Miami Commissioners Hire New City Manager, Set Salary

MIAMI, FL — Miami commissioners unanimously approved a replacement for City Manager Emilio T. Gonzalez Monday just weeks after Gonzalez submitted his resignation amid what he described as a circus-like atmosphere.

City officials voted 5-0 to tap Arthur Noriega for the top administrative post. Noriega had previously served as CEO of the city's parking authority, a position he held since 1999.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to receive and accept the mayor's nomination," Noriega told reporters outside Miami City Hall.

City spokesman John Heffernan told Patch Noriega will earn a base salary of $310,000 in his new post.

Gonzalez's resignation followed a failed attempt to oust him led by former mayor and current Miami Commissioner Joe Corollo in December as well as the abrupt adjournment of a city commission meeting on Jan. 9 over bickering among commissioners with Corollo again at the center.

Gonzalez, who is a former Army colonel and adviser to President George W. Bush, insisted that his results as city manager should speak for themselves.

"Our bond ratings have been upgraded to the highest in city history. We have billions in investments and growth. Our crime rate is down to historic lows. Our millage rate is the lowest in recent memory. Our reserves are solid and our current operating budget is lower than last year's," Gonzalez said in his letter of resignation. "By any measure, we have been a successful administration. I could not be prouder of the men and women who've worked so hard to make this happen."

In selecting Noriega for the post, Mayor Francis Suarez said Noriega's approval will give his administration a fresh start with commissioners.

"What we need to focus on is getting the agenda of the people done, not on petty issues that are personal," Suarez told reporters. "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to turn the page."

Gonzalez, who served in the position for two years, said the city had entered into a new era where city commission meetings had devolved into a circus.

"Policy discussions have given way to the politics of personal destruction," Gonzalez said in his letter.

Noriega oversaw a staff of 195 at the parking authority and an operation that generates more than $60 million in revenue.

Earlier in his career, Noriega served as vice president of development at The Carlisle Group, where he worked with local municipalities and Community Development Corporations in Florida to create urban development projects.

Noriega graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in economics. He also holds professional certifications from Tulane and the Kellogg School at Northwestern University.

He serves on the board of directors of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the South Florida Progress Foundation. He is also a member of the board of the Downtown Miami Partnership and the Council for Educational Change.