Alachua City Commission Faces Controversy in Valladares' Interim Appointment

Alachua, Florida, USA - In a significant turn of events, the Alachua City Commission convened on June 9 to address a pressing need for leadership following the recent resignation of City Manager Mike DaRoza. The meeting, albeit marked by tensions, concluded with the selection of Rodolfo Valladares as the Interim City Manager, a decision that could shape the city’s future during this transitional period.

The commission passed a budget amendment resolution that accepts a $50,300 grant awarded to Theatre Park. With this funding, renovation efforts focused on enhancing local recreational facilities can progress. The T-Mobile Hometown Grant, received back on April 3, 2025, aims to supplement these enhancements, making the community’s recreational spaces better for all residents. This grant requirement necessitated a resolution and budget amendment, which was swiftly adopted, following a motion by Commissioner Dayna Williams that garnered unanimous support.

Contentious Discussions

However, the path to Valladares‘ appointment wasn’t without controversy. In a climate of scrutiny, Commissioner Jacob Fletcher expressed serious concerns over Valladares‘ prior involvement in various city projects, alleging possible conflicts of interest. This sentiment was met with strong rebuttals from Commissioner Williams, who criticized Fletcher for prematurely presuming Valladares‘ guilt and emphasized the critical need for stability within city management during such turbulent times.

The meeting revealed an intriguing backdrop of earlier turmoil, including the resignation of three employees from the Planning and Community Development Office in February. Allegations pointed towards DaRoza, suggesting he was influenced by his predecessor, leading to a renewed investigation just prior to his resignation in May. The reopening of this inquiry further complicated Valladares‘ selection, especially as ongoing investigations can cast long shadows over new appointments.

Despite the tension, many public comments during the commission session were supportive of Valladares. Residents commended him as a dedicated family man and a hard worker. They see his appointment as a beacon of hope amid the swirling controversies.

Legality and Ethics

Florida’s Sunshine Law offers clear guidelines about public discourse among government officials, emphasizing the need for transparency and open communication in public meetings. Valladares‘ candidacy became a focal point in the midst of these legal frameworks. Fletcher alleged that discussions regarding Valladares were inappropriate given the circumstances of the ongoing investigation, thereby questioning the validity of his appointment.

On the other hand, Vice Mayor Shirley Green Brown and other commissioners defended Valladares robustly. They outlined that the processes followed were legal and well within the boundaries of ethical conduct as mandated by state law. According to the Florida League of Cities, all municipal officers are required to undergo annual ethics training to navigate such intricate matters, underscoring the significance of ethical conduct in public service.

Valladares accepted his interim role with a sense of honor. His commitment to leading the city during the upcoming months will be closely scrutinized as the community looks to navigate the fallout from recent events.

This backdrop of upheaval raises critical questions about governance, transparency, and ethical stewardship in Alachua. Will Valladares steer the city toward stability? How will the commission address the lingering questions from the investigation? As these conversations unfold, the resilience of the city and its leadership will certainly be put to the test.