Search for Dade City manager draws 19 applicants

The hopefuls include a familiar face: a man who was offered the job in May but said no.

By HELEN ANNE TRAVIS, Times Staff Writer
Published October 21, 2007

DADE CITY - Friday marked the application deadline in Dade City's third attempt to find a city manager.

Nineteen people want to sit in the leather chair at the glass-topped wooden desk that has gone unoccupied since Harold Sample left the position in June to serve as vice president of development at the Dade City Business Center.

There are some familiar names in the resume pile.

Richard Reade, who was offered the job in May but declined it when he could not agree on a contract with the city, has again applied for the position.

Reade also expressed interest, but didn't apply, when commissioners tried to fill the opening in July. At the time, commissioners were less than excited at his renewed interest, saying at the time it was "ridiculous" and "almost inconsiderate."

Now they're going easier on Reade, a former city manager in Davenport.

"I'm keeping an open mind," said Commissioner Steven Van Gorden, who said he spoke on the phone with Reade last week.

Commissioner Scott Black said Reade has a lot of potential.

Reade visited City Hall this week and recently attended a Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

Also reapplying for the position is Frank Thomas, the city manager of Mulberry and a finalist in Dade City's first attempt to fill the position.

Commissioners thought they had a city manager in August. But Jim Gleason, the sole candidate, withdrew his application a few days before a meeting with commissioners to discuss benefits and salary, citing that the pay range was too low for him.

At Tuesday's commission meeting, officials will decide their next move.

Most of the candidates who applied this third go-around live outside of the Dade City area, a few live out of state.

Thorn Mead, a former town administrator for Seekonk, Mass., wrote in his cover letter that one reason he wanted to move south was because in New England "the boating season just isn't long enough."

Local candidates include Gregg Williams, a Dade City resident with realty and paralegal experience. Williams has attended several commission meetings and met with some officials about the position.

Dade City advertised the city manager's salary range as $75,000 to $95,000. The position also includes benefits such as employee health and life insurance. Cell phone, computer and car arrangements are typically worked out during negotiations.

The city is also searching for a police chief after the August retirement of Phillip Thompson, who led the department for 20 years. Applications are due Nov. 2.

Helen Anne Travis can be reached at 352 521-6518 or htravis@sptimes.com.

[Last modified October 20, 2007, 20:38:03]