The search is on for Wichita's new city manager. The first candidate hoping to snag the job was interviewed Monday at a public forum.

Pat Salerno is the former city manager of Sunrise, Florida - a community of around 90,000. He claims he turned that town into a major entertainment, sports, corporate and retail destination - and wants to do the same right here in Wichita.

Salerno was brought to Wichita after a consulting firm submitted his name to the 17-member citizen search committee. He spent the day touring City Hall, interviewing with city officials, and then answering questions in a public forum.

When asked about infrastructure problems like sewer and streets, Salerno says he can fix them over time - just like he did in Sunrise.

When it comes to economic development, he says with all of Wichita's current projects such as the arena, the Water Walk, and Downtown revitalization - this city offers him many challenges.

"Wichita is on the cusp right now." Salerno says, "It's very important that if the next few years progress is made and firm direction is followed."

Before taking the manager job in Sunrise, Salerno was the county manager for two counties in Florida. He admits he is a finalist for several other city manager positions across the country and that he initially did not pursue the job in Wichita - until, he says, he learned what the city had to offer.

Salerno says, "What I am interested in is making communities the best they can be in order for them to realize their dreams."