Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid is term-limited and is exploring his career options, which includes seeking a municipal management job in Broward County.
The Town of Southwest Ranches confirmed Friday that Cid has applied to be its Deputy Town Administrator.
Cid said via text: "As my term as mayor ends on Nov. 5th, I'm weighing my options to continue my public service in different forms. I love being a servant leader focused on strategic planning. As such, a community like Southwest Ranches would be an incredible opportunity as they have a talented town manager who I'd love to learn from, and a great mayor and council that provide profound leadership."
Southwest Ranches has a council-administrator form of government, similar to the structure in Miami Lakes.
Southwest Ranches Town Administrator Russell Muniz runs municipal operations; his second in command will be whoever wins the open, deputy town administrator position that Cid is seeking. The rural community is still taking applications for the position that pays $120,000 - $130,000. There was no posted date for a hiring decision.
Cid has complained during past Miami Lakes council meetings about the town’s top two management salaries and has suggested eliminating one of those positions.
In Miami Lakes, Town Manager Edward Pidermann leads the operations side of the council-manager form of government; Tony Lopez is the deputy town manager.
Per the Miami Lakes town charter, the mayor presides at council meetings, can vote on ordinances, presents the state of the town in speeches and with the council may create committees and appoint members to them.
The mayor is also recognized as head of the town government for ceremonial purposes and when interacting with other governments and executes contracts and other documents.
The Southwest Ranches job requires preparation of budgets, training staff and compliance with federal, state and local laws. Requirements for applicants include having a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration and at least three years of supervisory or management experience in municipal government.
Cid earned Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Ethical Leadership from St. Thomas University. In his application to Southwest Ranches, Cid said accomplishments in his current role include:
--Overseeing budget allocations and fostering community relations;
--Leading the Imagine Miami Lakes 2025 strategic plan that “resulted in a $33 million in stormwater investment;”
--Historic low tax and crime rates;
--"The most efficient building permit process in South Florida;”
--“Successfully managed response and communication efforts during Hurricane Irma and the COVID-19 pandemic…”
On Nov. 5, voters will choose from among three Miami Lakes candidates – Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez, Councilman Josh Dieguez and Realtor Yuniett Gonzalez – to replace Cid. If a runoff election is needed it is scheduled for Nov. 26.
Cid is also one of three partners who own the Mayor’s Café in town.