Jul. 20--VALPARAISO -- City Commissioners have tentatively filled the city administrator position, pending a background check, and are nearing the end of their search for a public works director.

Commissioners selected Carl Scott to be city administrator. Scott will handle daily operations and long-range planning for Valparaiso.

Commissioners chose Scott from more than two dozen candidates.

Scott is a former mayor of Petal, Miss. His term ended this month after he was defeated in last fall's primaries. He served for four years.

"As mayor I have never dodged a single issue, but instead took aim at solutions that continually positioned my city to grow and thrive," Scott wrote in his cover letter. "My pledge is to provide that same drive to make the City of Valparaiso successful and to measure that success by our achievements and prosperity."

Before serving as an executive for Waste Management, Scott owned a business in South Daytona. He is near completion of a master's degree from William Carey University.

Both candidates vying for public works director work in Okaloosa County.

Niceville resident William S. Loftis owns William Loftis Electric, a service and repair company in Valparaiso. His 29 years of experience includes supervision of multimillion-dollar projects and work in building construction, maintenance and repair.

Mary Esther resident James Valandingham is a water distribution foreman for Fort Walton Beach. Before starting the supervisory position in 2008, Valandingham held positions in public service maintenance and water plant operation in Florida and Ohio.

The city administrator and public works director post both earn between $40,000 and $55,000.

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