Exiting mayor has high hopes for city, successor
Hutch Brock hopes the next city leader will continue his vision of growth and character.
By Helen Anne Travis, Times Staff Writer
Published February 10, 2008
DADE CITY - If he could, outgoing Mayor Hutch Brock would give a magic pill to the man or woman who fills his seat.
Half the pill would infuse the taker with humility. Humility to admit that he or she does not know all the answers, that there is a lot to learn about the city.
The other half would contain confidence. Confidence to say to the constituents he or she runs into at Lunch On Limoges or First Baptist Church that his or her decisions were backed by research and careful consideration.
"You need that confidence to say 'I think I made the right decision,'" Brock, 42, said. "There will be plenty of people who think you didn't."
Brock got into government the way all politicians say they do - to help the community.
Eight years ago, he ran on a platform of smart growth, more youth recreation programs and a balance of tradition and progress. But he could back up his political-speak with memories of home runs on fields where the new county courthouse stands and family roots that stretch back several generations. The combination worked - just ask the only guy who has lost a city election to Brock so far.
"He's a charismatic guy," said Commissioner Steve Van Gorden, who ran against Brock in the 2000 commission race. Brock ran unopposed in 2004. "He was one of those Dade City boys that had a great life and came back to give to the community."
Brock left his hometown for college and law school at the University of Florida, worked for a while in downtown Tampa, then back came home to practice law with a successful firm. In 2000, he became a commissioner and in 2004, the mayor.
But, for now, he's done. Brock announced in December that he would not run for re-election. He wants to spend more time on his career and with his four children, who have yet to reach a finicky age and still like their father.
"I don't want to look back and say 'Man, I didn't choose the right thing,' " he said.
When his term expires in May, he will step out of political life and spend his time working and coaching his children's soccer games, and just being a husband and a father.
But don't expect Brock to fade away from city affairs. His brick-walled law office, with its shelves of honors, degrees and pictures of Elvis Presley, is only a few blocks from City Hall. There are boards, committees and projects in which he doesn't have to be the mayor to have a say.
There's also the candidate that he supports to fill his seat.
On Tuesday, Brock said he'll back Curtis Beebe, a candidate vying for the Group 3 vote.
Beebe's only competitor, so far, is Jim Shive, a former longtime city employee. Last summer, the men were at opposite ends of a local controversy when Commissioner Camille Hernandez sent a letter to the governor calling for an investigation of Brock and former City Manager Harold Sample. Shive supported Hernandez. Beebe led a group that wanted her recalled from the commission.
Hernandez accused the men of coercion, confabulation, corruption and deceit. Brock compiled 100-plus pages of city archives that he said disproved her allegations. A formal investigation never occurred.
Will the Brock stamp of approval have an effect on the April election?
"I think Hutch's support would be important for any candidate," said Michael Hodges, co-owner of Hodges Funeral Home.
"Hutch's name does carry with it a lot of weight in town," said Van Gorden. "But I think ultimately this race is not going to be about Hutch Brock. It's going to be about what Curtis can bring to the table and what Jimmy can bring to the table."
Shive was not worried about Brock's support of his competitor.
"My commitment to Dade City for more than 30 years is a great asset. I have been in the trenches for many years and paid my dues," Shive said. "I believe that will help me in my campaign."
Some were sad to see anyone other than Brock running for the seat.
"Hutch makes us look good," said Realtor Pat German.
Brock said he hopes that whoever sits on the dais after April's election continues with the vision he had when he ran for office.
He wanted to bring commerce to downtown and turn Dade City from a bedroom community to someplace people could live and work. But he wanted to keep it unique, not a community where the houses look the same and "you can't see the difference other than the number on the front."
He hopes that future commissioners can balance the demands of the developers who will eventually want to build here.
"When the housing market comes back, there will be a bull's-eye on Dade City because it's such a cool place to be," he said.
There's still a lot to do in his time as mayor. Brock hopes the city will find a manager before he leaves his seat.
He compared the past two months as mayor to preparing for a court case.
"I'm set for trial in April," Brock said.
While he may be done with politics for a while, Brock has said that running for another office is not out of the question, once his children are grown.
"There's still a lot ahead for him," said German.
Helen Anne Travis can be reached at htravis@sptimes.com or 352 521-6518.