Based upon the bullet points, I'd say a hybrid with wide tires (or clearance for them), fenders (that fit the wider tires), mechanical disk preferred, v-brakes acceptable, and avoid suspended fork. Now make note of my recommendations (feel free to add the others as well ) and then go visit some stockists and give them your list and see what they show you.

Go for test rides. Come back here with your 'short list' for further input (if needed/desired), then go for more test rides.