Tavares to consider Troy Singer for vacancy created by mayor Robert Wolfe’s arrest

July 20--TAVARES -- New Mayor Lori Pfister, who assumed that position after Gov. Rick Scott suspended Robert Wolfe following his arrest last week on insurance-fraud charges, is recommending the City Council approve Troy Singer to fill the vacant council seat.

Council members are due to take up the appointment at a meeting at 4 p.m. today at City Hall.

In a resume provided to the council, Singer said he has lived in Lake County for 35 years with experience as a business owner, community volunteer and service in civic organizations. The 46-year-old Singer, in an accompanying letter, cited a bicycle accident at age 14 that left him partially paralyzed as a turning point in his life.

The accident occurred in South Florida, where his family had moved. The family later moved back to Tavares, he said, "where the entire community came out to help my family purchase a wheelchair accessible van. This outpouring of support was overwhelming and I have been very appreciative of that ever since."

He added that he would like to see the city continue on a path of "controlled growth with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility."

Singer is a graduate of Tavares High School, Lake-Sumter Community College and the University of Central Florida. He made an unsuccessful bid for a School Board seat in 1996 in a three-way primary race that included Pfister and Jimmy Conner, who won the primary and then the general election. Fast forward 20 years and Pfister, now a veteran Tavares council member, looked to Singer when the vacancy occurred.

"When she called I was a bit surprised," said Singer, who is married with a 13-year-old son. "I was honored and humbled."

Pfister took over as mayor because of her position as vice mayor. Council members are expected to pick a new vice mayor today as well.

Wolfe was removed as mayor after he was accused of filing a fraudulent $9,300 additional-living-expenses claim, related to water leaks at his home, that he said he needed to cover the cost of a rental for him and his wife and their three dogs. The charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.

jfallstrom@orlandosentinel.com or 352-742-5916

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