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The Guv'na Race Is On

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By B.C. MANION

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2008

LUTZ - It wasn't your normal political debate.

There were no timed speeches, sharp exchanges or clever attacks on character.

The candidates didn't challenge each other's record or call into question the company their opponents keep.

Instead, the campaign for Lutz Guv'na got off to a clean start Thursday night at the Lutz Civic Association's monthly meeting.

Candidates squaring off this year for the community's honorary title are Terri Burgess, a second-grade teacher at Lutz Elementary; Sandy Elmore, of the Lutz-Land O'Lakes Woman's Club; Denise Hopkinson, owner of Scraporium, and Terri Williamson, an advertising representative for The Community News.

They came to their mock debate touting political slogans and toting stuff to sell.

Burgess, who rides a motorcycle for relaxation, promises: "A little leather and lace for the Guv'na's Race."

Williamson, who is adopting the persona of Lois Lane, brought along a cardboard cutout of Superman to be her sidekick.

Her campaign slogans include: "Super powers for all. Phone booths on every corner. Stop speed traps on Highway 41. Four-day weekends."

Elmore, who lives in a log cabin, is basing her campaign theme on her home front: "I'm running to build a better Lutz, one log at a time."

Hopkinson is styling her campaign after American Idol, one of her favorite television shows. Her campaign logo is "The Lutz Guv'na Gives Back."

There were no tough questions - just soft queries, which the candidates were free to ignore.

There were no shrill exchanges, just light-hearted banter.

At one point, the candidates were asked to show off special talents.

At the urging of her 12-year-old son, Michael, Hopkinson complied: She touched the tip of her nose with her tongue.

It was a crowd pleaser, and motivated moderator Paul Vahue to give Hopkinson a dollar.

Vahue's contribution is exactly what the campaign is all about.

The annual community fundraiser pits people who live or work in Lutz against each other in a friendly contest to raise the most money, which goes to various causes.

Last year, the campaign generated $27,634 - the most ever - which went for scholarships, summer library programs, care packages for soldiers and other charitable causes.

That's a record that may be hard to beat, organizers acknowledge.

"The economy is a little slow," said Steve Polzin, president of the Lutz Civic Association.

But he hopes the community will come through again to help the various causes.

"The needs are as great, or greater, than they've ever been."

Reporter B.C. Manion can be reached at (813) 865-1507 or bmanion@tampatrib.com.

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