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Commission Worked Hard For Consensus On Attorney

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By JULIA FERRANTE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - History will show that Pasco's county-attorney-in-waiting was the commission's unanimous choice.

A 5-0 vote Tuesday secured Jeffrey Steinsnyder's spot atop the legal department if he accepts the job.

What the tally doesn't show is that the former assistant Manatee County attorney went from long shot - last among the four finalists, with just one solid vote, after the first set of interviews - to compromise candidate in winning the opportunity.

Just how did Steinsnyder, whose resume includes a stint at the state Department of Community Affairs and a current assignment representing the Manatee County School Board, become the chosen one?

First, two controversial finalists had to be eliminated; then a third candidate with lukewarm support had to be set aside.

Steinsnyder's assent began with Commissioner Ted Schrader, who sat on the committee that selected five applicants for the initial interviews. Steinsnyder's resume immediately stood out, Schrader said, because of the lawyer's extensive government experience in a county with similar demographics to Pasco.

Stellar references helped build his case. Then, in an interview, Steinsnyder - now in private practice - showed an even-keeled disposition that reminded Schrader of his own "laid-back" style.

"Quite honestly he had always been at the top of my list," Schrader said in retrospect. "I was glad to hear the commissioners agree on Tuesday with what I said about Jeff before."

Steinsnyder's understated demeanor was the same quality that turned off other commissioners. Chairwoman Ann Hildebrand wondered if he would be assertive enough. Michael Cox and Jack Mariano were bothered that Steinsnyder, by his own description, is "not a litigator."

Cox became a late supporter, however, after his top choice was eliminated 3-2. He had pushed for Land O' Lakes attorney Tim Hayes, touting him as a tough litigator with a commitment to building the business community and the personality to get along with County Administrator John Gallagher.

Top 3 Finalists Draw Criticism

Mariano supported Hayes for similar reasons. But the other commissioners opposed Hayes because he was held up as the "developers' candidate," recruited to "fix" county ordinances and replace assistant attorneys who have taken a hard line with builders. Hayes has denied that characterization.

Cox's and Mariano's second choice was Douglas Wyckoff, who has government experience and a successful record winning lawsuits. The other commissioners were concerned that Wyckoff, from the Florida Panhandle, did not include dates on his resume and apparently hopped from job to job.

Cox and Mariano were firmly against the only in-house candidate, Chief Assistant County Attorney Barbara Wilhite, criticizing her sometimes confrontational management style. They surmised she would not get along with Gallagher, which they said was critical.

Cox also questioned why Wilhite did not make necessary changes in the office before applying for the No. 1 job.

Commissioner Pat Mulieri was Wilhite's strongest advocate. Schrader also supported Wilhite, saying she outshone all others interviewed, but he made it clear Steinsnyder was a top choice as well.

Hildebrand was ready to stand behind Wilhite when the board was to vote Oct. 23. But Cox requested two more weeks to interview the candidates one on one. The board - hoping to reach consensus - agreed to the extension unanimously.

On Tuesday, Mulieri tried to preempt discussion and asked commissioners to pick Wilhite, but her motion wasn't seconded and died.

"I was reluctant to give a second," Schrader said later. "I didn't know if Barbara had three solid votes. I didn't want her to go the same way as Tim Hayes. Because the board went the route of re-interviews, I also thought we owed it to the other commissioners to listen to what they had to say."

Consensus Was Important

Cox took the opportunity to make a case for Steinsnyder, and Mariano agreed. Mulieri objected but accepted Steinsnyder to achieve a consensus. Hildebrand got onboard, too.

So why was consensus so important?

"Whoever it was, if it was a 3-2 vote or a 4-1 vote, then you have a divisive board," Schrader said.

"In this particular instance, because all of us are this person's boss, if you don't have the full support you will always have one of your bosses questioning your actions."

History shows a less than unanimous selection isn't doomed to failure. Gallagher, the county administrator for 26 years, initially was chosen on a 3-2 vote. Then-Commissioner Curtis Law suggested they reconsider and make it unanimous. Sylvia Young held out.

As Dade City's representative, she was concerned that Gallagher, who grew up in New Port Richey, would not represent east Pasco's interests. She would later say Gallagher won her over.

Robert Sumner, the retiring county attorney, was appointed to an interim position and then selected in a 4-1 vote in 1999, with Mulieri opposed.

Hildebrand said this week's decision was "a close call." She said her concerns about Steinsnyder were dispelled by another round of reference checks. The fact that every commissioner could agree on him was the deciding factor.

"I've heard that he is more assertive than I gave him credit for, and he is a good consensus builder," Hildebrand said.

Steinsnyder is scheduled to visit the county attorney's office next week. Schrader has been assigned to negotiate his salary and starting date in the coming weeks.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.

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