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Activist applies for city manager job
By ALEX LEARY
© St. Petersburg Times, CRYSTAL RIVER -- Vowing to restore "common sense" to City Hall, longtime community activist Ansel Briggs has joined the running for city manager. "I really feel a need to come forward and at least offer myself as a public servant to try to resolve this ongoing controversy," Briggs said Thursday. The tempest to which he referred to is a product of the City Council's propensity to squabble, a hard-charging group of citizens intent on replacing those politicians and a high turnover of city managers. A Detroit native, Briggs moved to Citrus County in the early 1970s and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1974. He is well known for his work as a community activist, representing residents who have encountered difficulties with public agencies. Briggs, 62, was a candidate for political office last fall, earning nearly 5,500 votes in his unsuccessful bid to become schools superintendent . Though he has no city manager experience, Briggs insisted he has the skills for the job. He cited his administration of a federal program at the University of Wisconsin that trained people to be community advocates. He also directed a program that helped juvenile and adult inmates re-enter society. Describing himself as a straightforward manager, Briggs said he would "speak with integrity," and communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings. The Homosassa resident is one of few local applicants for the job. Steve Parker of Beverly Hills also is seeking the position. Parker operated QPI, a video production company, and last fall ran for county tax collector. With the application deadline at noon today, more than 60 resumes have been submitted. The council will narrow the list later this month and conduct interviews with finalists on Sept. 8. The postion has been vacant since June, when David Sallee left after his contract was not renewed. Police Chief Jim Farley has been interim manager since then. Adding to the uncertainty at City Hall, it was made public this week that Farley applied for a job as chief of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. "It was more a gesture at my frustration at the time than any real desire to pursue the job," Farley said Thursday. "I'm happy where I am." Farely, who saw an ad for the job about a month ago, said he could not remember what bothered him at the time. "It probably involved politics." He said he would not withdraw his resume. "I'm kind of curious to see how far it goes."
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