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Dade City Interviews 2 Candidates

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By GEOFF FOX, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 12, 2008

DADE CITY - Commissioners on Monday interviewed two of the four candidates vying to be this city's top administrator.

Lyndon Bonner most recently spent 10 months in Sumter County as interim assistant county administrator, interim assistant community services director and special projects manager. He was city manager of Bunnell from 2002-06 and served as director of public services in Dunnellon from 1998-2001.

"If things go wrong, I'll take responsibility," Bonner said with a grin during his interview, which lasted nearly an hour. "If things go right, I'll take credit for it if I can."
Gregg Williams spent about 20 minutes before commissioners, often answering questions about his lack of municipal administration experience, while touting his expertise in legal, real estate and contractual matters.

A Realtor and former private investigator, Williams recently moved to Dade City from Titusville. Describing Williams' experience in municipal matters as "not particularly deep," Mayor Hutch Brock asked him why he should be considered over candidates with more experience.

"I'm organized and can make good decisions," Williams said. "I can gather information on any issue and present that to you."

This is the fourth time city commissioners have tried to replace former City Manager Harold Sample, who retired in July. Since then, Jim Class, the city's finance director and clerk, has been interim manager.

The search for a new city manager has been hampered by disagreements about salary and benefits.

Richard Reade, the commission's unanimous choice in May, backed out after he and the city could not agree on compensation. Another candidate, James Gleason, withdrew from consideration in August, saying he didn't want to take a pay cut.

Another factor might be that three of Dade City's five commission seats are up for election in April.

Commissioner Steve Van Gorden asked Bonner what he would do in his first 100 days as city manager.

"I'm the ways and means, but you need to tell me what you want," he said.

"I'm good at getting the brick in the ground, but you need to tell me where you want the brick."

Williams spent most of his interview trying to convince commissioners that his extensive real estate experience could make him an effective city manager. At one point, though, Brock asked him whether he would consider taking a lesser position with the city to gain experience.

"My options are open," Williams said. "I'm a Realtor."

The commission is scheduled to interview Gary Word, village manager of Islamorada, at 4 p.m. Wednesday, followed by Bill Poe, an assistant planner in Zephyrhills, at 5 p.m.

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 948-4217 or gfox@tampatrib.com.

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