After the recent Orlando District 5 Commissioner debate, the moderators were asked to react.
Radio host and political consultant Randy Ross and Chief Strategy Officer of Florida Rising Sheena Rolle were the moderators of the debate sponsored by Gregory Turner and Word on da Streets, and reactions have been all over the map so West Orlando News asked each of them to weigh in and respond from their point of view.
Community activist Lawanna Gelzer showed up to face off against suspended Commissioner Regina Hill, and Interim Commissioner Shan Rose did not attend. It was heated, and not just between the candidates as they lost control of the crowd.
Randy Ross responded, and his unredacted statement is below. Sheena Rolle from Florida Rising did not respond before publication although she did make public statements about wanting to continue the dialogue and the work after the event, and that organization did endorse Commissioner Shan Rose. Here is the full response from Randy Ross:
District 5 Moderator Randy Ross Responds to the Debate at the Jackson Street Community Center
The Orlando District 5 debate brought together Commissioner Regina Hill and Lawanna Gelzer for an evening of spirited discussion and civic engagement. Interim Commissioner Shan Rose chose to attend a smaller coffee event and did not participate.
If I could describe the evening in one word—it would be PASSION.
In my 32 years in Orlando, I’ve rarely seen a room so charged with energy over local politics. The intensity rivaled some national debates I’ve witnessed. What stood out most to me, however, was the audience—fully engaged, vocal, and unafraid to share their enthusiasm.
My only disappointment, perhaps, was that passion occasionally overpowered the chance to learn as much as we’d hoped about each candidate’s vision. Still, once the energy took hold, it became a show of democracy in motion—two candidates with deep histories and strong voices.
Looking ahead, I hope future debates will give voters even more insight into how these leaders plan to shape District 5 and The City of Orlando. That’s ultimately what matters most to constituents.
The big question now: will that passion translate into high voter turnout? Because without it, the race remains wide open.
Special thanks to Gregory Turner and his “On Da Streets” podcast for hosting this important community conversation.
Randy Ross
Radio Host / Political Consultant
Orlando, FL
Watch the Orlando District 5 Commissioner debate from Word on da Streets on Facebook. Gregory Turner from Word on da Streets also reacted online in a video on social media.
Election Day for the upcoming Orlando municipal election for District 5 City Commissioner is November 4, 2025 and polls will be open 7am to 7pm. Early Voting will be October 27th to November 2nd at select times at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office on Kaley St. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is October 23rd.