County Selects New Leader

BROOKSVILLE - Hernando County chose a new county administrator Wednesday, but he doesn't come with the full blessing of his new bosses, who were divided over the hire.

County commissioners voted 3-2 to enter into contract negotiations with Minnesotan David Hamilton, who all five admitted was impressive in his interviews and seemed knowledgeable about Hernando County.

He even won over County Commissioner Diane Rowden who, in October, questioned the selection process.

"I think Mr. Hamilton would do a fine job leading Hernando County," Rowden said Wednesday, during a 30-minute meeting to discuss the hiring.

But Commissioner Rose Rocco said Hamilton is not the "right fit for the position at this point in time.

"We need someone who really has the leadership to hit the ground running," Rocco added.

For example, if Hamilton was so eager, he should have contacted Budget Director George Zoettlein beforehand to learn more about the budget crisis facing the county, she said. Simply going on the Internet and looking up some facts was not enough, she said.

Rocco said she believed Hamilton expects to come to "this wonderful world of Hernando County" and everything will work simply. That is not the case, she said.

Commissioner David Russell, who joined Rocco in casting a negative vote, said he wrestled with the decision all night.

While he praised Hamilton's senior level management experience, Russell said he wasn't sure that he is qualified for the Hernando County position.

Hamilton, 58, beat out Kathy Rice, 60, the only other finalist recommended by a six-person selection committee.

A third candidate, Tom Marko, withdrew his name suddenly early Tuesday morning.

Hamilton is currently the county administrator of Crow Wing, Minn., which has roughly half the population of Hernando County.

County commissioners stressed they are looking for someone who is willing to reverse the revolving door of administrators.

Hamilton scored points during his interview Tuesday when he said he was willing to make a five-year commitment to stay here. And, at his age, he said he was not looking at this as a stepping stone to another position.

Hamilton, who came to America 10 years ago, also served as mayor and councilor of the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada in the 1990s. While there, he said he built reserve accounts to $60 million earmarked for long-term capital and borrowing needs, while retiring all outstanding bonds.

Speaking with a hint of a French-Canadian accent, Hamilton said he and his wife previously researched Hernando County when a prior administrator opening cropped up. He said he is looking forward to leaving the colder climate of Minnesota.

He has more than 20 years experience managing city and county governments in Canada and the United States. During his interview process, he said he had much experience in developing budgets and can manage multiple departments.

County Commission Chairman Chris Kingsley, who will be the point man in negotiating Hamilton's contract, said the man had two things going for him: He has never been asked to leave any former position and he is willing to stay in Hernando County.

Former Administrator Gary Kuhl commuted to work from Citrus County, where he and his wife owned a home.

But Kuhl was forced to move to Hernando County after the county's attorney uncovered a state law requiring county administrators to live in the county where they work.

Kingsley said it seems like Hamilton's demeanor will allow him to stand up to the negativity pummeling county government.

"This is a tough crowd at times to get along with, but I personally think he has the ability," Kingsley said.

Commissioner Jeff Stabins said the board had to consider the cost involved in restarting the selection process, an estimated $3,000 to $5,000.

But beyond economics, Stabins said Hamilton seems to have the toughness required for the job.

"I was as blunt as can be about what he's getting himself into," Stabins said. "He said he can handle it."

Despite their reservations, Rocco and Russell said they would support the majority vote and work with Hamilton if he accepts the contract terms.

"I don't have it in my gut that he's the right person for the position, and I'm hoping he proves me wrong," Rocco said.

As point person, it will now be up to Kingsley to decide who is on the team to negotiate Hamilton's contract, which will address salary and benefits, relocation reimbursement, mileage and other compensation.

Commissioners had hoped to get an administrator on board by March 1.

Larry Jennings will serve as interim administrator until the job is filled.

"I look forward to working with Mr. Hamilton," Jennings said.