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Dennis sees Dade City commission job as 'caretaker'

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By LAURA KINSLER

lkinsler@tampatrib.com

Published: November 12, 2009

DADE CITY - Longtime City Commissioner Bill Dennis, who will take his familiar seat on the dais next month, said he is re-entering the political arena for one reason: to do what's best for Dade City.

Commissioners on Tuesday appointed Dennis, once the longest-serving commissioner, to fill the vacancy created by Steve Van Gorden's departure. Van Gorden resigned because he is moving outside the city limits.

"I don't have any goals," Dennis said. "I see this as a caretaker position."

During his long political career, Dennis, 77, was known to have an independent streak, often coming out on the short end of 4-1 votes. He also served two years as mayor.

"I always try to research my position and do what I think is right," he said.

Van Gorden's term expired in 2012, and the seat will be on the ballot during the next city election in April. Dennis said he will decide in the next few months whether to run for the final two years of the term.

Dennis is a retired teacher who counts City Manager Billy Poe among his former students. He served on the commission from 1982 to 1990, when he was unseated by Scott Black, the current mayor. Dennis was elected again in 1998 and served until 2006, when he was defeated by Camille Hernandez.

"It's interesting; Bill is coming back and working with two people who ran against him," Black said.

Van Gorden, Black and Commissioner Curtis Beebe voted for Dennis. Commissioners Eunice Penix and Hernandez supported former city employee and commission candidate Jim Shive.

Commissioners also voted 3-2 to retain City Attorney Karla Owens as a part-time attorney. Owens is resigning her positions as director of code enforcement and community development as of Dec. 31.

Hernandez said the commission should consider making a change. She made a motion to terminate Owens and "inject some new blood" into the community.

"Our city has been presented several challenges over the last few years," Hernandez said. "I would like to suggest that challenges present opportunities, and I think this is the perfect opportunity to cast our net out there."

Van Gorden, who also has clashed with Owens in the past, supported the motion.

"My concern is not a personal issue with Karla," he said. "I just don't see a problem in sending it out to see what's out there. I don't think Karla's a bad attorney."

Black, Beebe and Penix came to Owens' defense.

"I feel like we've had good service from Ms. Owens," Black said. "I don't see a reason to terminate. We've been very fortunate to have her in our service, especially with her government experience."

Owens joined the city in 2003 and earned $80,000 a year, making her the highest-paid city employee. She will earn $25,000 a year as a part-time attorney. She also will forfeit a generous benefit package that included a car allowance and more than six weeks of paid sick leave and vacation.

Poe said the city will advertise for a new community development director. The code enforcement and building departments will report to the city manager.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 259-8109.

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