WPTV

STUART, Fla. — Former Stuart City Manager Michael Mortell is breaking his silence after city commissioners voted Monday to terminate his contract.

The commission voted 3-2 to fire Mortell without cause, following weeks of tension that began when Commissioner Sean Reed called for his resignation earlier this month.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW: Former Stuart City Manager breaks silence, calls termination 'unfortunate' and 'retaliatory'

“There were things that caused me concern throughout my due diligence or things that were brought forward to my attention,” Reed said during Monday’s meeting.

When asked to elaborate on those concerns, Reed declined to speak on camera.

Mortell said he felt “ambushed” by Commissioner Reed's comments during the meeting.

“I was astounded that in a m

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