Hollywood commissioners interview four finalists for city attorney role; debate experience vs. continuity

The Hollywood City Commission held a special meeting on June 18 to interview four finalists for city attorney: Doug Harrison, Alexander (Alex) Boxner, Angel Rosenberg and interim city attorney Damaris Henlin.

The interviews, each scheduled for 45 minutes, centered on litigation track records, office management, land‑use and transactional experience, and how candidates would advise the commission when state law constrains local authority. Commissioners probed candidates on conflict management and when they would retain outside counsel.

Alex Boxner, currently city attorney in Cape Coral, emphasized restructuring legal teams by assigning attorneys to departments and boosting training and continuing legal education. He highlighted recent statutory changes governing public‑private partnerships and warned of state legislation he described as eroding local control, naming SB250 and SB180 as examples. Boxner framed his role as providing clear, decisive advice at the dais and working closely with the city manager to advance projects.

Damaris Henlin, who has been deputy and served as interim city attorney for the past 6–8 months, argued for continuity. She outlined steps she has already taken to improve coordination across the office — including bimonthly cross‑team meetings and efforts to shore up litigation readiness — and noted the department’s FY2025 legal budget of approximately $4.1 million. Henlin said she will bring more rigorous document and contract management to reduce future risks.

Angel Rosenberg, a long‑time municipal lawyer who served Lauderhill under contract for 28 years, highlighted hands‑on experience across small‑office operations and mediation. She detailed a neighborhood conflict over the Embryrie Golf Course where she convened stakeholders, established a maintenance schedule and worked to reconcile residents and the developer.

Doug Harrison, who previously served on municipal legal teams and at the South Broward Hospital District, stressed his trial experience and FEMA and civil rights litigation work, and said he favors regular briefings so commissioners are prepared at meetings.

Commissioners’ impressions diverged. Several members said Boxner’s breadth of municipal experience and track record of leading larger offices could provide the immediate confidence and strategic direction they want at the dais. Others praised Henlin’s recent stewardship of the office, her responsiveness and institutional knowledge, and said promoting from within would preserve continuity. Rosenberg’s experience with redevelopment and community mediation also drew support from some commissioners.

No formal vote was taken at the session. Commissioners signaled they would continue deliberations at an upcoming commission meeting where the item will appear on the agenda.

The commission recessed several times during the multi‑candidate day; next procedural steps are to discuss finalists at the regular commission meeting and, if directed, place a hiring decision on a future agenda.