published: Friday, June 05, 2009

Final list for CRA director chosen

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

AVON PARK -- The search for a director of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency moved another step forward Tuesday when the sub-committee tasked with creating a short list of candidates narrowed the choice down to four.

One applicant has already withdrawn, having accepted a position elsewhere.

The four finalists are: Bob Trescott from Tallahassee; Wesley Hogland from Orlando, Cynthia Godbey of Panama City, and News-Sun reporter Ed Baldridge of Avon Park.

All of the candidates have extensive backgrounds in CRA procedure -- Baldridge, for example, having served on the CRA's Main Street advisory board.

In addition, the committee, chaired by City Council member Joe Wright, debated whether the director should be hired on a contract basis, meaning he or she would not receive a benefits package, or as a full-time city employee.

With only Devon Donaldson, who represents the Main Street advisory board on the committee, dissenting the majority voted to recommend the director work directly for the city.

A decision may be reached at a special meeting of the CRA on June 16, however, acting director C.B. Shirey said the CRA may want more information from the candidates, or to set up interviews before making that decision.

Regarding the amount of time it is taking to make a choice, Shirey said, "It's the nature of the business."