Weekly comments from Dale Martin

The vetting process employed by Mr. Colin Baenziger following my application to the City of Fernandina Beach was the most thorough review of my career, credentials, and references that I have ever experienced. In the months leading to my appointment here, I was interviewed in several other communities for similar City Manager positions. Despite getting to the interview stage in those communities, none of my references ever indicated to me that they had been contacted. As part of the selection process here, I was required to provide an exhaustive list of references, some very specific, such as my current Town Attorney, auditor, Chamber of Commerce, etc. To the best of my knowledge, every single reference provided was contacted.

The historic information provided to the City Commission for each candidate was extensive. Reading through the older newspaper articles rekindled so many memories- the personalities and issues from earlier days illustrate some peaks and valleys over the past twenty years. It has been a wonderful ride.

Note: Mr. Martin reminisces about his career for the remainder of the article. The full article can be found at: www.fernandinaobserver.com