Sumter County Commissioner Don Hahnfeldt was instrumental in persuading a candidate for Community Development District supervisor to change his mind about which incumbent he would oppose.
John Waksmundski of the Village of Sunset Ridge had originally filed to run against CDD 5 Chairman Walter Martin.
But after a conversation with Hahnfeldt, who will be the next representative of The Villages in the Florida House of Representatives, Waksmundski decided instead to run against CDD 5 Supervisor Gerald Ferlisi rather than Martin.
Waksmundski, who moved to The Villages four years ago, holds a Ph.D. from Ohio State University and taught for 35 years. He also served as an official with Springfield Township northwest of Cincinnati.
Martin is well known in The Villages. In addition to serving as the CDD 5 chairman, he plays an active role in the Villages Homeowners Association. He is a past president of The Villages African-American Club, and a member of the 3C’s Ohio Club, the Polo Boosters Club and the Villages Theater Company.
Ferlisi is an officer with the Property Owners Association.