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Florida Mayor, Elected to Office in 1949, Finally Defeated

John Land, 93, has served for all but three years since 1949.

By Stephen Hudak

 

Apopka voters decided that it was finally time for a change.

After a historic run by 93-year-old Mayor John Land, they chose a new direction in the name of Joe Kilsheimer, 56, who campaigned on the need for younger, more energetic leadership in a city that had fallen short of its potential.

Land has served as chief executive of Apopka, which means "potato eating place" in a Seminole language, for all but three years since 1949. But he faced a tough opponent who ran an aggressive campaign, relentlessly canvassing voters door to door and pounding home the message that Apopka needed a new direction.

In admitting defeat, Land told supporters, "I love Apopka still, but I'll probably have a broken heart."

The mayor said he was "too old to cry" but hurt too much to laugh. He then flashed back to his days as a soldier under Gen. George Patton during World War II.

"I think about old Gen. Patton — I served in his Army," Land said. "He had a saying: 'I wouldn't give two hoots in hell for someone who lost and laughed about it.' That's how I feel."

Kilsheimer, a former city commissioner, captured 54% of the vote to Land's 46% in the most expensive election in Apopka's history. The mayor spent nearly $100,000, to Kilsheimer's $40,000.

 

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.
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