Change enveloped the Coral Gables in 2008, perhaps to an extent without precedent in the city’s 83-year history. The unwelcome change in City Hall came by force, as Coral Gables dealt with internal and external crisis in equal parts. At the center of it all was David Leroy Brown. The seven-year city manager, whose employment by the city spanned close to three decades, ended what had once been an exemplary career with an ignominious fall. Though his tenure as city manager had its merits, there is little doubt that his exit will leave a considerable stain on his career, and more importantly, the reputation of the city.
Could it have been avoided? The Gazette thought so and began the year with a harsh yet ultimately proved right call to action, “Fire Brown now!” At the time, the front-page editorial brought about divided reaction. The Gazette criticized Brown’s stewardship of the city. But in the end it was the city manager’s hubris and libido that did him in. Had action been taken sooner, the uncertain and fast approaching future of the city could at least be handled with a steady hand, and established city leaders instead of an interim lot trying to hold on while a full time city manager is rushed in to clean house. full story
