Turnover within the City Attorney’s Office has been an issue for the last couple years. But the “revolving door,” as one councilman called it Monday night, doesn’t need to continue.
The City Council voted to renegotiate a contract with interim City Attorney James Stokes, whose current contract expires in February.
“He’s gotten the City Attorney’s Office in line,” said Vice Mayor Shannon Martin, adding that she’s not interested in making a change in leadership nor the upheaval that it would cause. “Everything’s working well.”
Councilman John Carvelli concurred. “Personally, I don’t think we need the revolving door to keep moving,” he said.
Carvelli added that opening up the post to a search for new leadership would send a “bad message.” He opined that the amount of turnover in the department would make it difficult to attract a quality candidate.
Stokes has been serving as the interim city attorney since early 2018. He has been a contractor, of sorts, working full time but not always within City Hall. He also serves as the City of Sebastian City Attorney.
Mayor Gregory Oravec raised a concern that Stokes has not moved to Port St. Lucie, nor does he appear willing to be a traditional city attorney by working full time in the office.
“I was hoping that he would decide he wants to be here,” Oravec said of Stokes, who was sitting a few seats down from him on the dais Monday night, “and, unfortunately, it seems like he wants to offer a professional service and continue on, but not as a traditional city attorney.”
His fellow council members did not appear to share the same concern, noting that Stokes has provided excellent service under his current contract agreements and has expressed a willingness to come into the office a fourth day each week.
Councilwoman Jolien Caraballo said the city might not need a “traditional” 9-to-5 city attorney, not when Stokes has proven he can get the job done efficiently and effectively. She pointed out that just because someone works 60-plus hours a week doesn’t mean that person is getting more done.
Oravec pushed back, saying the City of Port St. Lucie, the eighth largest in the state, deserves a full-time city attorney “who’s all in.” He said it was neither ideal nor advisable to have this situation, especially when the city attorney is one of only a couple posts the City Council appoints.
For his part, Stokes said “I’m happy here,” adding that he works with an excellent staff. He expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached among all the parties.
The council voted unanimously to tap City Manager Russ Blackburn to negotiate a new contract with Stokes. “I’ve got to go with my team,” Oravec said before voting to affirm the move, despite his continued reservations.
