Yet another try at filling manager job

Some past hopefuls have rejoined the fourth attempt at finding a Dade City leader.

By HELEN ANNE TRAVIS, Times Staff Writer
Published January 12, 2008

DADE CITY - In the city's fourth attempt to land a manager, officials hope to find a leader among the 14 candidates who applied by Friday's deadline.

There's a few familiar names in the resume pile.

Frank Thomas, the city manager of Mulberry, was a finalist in the city's first stab at finding a manager.

Also applying again is Robert Mearns, former city manager of Fernandina Beach. He was one of two finalists in the most recent round, but commissioners were taken aback to learn he had been arrested for drinking while driving in 1999 and then again in 2000.

The revelation was discovered in a routine background check. Some commissioners, such as Camille Hernandez and Steve Van Gorden, said they were going to vote for Mearns until they learned of the arrests.

Other repeat applicants include Jean Wilson of Lakeland, a former Polk County School Board employee; Ray Britt Jr., the finance director for Palm Coast; and Caroline Westerhof, a New Port Richey resident who has served as a director at several universities.

Gregg Williams, a Dade City resident with a background in real estate, has regularly attended City Commission meetings since he applied in Round 3.

Another local candidate is William Poe Jr., currently an assistant planner in Zephyrhills. This is Poe's first shot at the position.

There is one out-of-state candidate. David Huseman, whose resume boasts more than a decade of municipal government experience, sent his application from Granby, Colo. - where the high was 22 degrees Friday.

Dade City has been without a city manager since Harold Sample retired from the position in June. Commissioners will receive the pile of resumes and cover letters Monday and decide their next step at the Jan. 22 city meeting.

The city is also working to find a new police chief. Interim city manager Jim Class is working with an advisory committee to narrow down a field of approximately 30 applicants. He said he hopes to make a decision by the end of the month.

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

[Last modified January 11, 2008, 21:22:12]