When the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club wanted “Papa” Jay Muffly to run for Lutz Guv’na this year, he said yes. But in reality, they didn’t give him much of a choice.
“They’ve been trying to get me to run for Guv’na for what, 10 years?” Muffly said. “They called and said, ‘Well, the club already voted on it.’”
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Muffly, 72, was clearly the one the group wanted to sponsor, and they got their wish: The longtime board member and president of the Lutz Volunteer Fire Association is one of five candidates for the ceremonial title of Lutz Guv’na. The candidate who raises the most money for local groups is declared the winner at a ceremony during the annual Fourth of July celebration.
While Muffly has never run before, he’s very familiar with the process. He’s attended several Guv’na debates, understands its purpose, and likes the idea of raising money to help local groups that need funding.
“Last year there were 20 different organizations that got funds from the Guv’na’s race. That’s the biggest thing,” he said.
“For some of these things, that’s the only money they get and that’s how they make ends meet,” said Barbara Muffly, his wife of more than 30 years. The couple lives on property once owned by her grandfather not far from the Old Lutz School.
Muffly also is familiar with helping out locals. When the fire association closed last year after the county took over fire rescue services, they set up a fund with more than $260,000, which will provide scholarships for local students for decades to come.
Muffly is from Watsontown, Pennsylvania, a borough that takes up around one square mile and 2,200 people. It was less crowded when Muffly lived there. He recalls a small-town feel where kids could play safely and everyone knew each other.
His grandfather was a local firefighter, as was his father and uncles. And after serving in the U.S. Air Force and relocating to the area, Muffly kept the idea of community service. During emergencies or times of need, it’s the local community that usually bands together and gets things done, he said.
“You see it all over America, like when there’s a flood or something, how these volunteer organizations in a local community just pour together,” he said.
Helping local organizations with Lutz Guv’na funds fits in with that philosophy.
To reach the goal of raising the most money, Muffly’s campaign has had plenty of fundraisers. Drawings, dinners and garage sales are some of the activities designed to put him over the top and claim the title of Guv’na.
The race usually includes outlandish campaign promises, and Muffly has a few ideas to undo some of the changes he’s seen over the years and bring back some favorites that aren’t around anymore.
“One of the things I told them was if I ever ran for Guv’na, I was going to tear down Winn-Dixie and build Whataburger back,” he joked.
If he does win, he won’t tear down any businesses, but he will take part in the events expected of the office. The grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of two knows, however, he’s not going to match the enthusiasm and activity of the current titleholder.
“Suzin Carr has raised the bar,” Muffly said. “She’s out there doing stuff all the time. There’s no way I can match that.”
Carr, a two-time Guv’na, has done an excellent job representing the community, he said.
Although he was almost more of a recruit than a volunteer to the race, Muffly said he likes continuing a tradition that lets surrounding areas know that Lutz has a proud, distinct identity that isn’t going away.
“The biggest thing about it is it supports all the nonprofits in Lutz and it kind of says, ‘Yeah county, we’re still us!’” he said.
Published June 25, 2014
