|
|
Thursday, January 24, 2008
|
|
Florida county wants Hamilton for position
Senior Reporter Florida is calling. David Hamilton, Crow Wing County administer, was chosen as the candidate for the Hernando County administrator's job in Florida. The Hernando County Board Wednesday morning voted 3-2 to begin negotiations with Hamilton.
Chris Kingsley, Hernando County Board chairman, said in his fourth time hiring a county administrator he has never had an applicant who came as prepared as Hamilton did.
"We want him to come down and start as soon as possible," Kingsley said. Contract negotiations have yet to start in earnest, but Kingsley was confident an agreement would be reached. "We talked today and said 'you are our choice.'"
Hamilton, who was traveling back to Minnesota Wednesday, could not be reached for comment. Hernando County Board members said they understood and admired Hamilton's desire for a smooth transition from Crow Wing County.
Kingsley said they were willing to wait for Hamilton to tie up loose ends but would like him to start within 90 days if possible. Even with a split vote, Kingsley said the board will be supportive as a whole.
Rose Rocco, Hernando County commissioner, agreed. Rocco voted against hiring Hamilton. She said her decision was based on the county's serious challenges and the need for someone who could "hit the ground running" with more experience in larger communities.
"I just wasn't comfortable with the kind of experience he had and the direction he was taking," Rocco said. But she said the board works as a team and she'll support Hamilton.
"I'll be looking forward to working with him and making this happen," Rocco said. "He's going to have a lot of major issues to deal with immediately. I'm not sure he's really understanding the depth of what he is walking into. ... I told him he's got the position and once the commission makes the decision we work together.
"I'm looking forward to having him prove me wrong. The board will support him."
Hernando County Commissioner Diane Rowden said Hamilton's people skills and his understanding that taxpayers and residents are the county's customers and need to be treated that way was important in her decision along with his knowledge of budget building.
"I'm really excited about the choice that we made today," Rowden said. "I'm aware that it is our gain and your loss."
That was a sentiment echoed by Rosemary Franzen, Crow Wing County vice chairwoman.
"David has been a strong leader during his relatively short time at Crow Wing County," Franzen said. "I especially admire and appreciate his informing style of leadership both with staff and commissioners. He has great ability to help identify opportunities and solutions that benefit all of us.
"While we wish him well in pursuing this opportunity we also want him to know he will be greatly missed."
Hamilton started work as Crow Wing County administrator in September of 2006. Crow Wing County Commissioner Doug Houge said he's gained a great deal of respect for Hamilton and the administrator's tremendous knowledge of county government will be missed. "I would like to congratulate David on his new position and wish him the best of luck," Houge said.
One finalist for the Florida job dropped out just hours before his job interview, the St. Petersburg Times reported. Hernando County has not been without turmoil. The county has gone through three administrators in a short time.
Stability is one thing the board is looking for, Kingsley said. And during his interview, Hamilton told commissioners he was willing to make a commitment for five years.
"I hope nothing changes his mind," Kingsley said. "We look forward to him coming down here."
Commissioners in central Florida thought they may have another factor in their favor. On a day when the temperature struggled to get above zero here, Hernando County had partly sunny skies and a temperature that likely won't be seen in the lakes area for months - 72 degrees.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
|
|
|
Thinking about a New Job?
These employers want you!
|
Loading...
|
|
|
Today's Best Classifieds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
