Ashley Troutman is running for the Lakeland City Commission to represent District C Southwest.
As of Aug. 20, Dennis Odisho is the only other candidate for the open seat in the Nov. 4 city election. It is currently held by Sara Roberts McCarley, who is running for mayor.
Troutman is the current board chair of Lighthouse Ministries and a member of the Lakeland Regional Health Foundation Board of Directors. He was also appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the Polk State College District Board of Trustees.
He previously served on the city’s Utility Committee, Code Enforcement Board, and Charter Review Committee. He is an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church.
This is Troutman’s first run for political office. He said his top priority will be balancing growth and infrastructure with the need for economic development.
Lakeland is a great place to raise a family; it should also be a great place to own a business, he said.
Don Burns has ended his candidacy for the District B Northeast seat on the Lakeland City Commission.
The decision leaves Terry Coney, 73, currently unopposed for the seat.
After filing the paperwork to run in the Nov. 4 municipal election, Burns, 56, decided he should prioritize family. He officially withdrew on Aug. 19.