Candidate: Wayne Anderson

Hello, my name is Wayne Anderson, Village of Tamarind Grove. I am officially running for Supervisor in Community Development Districts 8, Seat 1. With that said, please allow me to tell you why I am running.

Many homeowners know me from when CDD8 sued me and my wife Bonnie, demanding we remove a little white cross from our yard. I asked The Villages official why I had to remove my cross, while some 38,000 other Villagers did not. I was told because someone anonymously complained. Selective enforcement is not right—and it’s illegal. So, I refused to remove the cross. Four years later, the fight continues.

During this legal battle I have learned a good deal about CDDs, and unfortunately how far The Villages has strayed from the original intent of why Florida created CDDs. In 1980 Florida wanted to really grow. So, the Legislature passed a state law (Chapter 190) and created “special-purpose government(s)” to encourage developers to build, build, build!

In all this state-wide building, our state representatives also wanted to ensure that powerful developers did not become heavy handed with overbearing rules and unfair deed restrictions. Our legislators and courts have clearly said the religious and civil rights of homeowners must be protected.

People say: Wayne, you signed a buyer’s agreement saying no yard ornaments. But I now know The Villages is not authorized to write any deed restriction that violates the law, religious and civil expressions included.

My candidacy is to return to our cherished legal protections and to do only what is beneficial for our homeowners. Yes, sometimes a deed restriction might be necessary. Sometimes. But in this, our courts have ruled over and over that restrictions on our rights are not “favored.” And Chapter 190 says they must first be “beneficial” for the people. I think The Villages has gone far afield from what our lawmakers originally intended, versus what is being practiced today. We need to return to our roots. That is why I am running for CDD8, Seat 1.

While the election, Nov. 5, 2024, is a ways off, we can start now. I want to hear your concerns. I want to carry your voice to The Villages. I want to advocate for your rights. Voting is a year away, but we can get started now!

Your candidate,

Wayne

wayneanderson@centurytel.net