Voters to Decide If Apopka Mayor John Land, 93, Should Get Another Term
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Mayor John Land/Facebook(APOPKA, Fla.) — At 93 years old, Mayor John Land of Apopka, Fla., is asking voters for another term Tuesday.
Aside from a two-year break, Land has held the top job in the Orlando suburb since 1949 and has the distinction of being the longest-serving mayor in Florida, according to the League of Cities.
It won’t be a landslide this time, though, as the mayor faces a challenge from Joe Kilsheimer, 56. Neither man won a majority in the four-person election in March, and so a runoff race will be decided Tuesday.
Here are five things you need to know about one of the oldest mayors in the United States as he seeks his 20th term.
He Works for Free
Land cut his salary to zero in 2008, according to his campaign Facebook page. At 93 years old, though, it’s safe to say the mayor qualifies for social security.
He Apparently Has a Knack for Remembering Names
“Wow I must say Mayor John Land is truly incredible! After today’s council meeting I went up to shake his hand and not only did he remember my name but he also a remembered a concern I brought up 6 MONTHS earlier with city parking and even remembered my street!!! Blew me away!” Benjamin Bankson wrote on the mayor’s Facebook page.
Sen. Marco Rubio Endorses Him
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio endorses Land because “he supports helping everyone achieve the American dream — from farm workers to foliage growers, from young entrepreneurs to retirees,” according to a letter posted on the mayor’s Facebook page.
He Has His Own Road
Land even has a state road named for him. The John Land Apopka Expressway was dedicated in 2009. It stretches five miles and is the first east-west corridor built in Central Florida in decades, according to the Orland-Orange County Expressway Authority.
He’s A Conservationist
Land studied at the University of Florida’s School of Forest Studies & Conservation and likes to say he was a conservationist “before it was cool.”
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