Local artist Jennifer Rossi earned four years on the Archer City Commission dais after defeating incumbent Kathy Penny in Tuesday’s election.
Nine votes made the difference in the Seat 5 race, with Rossi winning 70 and Penny 61. Penny has served on Archer’s commission since 2021.
Rossi is the owner of and an artist at Love and Laughter Art, a shop that creates custom artwork and hosts community painting events. She told Mainstreet last month that she has experience working in a county tax office, as well as a department manager for a historic town, preparing and managing a yearly budget and special projects with the police department and public works.
Rossi said every decision the commission makes should be made to put Archer on a stable financial path for the future.
“I’m honored to have earned your trust to serve as commissioner. Tonight isn’t just a win—it’s a step forward for our entire community,” Rossi posted to Facebook. “I’m incredibly grateful for every vote, every conversation, and every person who believed we could do better together. I’m committed to listening, working hard, and making decisions that reflect the people I serve. Let’s move forward—together.”
City Commission Seat 4 was also up for election. Retired Army lieutenant colonel and business developer, Bill Lewandowski, won the position after no one else, including incumbent Marilyn Green, signed up to run. Green had served on the commission since 2022.
Lewandowski told Mainstreet last month he’s been unhappy with measures the City Commission took to mitigate Archer’s financial emergency and wants to involve the community in the city’s goal-setting with a fiscally conservative approach.
The Archer City Commission recently appointed a new commissioner in October 2025, following former Commissioner Joan White’s resignation from Seat 1. Gainesville Regional Utilities rates and budgets manager Karen Fiore ran unopposed for the seat.
Rossi and Lewandowski will be sworn in as commissioners at an upcoming regular City Commission meeting.
