A political hopeful who at age 21 once ran for a town commission seat in Lady Lake now seeks to serve the City of Fruitland Park.

Andrew N. LoFaro has filed to run for the District 4 seat held by Vice Mayor John Gunter for more than 25 years. The Leesburg High School and Lake-Sumter State College graduate failed in a 2016 bid to unseat longtime Lady Lake Commissioner Tony Holden.

LoFaro, who was chosen to deliver LSSC’s 54th commencement address before transferring to the University of Central Florida to study political Science with a specialization in intelligence and national security, has lived in northwest Lake County for the past 23 years. He is a member of the board of directors for the University of Florida Health Leesburg Hospital Foundation, and in October 2019 was appointed to serve on Lake County’s Parks, Recreation, and Trails Advisory Board. He also has worked closely with the vehicle donation program at St. Timothy Catholic Church in The Villages.

LoFaro said he’s excited to run for the commission and believes it’s time for a change of leadership in District 4.

“That is why I will fight for necessary term limits, so that our beautiful city can continue to grow and prosper under the most effective leadership,” he said. “Additionally, I will use my knowledge in budgeting and operations to lower taxes and reduce unnecessary spending of our hard-earned tax dollars.”

The race between Gunter and LoFaro will be decided in the Nov. 3 General Election. Mayor Chris Cheshire and Commissioner Chris Bell are running unopposed to retain their seats in District 3 and District 5, respectively. Early voting will be held from Oct. 19-31.

Villages-news.com