Beach interim Manager resigns
Fort Myers Beach interim Town Manager Jack Green has tendered his resignation to the Town Council, according to Mayor Larry Kiker.
Green, who began the interim status when former Town Manager Scott Janke was dismissed July 27, cited personal reasons for resigning. Before accepting the interim Manager job, Green was the Town’s Public Works Director for three years and began his Town employment in April of 2005 as the principal planner of the Community Development Department.
“This is something I needed to do,” Green said about the resignation. “There’s no sour grapes. I’ve had my life plan set up since retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard, and I need to start getting back on track.”
Green said the decision is “what is best for me and my family” and announced some of the terms of his resignation.
“It’s been a great ride,” Green said. “I offered the Council that I would stay on until Feb. 12, 2010, which I believe gives them a sufficient time to strategize on their recruitment and interview. If everything falls into place, I think senior staff can hold the fort down until new management arrives.”
Green plans to go up to Connecticut for the holidays. He looked back on what he accomplished in such a short time.
“What I should have done when I retired from the Coast Guard was to take six months off and figure out what I wanted to do,” he said. “Instead, I came to work 11 days later here. So, I’m going to take my six months, feel things out, finish my honey-do list to make my wife happy and maybe even go up to Connecticut to spend a little more time with her… especially during the holidays.
“I’ve enjoyed working for the Town and getting some really significant projects in play like Bay Oaks and North Estero. The staff here has been tremendous. It’s been gratifying.”
Kiker said what Green accomplished in less than four months should be noted and commended.
“Obviously, we thank him for all the service up until now,” said Kiker. “As interim Town Manager, he has made a significant contribution to the Town. We look forward to working with him, and we accept and appreciate his assistance as the Town makes its next decision on Town Manager. Now that the budget is in place, North Estero Project is underway, Bay Oaks is thriving and progress is being made in other areas, it’s a good time for him to make this decision based on his own personal needs and requirements.”
Asked if he would consider going back to his former position as Public Works Director, Green offered his usual wit.
“That was always a consideration, but if you’re not the lead dog the scenery never changes,” Green said. “You can’t go backwards. I think the staff here, particularly (interim Public Works Director) Cathie Lewis, has done a tremendous job. She’s holding that position down, and she has earned it.”