Flagler Beach City Manager Larry Newsom has been sick for over two weeks, and was in the hospital for six and a half hours just last Sunday. It’s not Covid-19: two tests have come back negative, he says, but it is the flu. He’s on antibiotics, and though he’s sought to go back to work, and has made his way to City Hall on occasion, Police Chief Matt Doughney on Monday told him in no uncertain terms, as Newsom was sitting on a bench outside City Hall, to go home.
On April 3, following a succession plan Newsom put in place two weeks earlier, Newsom handed over the reins of the city to Bobby Pace, the fire chief, who will be the interim manager for up to 30 days. The Flagler Beach City Commission is expected to ratify that decision at its first virtual meeting Thursday–the first meeting that will be attended by newly minted commissioners Deborah Phillips and Ken Bryan, in place of Marshall Shupe and Kim Carney.
But Newsom’s erratic behavior over the past two weeks has commissioners and the mayor concerned for his health and his personal interactions. By nature folksy and irascible, Newsom is unafraid to use salted language, but in just a matter of days last week he called a constituent an “asshole” and a “cry baby,” seemed to challenge him to meet him in person, was curt with a city commissioner and with another constituent–all in writing.
“People right now are in their homes, getting frustrated, wanting answers immediately,” said Mayor Linda Provencher, who had not seen the email exchanges when she was interviewed on Tuesday. “I don’t know if that’s getting to him, especially if you’re sick.”
Provencher initiated the call to move to an interim manager temporarily. He’s been sick and whenever he comes back to work he just ends up getting sick again,” the mayor said. “ I want him to sit back and get better and in the meantime let’s just follow this succession plan. The staff knows what’s going on, but a lot of times the public doesn’t know what’s going on.” She said the commission can review the decision in two weeks, though Newsom said today his plan–his hope–is to be back at work Monday.
Newsom acknowledged writing the rude emails. “I do have a standard. If people want to be rude, I do have a standard that we can be rude back. As a civil servant, we’re not here to take punches and blows,” he said today. “I do have a standing policy that my staff has every right to tell people sir, I’m not talking to you, or ma’m.” But calling people names?
“As a city manager I’m not required to put up with that and maybe if my board doesn’t like it they can hire a different city manager,” he said. His telling one constituent to meet him in 15 minutes outside city hall was being misinterpreted, he said. “I’ll meet you in 15 minutes in front of city hall not for a confrontation but to say, what are you doing? We’re doing our best. I felt like I had to make a point. Do I enjoy doing it? Absolutely not. Amy I supposed to not do it because I’m a city manager? I disagree with that. What I was thinking was not what you saw in the email, I can promise you that, but when you’re being abusive to an individual that’s totally incorrect.”
He was asked what he was thinking. “I’m not going to tell you that. There was a lot of anger, OK, and I don’t appreciate people hiding behind social media, whether it’s social media or an email or anything else, that’s why my requirement is people who have a complaint to have an appointment so we can sit across from each other.” (Newsom said he considers email to be social media. All the exchanges in question were by email.) “If you’re upset, come sit down with me, let’s have a cup of coffee.”
A resident whose email name is Surf Moore (Newsom says that’s not the resident’s actual name) wrote Newsom between April 3 and April 5 to complain about yard-waste piles still on his street for days after calling the city engineer and the sanitation department. The exchanges devolved into name-calling from both sides, with Moore–who wrote he was documenting everything “for when it will be needed later”–first dispensing with courtesies.
“FYI,” he wrote Newsom, “Don’t want to hear any shit next week when my piles grow beyond the size you stipulate for a week. No BS orange stickers please.” The resident goes on: “So recapping, sanitation gets no action. City engineer gets no action. City manager gets no action.” He then appears to joke that he would “rescind” (or prorate) his property taxes for the period of time when services haven’t been rendered, finishing his email with “typical government uselessness.” In another email he tells Newsom to write “in coherent English this time.”
Newsom answered in varying degrees of rudeness: “Your the English major. Clear. Your a pest and know it all. I welcome the challenge.” The two appear to have had communication not recorded by email, because Newsom then responds in writing as if to a challenge for a fight: “[If] you think you scar me come on.” Then: “Anytime any place,” and “Cry baby I will meet antime” (likely meaning “anytime”).
And on April 5, the city manager wrote Moore: “No more emails asshole”–the sort of reply that, had it been uttered by any of Newsom’s employees in the conduct of business–or any employee in the conduct of public business–might have led to the employee’s firing.
“I have no remorse making the comments I made to him, no remorse,” Newsom said, noting that the constituent has a history of making similar attacks on city staff. “I felt like he deserved it, based on his attitude. If you look at his email, he used four letter words all throughout his email, and I’m supposed to sit back and say that’s OK? No, I’m not. Again, I don’t regret any one of those emails.” But moments later in the interview Newsom said he could have phrased things differently, and that “being cooped up” is having its effects. “Am I proud of it? I probably could have said something different, but the meaning would probably have been the same,” he said.
“I stand my ground also with DOT,” Newsom said, referring to when he negotiates on the city’s behalf with the state Department of Transportation or the Department of Environmental Protection, “I stand my ground with DEP, I stand my ground with other agencies in Tallahassee.” He said he does what must be done “to protect the city”–a claim commissioners have agreed with over the years, rewarding him with raises and high marks in their evaluations.
On April 2, Paul Guntharp, a city resident and an attorney, wrote Newsom after previous unanswered tries (You have not responded to any of my emails and have not asked Mr. Griffith to respond,” Guntharp wrote, referring to the city engineer, whose rapport with residents can be brusque and uncouth even in public meetings). Guntharp complained about Griffith running “roughshod over a citizen who requested help” and raised fairness issues. He was referring to the swales project the city is digging with a $500,000 grant from the St. Johns River Water Management District.
Newsom responded in a brief email, summarizing the history of the project, apologizing for not being a better communicator at the start of the project. Guntharp wrote back, saying Newsom had not addressed the matter of fairness and asking for an exemption from the swale project–an unreasonable request when it comes to such public works, whose effectiveness fails when only spottily applied. But Newsom’s answer was curt: “As an attorney do your job and I will do mine.”
Newsom’s discourteousness affected some of his dealings with a city commissioner. Commissioner Rick Belhumeur wrote him on Monday asking him about swales on South 23rd Street, where he alluded to the steep incline. “Please explain to me what purpose these serve?”
“Again your an engineer?” Newsom snapped back two hours later. “I will Freed call. By the way I owe rent.” (Belhumeur is Newsom’s landlord. He said in that case he had provided a drawing of the issue in his own hand to the city engineer, who agreed with his assessment.)
“Larry gets pretty twisted up sometimes when he disagrees with people,” Belhumeur said. His concerns are two-fold: on one hand he wants to ensure that a series of city projects that are ongoing have proper oversight. On the other, he is concerned about Newsom’s health, including his drinking. “For the most part I don’t think it interferes with his work,” Belhumeur said. “I’m very much concerned about his health.” Newsom said his occasional drinking doesn’t interfere with work–and said he found it ironic that it was being remarked upon by a commissioner he’s shared drinks with.
“I’m not trying to shoot him down, I’m trying to help him get back up” Belhumeur said.
Commissioner Eric Cooley said he was aware of Newsom’s drinking, but couldn’t speak to it. (Newsom himself acknowledges that the drinking landed him in the hospital a year ago with severe issues.) “He’s always been a drinker. I don’t know if it’s gotten better or worse,” he said. But Cooley was not happy about the personal exchanges between the manager and the constituents. “That’s not acceptable behavior but that’s also not something that’s on the radar right now,” Cololey said. “There’s going to be a lot of accountability when this is done.”
“I’m not a doctor but I can tell you in dealing with Mr. Newsom, he’s had some health issues in the past and we’re all very worried about him,” Matt Doughney, the police chief, said. Asked about the encounter with Newsom outside city hall, Doughney did not provide details, but put it this way: “Larry wants to get back to work and had a difference of opinion on when to come back, and I just made it very clear to him he needed to go home and rest.”
Newsom, who did comply, said he considers Doughney a friend, and that the chief was looking out for him. “I felt like I wanted to be there, my police chief, my captain said, come on. I said you’re right guys, I need to go back to the house. Matt is a friend, but he does his job.”
Of taking over the reins, Pace, the fire chief, said projects are continuing, but with the public health crisis unfolding, “”if something has the opportunity to be tabled, and being that we’re working with modified schedules, if something needs to be tabled, it will be tabled.” Doughney is next in line in succession.
The city commission meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, not at 5:30, when the meetings are usually held. It will be accessible through both the city’s website, live by video, and through county government’s YouTube channel. Newsom said he was advised to sit it out and rest.
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Steve says
Heres an idea how about Retiring and spending more leisure time with the Family. Then the yahoos of the World could kiss your backside.
Ray Jones says
The Swale project has to be the most stupid project I have ever seen. Rains have shown there is no difference in puddles. I have notified Flagler engineers that I have replaced my rocks 2 times because of the swales. Open the beach to walking and surfing.
Stephen Naso says
Question. Why does Flagler Beach continue to hire city employees and elect commissioners who have difficulty interacting with others? Thoughts.
Surf less says
I am surprised Surf moore even got a reply. Nobody in this little town replies to you. Communications are very lacking.
Downtown says
He sounds like Joe Biden. Calling people foul names and challenging them to meet him outside.
Carol C says
Is there not a stipulation on ethics and code to protect the public against a public servant with a known drinking disability disorder addiction problem? How can anybody sit back and think it is ok to allow a person with substance addiction problems to manage a city!? What world are we living in when everyone knows yhe city manager is a slosh and is allowed to serve?
Disgusted taxpayer says
All these fools need to grow up. Oh big deal they said rude things to each other. Sticks and stones…! Enough of this juvenile behavior from everyone. What an utter waste of taxpayer money.
Glassdoor says
First of all, I wish Mr. Newsome a speedy recovery with his health challenge. I don’t intend to kick a man when he is down but this story is indicative of bigger problems with our city leadership and is now highlighted in public view.
As the old saying goes, “Where there is smoke there is fire”, appears to be on point from this article. My own personal experience with Mr. Newsome has echoed the same frustrations as others have noted here and elsewhere. In that case, after repeated unanswered emails to his office for assistance on a relatively minor issue that got worse over time, only when I emailed the mayor did the issue get resolved. There is clearly a lack of accountability and transparency with this CM and it has reached its oozing point. The lack of communication with the swale debacle is a prime example. The quote that he considers email as “social media” further demonstrates this lack of accountability and sends a loud message to other city employees that you too are not accountable to the public. Which again is spot on in my experience with past unanswered emails to the city engineer, public works dept and commissioner Belhumeur as those too were all ignored. Most people work and don’t have the luxury to sit down and talk over coffee that’s why we have email. On the his verbal attacks: This is no way acceptable on any level and would result in immediate termination of any employee. There is always going to be that one citizen or customer that try’s one’s patience. Usually it’s out of extreme frustration that creates these situations and there are always strategies to effectively handle such. This lack of self control illuminates other glaring symptoms of poor judgement and problem solving abilities from the city’s top administrator and is a reflection on us all. Speaking of poor judgement, the fact that your city manager is renting a home from a commissioner doesn’t pass the straight face test in my book and reeks of inequity from both. I am optimistic that some new blood on the Council can help restore some accountability to the city. Unfortunately it appears this needs to begin with replacement of the current manager.
mark a Mason says
nice comment. Best health to everyone..
Dennis says
Manager has anger issues and needs to be reigned in ir fired. Pretty unprofessional here.
Why me.... says
Give the guy a break. He is one of best fiscally managed City Managers a City can have. If you look at the many projects you have going its because he is competent and relentless.
If you want incompetence like some nearby Cities have as City Managers then be careful as you may get your wish! Let the man have a break and rest be kind folks not mean-spirited. It’s hard times for all of us out here. Rest up Mr. Newsome get well soon.
Chris S. says
It’s incumbent upon the mayor to take control!
The gentleman has a known disease; and he’s being enabled by everyone round him.
I have a friend for 25 years that is a functioning alcoholic, and he also crashes into telephone poles; lane waving from time to time too.
In his city he’s been enabled by the police officer by just following him home.
In December I posted pictures of the walkover construction, damage to dunes by contractor and NOTHING has changed.
He’d being excused for his “ salty language?” In a private business, he would be asked to get treatment or else.
We all have problems, so you all around him SHAPE UP!. No wonder the city has been so dysfunctional for past 2 months’ shutdown.
Just sayin’
Wanda D Dearth says
About a year ago I was seeking help from the city with a project. I sent numerous emails to Mr. Newsom over a period of time with no response. I said I felt his lack of communication was unprofessional in his position. He then responded scolding me about being unprofessional and referred me to a different individual but the story he shared left out his lack of response and the facts. I met Larry and his wife when they came to town and was impressed with him, but over time it appears there are issues. I wish them both well and good health.
Percy's mother says
1. Civility no longer exists.
2. Is the swale project really IMPORTANT at this time? Can’t it wait a few weeks or months? (Paul Guntharp and client).
3. These days no one wants to wait for anything . . . an answer, a message, a reply to an e-mail. Heaven forbid there are more important issues on someone’s plate.
4. Coherent writing and messaging have gone out the window. I read some posts on this website and am left with a big question mark wondering “what the hell is this person saying?????????” I’m left considering that the incoherent posts are an indication of incoherent mental states. I’ve learned that a lot of people aren’t operating with a full deck AND they’re not honest.
5. Frankly, I don’t blame Mr. Newsome for being “short” with some of his replies to people who are most likely continual pests, and as well, continually abusive pests. So the man gets short and frustrated occasionally, especially in a time of high stress for us all. Cut the man some slack, okay?
6. Does Paul Guntharp REALLY need to be asking for an exemption to the swale project during a time of complete social upheaval, stress, pandemic, business closures, unemployment, etc? Is a special exemption and “FAIRNESS” really the most important thing such that the city manager has to be harassed about being “FAIR”? For God’s sake, beam me up, Scotty. But this is a typical scenario of people around here wanting special exemptions and special treatment. AND, it’s usually always the same people. The continual complainers. This isn’t good PR for Paul Guntharp . . . pushing for fairness and a special exemption when many of the businesses on Flagler Beach are shuttered and people are out of work.
7. Larry Newsome has been ill. Leave the guy alone for God’s sake.
Mr. Reese says
As the man in charge, If Mr. Newsom cannot see the problem with his behavior, he is in the wrong job. As City Manager you are held to a higher standard. If you cannot handle it , GET OUT! The City Commission should understand this in no uncertain terms. He should be shown the door.
TXO says
This poor guy has been cooped up for weeks like the rest of us, so I’m sure the stress of running a city under the weight of what’s happening across the globe economically is wearing its toll. But damn if he does, damn if he doesn’t. Flagler Beach residents are striking me as some of the whiniest, most bitter & crabby people out there. Ever been to the Flagler Beach for Friends Facebook page? The word “friends” should be used loosely there. Aside from the beach, is there anything that makes Flagler residents happy? Because I’m struggling to see it, and now most of ya’ll are taking it out on Mr. Newsom.
BMW says
The recent election in Flagler Beach shows a growing number of residents are not satisfied with the status quo. There is a coalition dedicated to moving Flagler Beach forward by ousting those who obstruct and to bring a more professional team into all aspects of our City government. The hard working employees of the City deserve solid leadership and the homeowners who fund the budget should demand accountability.
It’s true, trying times bring out the ‘best and worst of human behavior’. But let’s face it, a vindictive tone is not new to Mr. Newsom and our City would be prudent to break all ties with the City Manager. And while we’re at it, Mr. Griffith should be placed on notice to become a better servant of the people or move on. (Personally speaking, interactions with both individuals resulted in less than stellar experiences.)
We have a lovely place to call home. Why not raise the bar and fill City Hall with professional people who value their jobs and respect the concerns of the residents? The demographics are changing and there are those of us who expect more out of our City Government. A fresh perspective in the City Manager position would be a huge leap in the right direction.
#FlaglerForward #EyesOnElection2021
Concerned Citizen says
I don’t know about you all but I’m tired of the bullcrap behavior of our elected and hired officials in Flagler County and it’s outlying jurisdictions.
From Flagler Beach and it’s BOCC who has members crashing into bike riders drunk, to slandering rape victims and beating up people in their stores. We progress even further to a City Manager who thinks it’s OK to call his constituents “assholes” and then suggest let’s meet and fight. Isn’t that a crime by the way? Why does the Mayor even condone it?
Then you have our County BOCC who has members that wants to load us all up on busses if we don’t agree with his politics and others who are letting Hammock Beach Resort continue running un-checked during a Pandemic. Sure makes me feel safe.
Once a long time ago jobs required a code of conduct and work ethic. Once upon a time ago you could get fired and would find it hard to get a job afterwords if you committed unethical behavior. Now Mayors and BOCC’s condone it and laugh about it like it’s funny. Well it’s not and we are sick of it.
Folk it’s election year. Make sure that we get out there and show our county we need a change. Let’s get new people who will represent their consituents properly without name calling and beating them up. Time to clean house and get representatives who are accountable to us.
For those representing us reading this. Please know we are paying attention. We want change. If you can’t do it you aren’t irreplaceable. We will vote you out and find someone who is accountable.
BMW says
I don’t always agree with Rick Belhumeur, but, I was walking my dog the night of the accident and he was NOT showing any signs of being intoxicated. I witnessed the police officers address the possibility and we really should be careful not to spread unproven truths.
Wanda D Dearth says
Totally agree, easy to judge but not our job!
Chuck Bird says
Remember who to vote for…..I will…..
Sherry says
While I certainly wish Mr. Newsom a speedy recovery for “ALL” his illnesses. It seems obvious to me that Mr. Newsom should have NO interaction with the public unless or until he is ready to assume the reigns of his professional position in a “professional” way. If that means that the city leaders need to require that he fulfill on a course of recovery for alcoholism/anger management, that would seem appropriate.
Mr. Newsom had many other options rather than name calling (the last bastion of the illiterate bully) and using profanity. He certainly could have chosen to delegate the response to another team member . . . someone more in control of their emotions. Or, he could have remained silent and composed himself before responding.
This whole “doubling down” and “bullying” way of acting out stems from neurotic insecurity. It is very unhealthy for the perpetrator and absolutely terrible for all those subjected to such behavior. It needs to stop spreading throughout in our country. . . and, “YES”, I do mean starting at the top!
I do hope that our city leaders take active, compassionate steps to resolve this unacceptable situation as soon as possible.
Stay safe and healthy everyone!
Shane says
Some things never change. Mr. Newsome isn’t the first manager that city has had that’s had an alcohol problem. Hell, now even the interim manager has a history of DUI. Seems like it’s time to drain the swamp. Fire em all and start over.
Paul Harrington says
Understand Larry Newsom gets his marching orders from the Commission. While he must follow State and Federal regulations at the end of the day what you see is what you activated your elected representative to do. We may not agree with his style however a lot of things have been done. If we want to stop the spending and rising tax millage rate, let your voice be heard.
Resident says
My question is why are you having Mr Newsom answer inquiries and emails while he is out sick? If he does, it’s not sick leave.
Also, I have to say Mr Newsom has always been very kind and considerate when I have called about any issues. He’s the best I’ve seen here in the past four decades I have lived here. And trust me there have been really bad times with other managers who most of you do not remember.
Lance Carroll says
Same story, different day. For the most part, the leadership of Flagler Beach (elected and hired) has been a dysfunctional debacle for way too long. To those handful of dedicated municipal leaders and wage workers in Flagler Beach, your group is appreciated. Y’all know who you are. Thank you for your service and dedication.
Lance Carroll
Ramone says
I’ve found Mr. Newsome to be very friendly and completely competent. It’s none of anyone’s business what he does when he’s off of work. When he was hired, this city was a mess. The utility systems were in dire straits after years failing to raise rates. He’s turned that around. He coordinates well with the county, state and other local municipalities. Should he have called this guy an asshole? Probably not. But sometimes we lose our cool. It can happen to the best of us. Give the man a break and stop being so hard on him. We’re all stressed right now and we need to ease up. I hope Mr. Newsome a speedy recovery. Get Better soon!
Paul M Guntharp says
The article makes the comment that public works can not work if anyone can opt out. That, of course, is not the issue. Aside from the fact that the city engineer admitted that swales were not needed on S. Central Ave. at a public meeting on March 16, the issues I have raised are equal protection and due process. There are 18 exemptions from swales on S. Daytona from 20th to 23rd Streets. There are 6 exemptions on my block alone. Many, if not most, of those exemptions are for homes with decorative stone like mine.
Everyone in the same position who requests similar treatment should be given the same treatment. That is basic fairness, also known as equal protection. Further, at the March 16 meeting, when asked what were the standards for granting an exemption from swales, the city engineer said there were none except mail boxes and trees. Whether to grant an exemption was just his decision. The failure to have written standards allows officials to be arbitrary and capricious. A system which enables such behavior violates due process.
Anyone who drives or walks through this swale project and takes notice will see that there are many many exceptions. So this is not a project that is so rigid that one or fifty more exemptions would make a difference. What does make a difference is whether we have a government that learned the lessons most of us did when we took ninth grade civics, that equal protection and due process are required from our governments in matters great and small.
Lance Carroll says
Sounds like Mr. Guntharp is a well rounded citizen that has done proper research and states the facts of the matter. I have walked many dirt roads throughout Flagler Beach. Those days are gone to the “progress” of a chosen few that, either have forgotten or, have never known.
Lance Carroll
Keith Sullivan says
Spoken like a true Joseph Biden supporter everyone else always has to have patience and put their projects behind except for when it’s your own.
Name (required) says
Fantastic response, Paul. Good luck dealing with the sanctimonious blowhards. Biased hegemony has gotten out of hand in the past few years in every aspect of American life. Fair is fair and hypothetically, if “Jim” can put a decorative plant on his desk, then so may “Jane.” As written in the work policies agreed to by all involved.