John Anastasia, introduced on the record as 'Mister Anastasia,' told the City of Sebastian council he would bring long-term stability and a broad legal skill set to the city attorney role.

Anastasia said he had applied previously and described 45 years of experience dealing with governing bodies. When asked about tenure, he told council member John Nunn he could be available for “10, 20 years,” stressing the value of stability and continuity for reducing replacement costs.

On outside counsel and litigation management, Anastasia said he would evaluate each case, set a reasonable litigation budget, negotiate with outside counsel and monitor monthly billing to keep costs in check. He proposed consistent legal training for boards and departments and described taking an active role as a legal educator to reduce litigation risk.

When asked whom he would consider his client, Anastasia said, “My client is the people at city city Sebastian,” and clarified that he would work under direction from elected officials while coordinating with the city manager on priorities.

The council conducted interviews with two finalists during the workshop and adjourned without making a hiring decision.