At 37, Tony Crapp Jr. is one of the youngest managers to take the City of Miami’s helm, yet is among its most seasoned employees.
Mr. Crapp has spent all his professional life at City Hall, starting his career in public service at 23 as a legislative aide to newly elected Commissioner Tomás Regalado.
By 25, he had been named the commissioner’s chief of staff, remaining Mr. Regalado’s No. 1 man through his move to the mayor’s office.
Although he was appointed manager by the mayor, Mr. Crapp says he's no one's puppet, which he says he has proven in his handling of public squabbles between the mayor and police Chief Miguel Exposito.
Mr. Crapp is already digging into next year's budget, mulling how the city deals with its “technically retired” employees and resources like marinas to refill depleted reserves. A tax increase is off the table he says,, but reduced salaries and layoffs are not.
Mr. Crapp discussed his background in government and plans as the city’s chief executive with Miami Today staff writer Jacquelyn Weiner.