Florida House candidate Don Hahnfeldt stood in Thursday evening for the woman he is hoping to succeed.
Hahnfeldt, who currently serves as chairman of the Sumter County Commission, spoke to the Villages Republican Club of Sumter County at Savannah Center. The club’s scheduled speaker, State. Rep. Marlene O’Toole, had reportedly fallen ill.
Hahnfeldt began his speech describing his service as a commander on a nuclear submarine and explained that it will be “11 years this month” since he moved to The Villages.
Hahnfeldt detailed Sumter County’s performance and the successful health care system in The Villages.
The Villages is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States according to data tracker.
“The county has worked very hard to provide the facilities and services and advanced planning for that growth, as well as take planning for the protected build out of the Villages,” said Hahnfeldt, who also serves on the board of the Central Florida Health Alliance.
He discussed how the county carefully spends taxpayer dollars, carefully planning road projects.
He said a few years ago, Sumter County along with the rest of the state and nation faced economic challenges.
“We did take quite a big hit in 2008,” said Hahnfeldt, “but we’re coming back stronger, so we’re in a good shape.”
During a question-and-answer session, club member and Community Development District 8 Supervisor Joe Elliot asked Hahnfeldt if anything keeps him awake at night.
“I actually sleep well at night because things are going well. The reason why is because we are in a unique position.”
