St. Lucie County - Tuesday January 31, 2023: The St. Lucie County Commission has chosen George Landry to become the next County Administrator, pending the outcome of contract negotiations. Landry is currently the Country's interim assistant Deputy Administrator.
The Commission met Tuesday morning. On an initial vote 3 of the 5 commissioners voted for Landry. Voting yes were Commissioners Jamie Fowler, Linda Bartz and Larry Leet. Commissioners Chris Dzadvosky and Cathy Townsend each voted for one of the other candidates.
The 3 to 2 margin was still enough to confirm Landry, but on second thought, the Commissioners decided to discuss the choice further and then take another vote.
Commissioner Fowler said she was looking for someone committed to St. Lucie County and Landry already lives and works here, and he has worked in a number of positions for for the County. "We had a lot of great candidates, but I'm kinda looking for someone that's looking for a home, that's not looking to use St. Lucie County as a layover, or pit stop, to their next step up the ladder. We need someone who is dedicated to St. Lucie County. I think George has shown that. He's loyal, he's served our country. So he is mission driven, you give him a task and he's going to get it done."
Commissioner Bartz pointed out that some of the other candidates came from smaller counties, or were not Florida residents. "I think that Mr. Landry is a known entity to us. He knows our county. He has worked in several different positions here. He has managed departments."
However, even though she initially voted yes, Bartz went on to suggest that Landry should be hired as an interim for a year and given the opportunity to pick up more experience.
Commissioner Dzadvosky, initially voted no because he felt Landry needed more experience, and he suggested making Landry the deputy Administrator. "I hear the accolades for George and I share your thoughts. I think George is an excellent interim Deputy Administrator Honestly if he had some time behind another administrator as a Deputy that he would gain."
In the end the vote was unanimous, 5 to 0 for Landry, although Commissioner Dzadvosky first voted, present, before deciding to vote yes.
Landry would succeed Howard Tipton, who stepped down Jan. 13.