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Former assistant city attorney to run for Brooksville council

 
Published July 26, 2013

BROOKSVILLE — Former city of Brooksville assistant attorney Robert "Butch" Battista has prequalified to run in 2014 as candidate for Seat 1 on the City Council.

The seat is currently held by two-term council member Joe Bernardini, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits.

Battista, 70, narrowly missed being appointed to the council two years ago when current Vice Mayor Kevin Hohn's name was chosen out of a hat to break a 2-2 deadlock among council members to fill a vacancy.

"I've spent a number of years involved in local government on the legal side of things," Battista said. "I think I'm ready to bring that expertise to the policy side. It never hurts to have someone on a governing body that is ready to offer a fresh approach to solving problems."

Bernardini, who has served as a council member off and on since 1983, said it is unlikely he will seek elected office again when he becomes eligible.