The race is on to see who will be named the next Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes.
The annual contest, sponsored by The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, helps raise money for the chamber and some local charities.
This year, the contest pits candidates Gayle Hill and Sandy Graves.
Graves’ campaign has the somewhat lengthy slogan, “Making Land O’ Lakes the shining Census Designated Place on the hill.”
(Courtesy of Sandy Graves)
It’s a tongue-in-cheek reference to a skirmish over where the boundaries lines should be between Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.
Gayle Hill, of UpHill Marketing Group, said she decided to run because being a member of the Central Pasco Chamber has been good for her business.
“It’s given me ways to promote myself in ways that I wouldn’t ordinarily be able to,” Hill said. “This is a way for me to help give back to the chamber, while also giving back to the community in the form of the charity that I’ve chosen.”
Hill said she was encouraged to toss her hat in the ring by some other chamber members, including Terri Dusek, a former Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes.
Hill’s campaign slogan is “Moving Land O’ Lakes Forward” and her charity is to help the Fraternal Order of Police create a permanent memorial for Pasco County’s fallen law enforcement officers.
Unlike politics in the real world, these candidates plan to hold some joint fundraising activities.
For instance, there’s softball game planned between the two women’s teams. The game is scheduled for May 20 at 6 p.m. at field at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
They’re selling a sponsorship spots on the program for $25 each, and admission to the game is $5.
Another event is planned in June. It will be a political fundraising rally dinner and movie night featuring the film, “My Fellow Americans,” according to Graves.
And, like most politicians, they’re going to have their hand out for contributions.
“We’re going to hit people up for some donations,” Hill said. Details are still being worked out for other fundraisers, she added.
Graves said she was attracted to the race because of its tradition of helping good causes.
Years ago, it helped to build the pool at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, she said.
“That sort of tradition is what I like. That community involvement and helping some local charities, and the chamber itself,” Graves said.
Graves’ campaign will benefit the Heritage Park Foundation, which will sponsor some scholarships for summer recreation programs, she said.
While it’s a friendly competition, Graves said she’s going to do her best to try to claim the sash.
“I’m trying to get the establishment behind me,” she said, with a laugh.
If you’d like to know more about this playful ‘political’ contest, call the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce for more information, at (813) 909-2722.
Published May 11, 2016
