Samuel Simmons named interim Lakeland commissioner for Northwest District

LAKELAND — Samuel Simmons was unanimously selected Monday by the City Commission to become interim commissioner of the city's Northwest District.

The commission voted unanimously to have Simmons take over the remaining year of Commissioner Phillip Walker's term in office. Simmons will fill the seat until November 2023, when the next municipal election is held.

Samuel Simmons, 65, has been the owner of a housing and financial services consulting firm since 2004. Prior to that, he worked as the finance manager for the Lakeland Housing Authority. Simmons started his career as an accountant with the city and is a Kathleen High graduate.

"I love the city, I love the people, I love the community," he said.

Simmons said his current project is building more affordable housing in Northwest Lakeland. His first affordable home is under construction on 8th Street across from Lincoln Avenue Academy.

"I'm a born-again Christian, that's the first thing people need to know about me. Then I have a compassion for people and especially people who are downtrodden or economically disadvantaged and trying to lift themselves up," he said. "Affordable housing is a logical nexus for that, giving people decent housing is important."

Simmons has served as the president of the Webster Park Neighborhood Association for about 20 years and co-founded the Central Florida Business Diversity Council.

Previously: Lakeland commissioners hear from candidates vying to fill Walker's Northwest District seat

In case you missed it: Facing term limits, Phillip Walker withdraws request to be reappointed to Lakeland commission

There were eight individuals who applied to serve as interim commissioner when the Lakeland Commission first asked for candidates in August.

The commission's top five candidates were Simmons, Tracy Faison, Guy LaLonde Jr., Veronica Rountree and Ricky Shirah.

Commissioners ranked the narrowed pool of five candidates in order of preference and submitted their anonymous votes to City Clerk Kelly Koos.

Simmons emerged as the top candidate following the first round of voting, being the top choice of four commissioners. Rountree was ranked second, earning the top vote of two commissioners, followed by Faison in third.

"I’m excited to see Dr. Simmons be at the top of the list," Mayor Bill Mutz said." I will tell you his accounting background, his heart for the city, history of working with all different sectors and his intentionality is pretty awesome. When I take a look at this list, it’s a due reward for someone who has served so long and hard to be recognized."

Walker told fellow commissioners they should consider not only which candidate best represented the Northwest District — whose residents come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds — but a candidate who would serve all of Lakeland's best interests.

"Congrats my dear brother," Walker said to Simmons after the vote. "I'm sure if I can be of help to you, know I will not be in your way at all. I respect the fact that you will be at that time the next one to represent the Northwest District."

Walker was required by state law to resign amid an unsuccessful bid for Florida House District 50. He originally requested to be reappointed to his seat, but then withdrew himself as a candidate after legal issues involving term limits were raised. 

Walker was first elected to the commission by a special election in November 2009. He has been re-elected three times — in 2011, 2015 and 2019 — serving nearly 13 years in office. His last day is Nov. 6.

It's not clear whether the interim commissioner will take over Walker's committee assignments. Walker has been one of the city's representatives to the Citrus Connection and head of the legislative committee.

Simmons is expected to be sworn in at the commission's next meeting at 9 a.m. Nov. 7 at city hall, 228 S. Massachusetts Ave.

Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. 

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland commission selects Samuel Simmons to replace Phillip Walker