management style? How does an administrator work with a commission?

• "The public typically doesn’t see the government in segments. They either like or they don’t like it. It is important that we work together and collaborate. If we don’t work very closely together, then we just all end up being the losers." – James Baker
• "My job is to make local democracy work. We put together packages, try to frame issues. It is important to give alternatives." – Randall Reid
• "The final decision rests with the legislative body. We have to implement that as a staff. We will find the best practice for whatever topic that may be." – Ed Mitchell

What's motivating you to apply for this position in Sarasota County?

• "Work in Sarasota County fits my professional goals. [It is] a bigger organization than I’m in now. There were ethical issues and employee morals I have dealt with [in West Palm Beach] similar to problems here." – Ed Mitchell
• "I have been successful in a wide range of experiences. Some issues, every place [has]. That glitch is something that you can overcome." – Fred Russell
• "Sarasota County is by and large a well run organization that ran into a major glitch and also struggled with the recession. In my history, I have [experience] in dealing with a lot of those same specific issues." – James Baker

Today, Sarasota County Commissioners may select the finalist during the afternoon portion of the commission meeting.

Conducting interviews with the county admin finalists is the only item on the afternoon agenda, which begins at 12:30 p.m.

Meet the Candidates:

Randall Reid

• County manager in Alachua County.
• 18 years of management experience in Florida counties.
• Formerly worked in Titusville.

James Baker

• County manager in York County, South Carolina.
• The only unanimous selection by the BCC on Nov 8 to be a finalist.
• Formerly county manager in St. Louis County, Mo., which has more than 1 million residents.

Fred Russell

• Administrator in Augusta, Ga.
• Leads a city-county government.
• Formerly deputy administrator in Augusta for two years.

Ed Mitchell

• City administrator in West Palm Beach.
• Began career as an intern in West Palm Beach after graduating college. He has been in public service ever since.