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Brock Won't Run In '08 Race

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By JO-ANN JOHNSTON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 29, 2007

DADE CITY - Mayor Hutch Brock has decided against running for re-election to the city commission when his current term expires in April.

His departure opens the electoral field for at least one of three municipal seats in the spring election. Two incumbents whose seats will be open, Steve Van Gorden and Eunice Penix, are both seeking new terms.

Brock was asked during the summer whether he expected to run again, and at that time he thought he might. But he has decided in recent weeks to bow out.

"This is the best decision. I am not running," Brock said during a brief phone interview Friday.

Brock said he needs more time for his family and for job responsibilities. He and his wife, Natalie, have four young children, and she is a volunteer at the children's schools. Brock is a lawyer in private practice in Dade City, where "work has never been busier," and he coaches children's athletics.

Although the commission job is part time, it has proven time-consuming over the past year as the five-member panel has grappled with financial stresses and a months-long search for a permanent city manager. Dade City operates a water and wastewater utility and maintains its own police department for its 7,200 residents.

Commissioners serve four-year terms, with each commissioner representing the entire city. The mayor in Dade City retains the right to vote, conducts meetings and represents the city at official functions.

Commissioners elect the mayor from their ranks every two years.

Brock has served on the commission since 2000 and was selected mayor in 2004 and 2006.

Brock, 42, is a Republican who sometimes is mentioned in party circles as a prospective candidate for state office. He said Friday he might consider running for another elected position, but has no specific plans.

"There might be other opportunities later," he said.

The county's Republican party chairman, Bill Bunting, said he sees no openings immediately for Brock to consider.

"I like Hutch a lot," Bunting said. "I know he wants to run for another office, but I don't know if anything is open right now."

Local districts in the Florida House and Senate are well-represented, Bunting said.

State Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, is well-liked and holds what is considered a secure seat, and state Sen. Victor Crist of Tampa is in the middle of his fourth term.

In the Dade City municipal race, however, Bunting is interested in finding a candidate to run for Brock's seat.

The race is non-partisan, but Bunting said he supports Republicans for municipal seats when people he considers capable are available.

Bunting said he wants Bob Hatfield, a teacher, to run in Dade City. Hatfield was away on a hunting trip where he could not be reached for comment on Bunting's suggestion.

Bunting also said he is supporting incumbent Van Gorden, another Republican, for re-election in Dade City.

Penix, the other incumbent, is a Democrat and not part of Bunting's plans.

Two commissioners do not face election again until 2010 - Camille Hernandez, who was first elected in 2006 and clashed this year with Brock over commission decision-making; and Scott Black, who was first elected in 1990 and served as mayor between 2000 and 2004.

Reporter Jo-Ann Johnston can be reached at (352) 521-3062 or jfjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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