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Brown Declines Re-Election Bid

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By RAY REYES, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 19, 2008

Updated: 01/17/2008 05:35 pm

PLANT CITY - Commissioner Robert Brown, who made headlines in 2007 when he publicly apologized to his wife, Wendy, for an extramarital affair, has decided not to seek re-election.

At the city commission meeting on Monday, Brown, who also serves as vice mayor, said he chose not to run for a second three-year term after a lot of thought.

He added that "there was a lot of interest from other folks" seeking his seat on the commission.

Former commissioner and mayor Mike Sparkman and businessman Dean Snyder have announced they are running for Brown's seat.

"I've certainly enjoyed my tenure," said Brown, who was elected in 2005.

After his announcement, Brown's colleagues thanked him for his dedication and service to the city.

"Robert, good luck," said Commissioner Dan Raulerson, who is serving his first term. "You have a great grasp of the issues and a wonderful sense of humor."
Raulerson said Brown was a mentor who showed him the ropes of city procedures and protocol.
Commissioner Mary Yvette Thomas Mathis called Brown her "buddy" and said she would not be surprised if "one day you'll be back."
Raulerson said he expects Brown to remain informed on city matters even after he leaves the commission.

"I think you'll still be involved in this community whether you're commissioner or not," Raulerson said.

Brown, who will leave the commission in May, said he wouldn't rule out a political comeback.

"When you're no longer on the commission, I'm going to miss you," said Mayor Rick Lott, who praised Brown on spotting details in lengthy documents and bringing them to other commissioners' attention.

Brown thanked his colleagues but reminded them, "But I ain't dead," which drew a round of laughter around the dais.

"You're not gone yet," Lott agreed. "We have a lot of things to get done."

Brown said Tuesday that there are several major projects he would like to see completed before he leaves office, including seeing the start of the revitalization of midtown, an 85-sector south of downtown, and the final version of a plan that would guide growth and development in areas mostly north of Interstate 4.

Brown, who is the executive vice president and treasurer of Sunshine State Savings & Loan Association in Plant City, said he is most proud of his involvement when the city sought to fund its new wastewater plant and he relied on his financial expertise to help keep costs low.

"I've really enjoyed the work I've done," Brown said.

In July, Brown presented his wife with a dozen roses during a city commission meeting, kissed her and told her he was sorry. He later said he was apologizing for getting involved with another woman. The story about his apology was picked up by news organizations across the country.

The nonpartisan election is in April. The other commissioner whose term is expiring this year, Bill Dodson, has drawn no opponents in his re-election bid.

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 865-4433 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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