Amenity Authority Committee and Community Development District candidates in contested races were featured Monday evening in an event sponsored by the Villages Homeowners Association.
Candidates had the chance to talk in small groups about what they have done and hope to accomplish.
The event at Lake Miona Recreation Center was well-attended and exchanges were polite and cordial.
There are three contested races for AAC and a number of challengers have emerged in some of the CDDs.
The VHA provided moderators for each of the small-group sessions, so candidates never directly locked horns.
AAC incumbent Ann Forrester, who is facing former AAC member Marty Rothbard, talked about her involvement in the bench program and Community Improvement Council before opting to run for AAC. She said she is committed to doing her “homework” on AAC issues. Rothbard countered with what he has seen as some missteps by the AAC since he left.
AAC incumbent Carl Bell took some chiding from challenger Tom Fetherling over the AAC’s decision to purchase the El Santiago club restaurant building for $350,000 only to turn around and vote to tear it down.
“We have made some mistakes,” Bell said. “It would be wonderful to go into things, knowing all.”
Bell said one of the things he will continue to push for will be a covered swimming pool. He said he repeatedly hears from residents who have concerns about sun exposure and want a covered pool.
Some like CDD 1 incumbent Ellen Cora enjoyed a little extra time in the limelight as her opponent, Craig Estep, didn’t show up. He is reportedly on a cruise.
Other CDD candidates appeared to get tripped up by not knowing things such as what the acronym ARC stood for. The Architectural Review Committee works hand in glove with CDDs, making key decisions about requests for painting, additions and expansion of homes.
VHA President Bill Gottschalk said he was pleased with the event, a first of its kind.
District Manager Janet Tutt, Budget Director Barbara Kays and District Property Manager Sam Wartinbee attended the event.
Here’s a look at the races:
AAC
Frank Kirschenheiter, Richard Jones and Lowell Barker are in a three-way contest to succeed Jo Weber in Lady Lake/Lake County.
In District 1, Carl Bell faces Tom Fetherling.
In District 2, Ann Forrester is facing Marty Rothbard.
CDD 1
Incumbent Ellen Cora faces a challenge from Craig Estep for Seat 2. Incumbent Clyde Long faces a challenge from Peter Pittsburgh for Seat 4.
CDD 2
Bryan Lifsey, Robert Gilmartin and John Blum are running unopposed. Lifsey was appointed to CDD 2 earlier this year.
CDD 3
Steffan A. Franklin will be taking over Seat 1 as incumbent John Goetz did not seek another term. Franklin did not attract an opponent. Incumbents Bill Ray and Tilman Dean did not draw opponents.
CDD 4
Three incumbents are returning to their seats on CDD 4 as they have no opposition. Don Deakin, Paul Kelly and Jim Murphy will continue to represent CDD 4 which is located in the Marion County portion of The Villages.
CDD 5
Gerald Knoll faces a challenge from Carolyn Reichel for Seat 2. Gary Kadow is running nopposed for re-election to Seat 5.
CDD 6
Incumbent Russ D’Emidio faces a challenge from Donna M. Kempa. Incumbents Sally Moss and Peter Moeller did not draw opponents.
CDD 7
Two candidates are running for Seat 1 which is held by Niles Getz, who filed but then withdrew his candidacy for re-election. Dennis Broedlin and Joseph O. Schlosser are running for Seat 1. Incumbent Ronald Ruggeri was to have faced Joseph Woods for election to Seat 3, but Woods withdrew. Ronald McMahon, who serves as chairman of CDD 7, does not have an opponent for re-election to Seat 5.
CDD 8
Victor Ray and Dick Wedding will square off for election to Seat 3 which is held by Kelly Flores who is not a candidate. The seat is transitioning from a landowner-selected seat to a resident-elected position.
Incumbent Duane Johnson will face a challenge for Seat 4 from Ray J. Banks. Joe Elliott, who was appointed to Seat 5 one year ago, faces no opponent as he seeks his first elected term to CDD 8.
CDD 9
John Rebecky and Steve Brown who were both appointed in February to CDD 9 will run opposed for their first elected terms.
CDD 10
Donald L. Wiley will run unopposed for Seat 3 which is currently held by Heather Figlow.