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Hollywood Commission appoints Demaris Henlin as city attorney in 4—3 vote after contentious final round
Summary
After public interviews with four finalists, the City Commission voted 4—3 on June 18, 2025 to authorize negotiations with acting City Attorney Demaris Henlin. The vote followed hours of public discussion and competing arguments over local experience, outside-seasoning, and succession planning.
The Hollywood City Commission voted on June 18, 2025 to authorize negotiation of an employment agreement with acting City Attorney Demaris Henlin, after public interviews earlier in the day narrowed four finalists to two: Alexander Boxner and Henlin.
Why it matters: The city attorney serves as the Commission’s chief legal advisor and oversees municipal legal services. The selection drew sharply different views at the dais over whether to retain an acting city attorney with deep local and county experience (Henlin) or to hire an outside candidate with longer municipal practice across other jurisdictions (Boxner). Commissioners highlighted staff morale, local relationships, and whether a senior outside hire would provide additional institutional advantage.
What the Commission heard
- Support for…
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