Campaign season has begun again in Lutz.
Candidates for Lutz Guv’na will gather on May 16 at the Old Lutz School to lie, make promises they’ll never keep and try to grab a little cash for their campaign.
Lutz wouldn’t have it any other way.
(File Photo)
The candidates aren’t running for political office. They’re vying for the ceremonial title of Lutz Guv’na, an annual tradition that reduces the campaign to its lowest common denominator: Money.
The amount of money — raised by each candidate in creative ways — is how a winner is determined.
But the money raised by these candidates doesn’t go to slick television ads or campaign tour buses like you might see in a political election. It goes directly to local organizations and charities, making the Lutz Guv’na race an elaborate community fundraiser with some unusual traditions.
According to Suzin Carr, the ceremonial kickoff on May 16 is a fun way for the public to meet the candidates and enjoy the spectacle.
“It is a great thing to watch some small-town silliness at its finest,” she said.
Carr is quite familiar with this brand of silliness because she’s been the Guv’na — twice.
Now she gets to enjoy the festivities from the other side, playing the role of candidate recruiter and all-around Guv’na ambassador.
The candidates will be put through their paces that afternoon, taking part in a question and answer session that demands creative answers.
They’ll also have a chance to make outlandish campaign promises that defy logic, science and common sense. And they’ll be forced to play some games that remain secret so as not to give them any hints at what’s in store.
Overall, the goal is to raise money, and the Guv’na race does it well. Last year the candidates raised $9,000 in all, with less than $20 separating the winner — Dr. Cindy Perkins — from the runner-up.
But all of the candidates played a role in helping around 20 different groups, including scout troops, the Lutz Civil Air Patrol and the Old Lutz School.
The annual Guv’na’s race also fosters a sense of closeness for area residents in an era when old neighborhoods tend to lose their identity over time. Carr sees small-town events like the Guv’na race as a way for Lutz to keep its character intact.
“I think that when you have things like this, it brings to the table how important a small community is,” she said.
But a race is only as good as its candidates, and Carr said there are three good ones this year. Jennifer Rankin, Cheryl Lynn Ayres and Karen Sue Molis have thrown their hats into the ring, and Carr expects them to work hard until the race ends and the winner is announced, traditionally on Fourth of July weekend.
“We have three really solid, dynamic, fun candidates, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this year turns out,” she said.
Of course, that number is subject to change, Carr said.
Individuals with a sense of charity (and good humor) are still welcome to join the race. So, anyone looking to improve the fortunes of local Lutz groups is welcome to vie for the Guv’na sash and test their fundraising mettle against this year’s crop of hopefuls. And it wouldn’t hurt to make some wild promises that aren’t grounded in reality, Carr said.
The final tally of candidates will gather for fun and games on May 16, and they hope more of the public will show up to support them and the crazy race they’ve signed up to run over the next several weeks.
Carr will be there to make sure things stay just as crazy as ever. Even though she doesn’t don the sash anymore, it’s still a part of her commitment to the community.
“Once a Guv’na, always a Guv’na,” she said.
The free event runs from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The Old Lutz School is located at 18819 U.S. 41 N. For information about joining the race, contact Carr at (813) 453-5256.
Published May 13, 2015
