Hot seat: new city manager Robert Bartolotta scopes out Sarasota.

It hasn't been an easy start for city manager Robert Bartolotta. First he had to compete for the job with nationally famous transsexual candidate Steve/Susan Stanton. Then old unproven allegations that Bartolotta slapped his dying wife put his new job in jeopardy while the city investigated. A couple weeks into the job, Bartolotta was faced with turmoil at the Van Wezel and the Bobby Jones Golf Club, along with uproar over a pro-life license plate on his car.

How did you spend your first day on the job? I went to three shift changes of the police department and went out to public works. I did a ride-along with the police and ran a lot of calls. They've got a lot of challenges.

What are your top priorities? To listen. I've been spending two-thirds of my time talking to people, and I've been asking everyone I interview for the names of three other people I need to talk to. Who has gripes? Who has vision? Then I'll focus on broader issues.

Are you hearing any common themes? I've heard divergent comments and perspectives on growth. We need economic development and quality of life. There has to be common ground somewhere.

What are other issues high on your agenda? Does it make sense for us to be in all the businesses we're in, and who is the best provider of services? We need to get a handle on the planning process and get neighborhoods involved. We've got to get Newtown going, and affordable housing. Transportation is a big issue.

Any issues you see that aren't on the front burner? We're going to have a real problem finding people [qualified to do jobs]. If we know this now, we can address the problem.

Where are you living? On Bird Key. The location is wonderful; I can be in city hall in eight minutes.

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What's your daily routine? I'm in the office by 6 a.m. I like to go across to church for half an hour and get raring to go. At noon, I like to walk, and I walk in the evenings, too. Haven't done much of anything, but there's so much I want to do.

You recently removed a pro-life license plate from your car after some employees complained. Why? It was not wise to wear my beliefs on my sleeve. I decided not to make an issue of it.

The foundation, the city and the advisory board are all involved with the Van Wezel. Too many bosses? All three play a vital role, and all three roles were blurred. We're working with the foundation and the advisory board on that, and we hope to have a new director in November.

How did you handle the turbulent time when you were hired? I did some reflection, became more spiritual. I told myself, "You're not defined by your job; you'll have other opportunities."