Coral Gables, a city already fraught with administrative churn, has appointed its third city manager in less than a year. On Tuesday night, following the resignation of Amos Rojas Jr., the City Commission, with a slim margin of 3-2, nominated Alberto Parjus to step into the vacated role. Parjus, whose tenure as deputy manager was to take effect on January 28, is no stranger to the echelons of municipal power, having previously served temporarily as the city’s interim city manager.
In a statement obtained by Miami Today News, Rojas explained his departure as the one-year mark of his service approached, citing a return to retirement as "the right decision for me and my family." Propelled yet again into this leadership void, Parjus, who had committed to briefly only cover the interim period, has now decided to take on the job permanently.
The decision to elevate Parjus didn't unfold without contention. Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson and Mayor Vince Lago—who, as reported by Florida Politics, is facing a challenge from Commissioner Kirk R. Menendez in the city's upcoming April 8 election—both voted against the appointment. They, along with other community figures, had advocated for a broader search for Rojas’ successor, arguing it was a necessary step in ensuring the best possible leadership for Coral Gables.
Nonetheless, Parjus, described by Commissioner Ariel Fernandez as someone who "has sat there in the trenches and worked with staff to find solutions," has garnered the requisite support from the commission majority, according to Miami Today News. His experience spans over three decades in various administrative roles within Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami. As the new city manager, he will have not only to navigate the city's operations but also mend taut frayed governmental relationships.
The city’s leadership has witnessed a gamut of upheavals in recent months. For instance, the trio consisting of Commissioners Melissa Castro, Ariel Fernandez, and Kirk Menendez, who voted both for Parjus' appointment and Rojas' hiring, had previously ousted Peter Iglesias from the city manager position.
