Mary Downey (Democrat)
Age: 44
Residence: Kissimmee
Political background: First-time candidacy
Local board/agency background: Leadership Osceola and Leadership Orlando; Osceola Chamber board; Florida Semiconductor Engine Prosperity Advisory Board; Affordable Housing Advisory Committees; Osceola County Budget Committee; Helping Others Make the Effort (HOME); A Place for Grace
Why do you deserve to be elected by the Commission by those in District 4 in this race?
For the last 20 years, I have served alongside public and private partnerships in Osceola County and the State of Florida to provide quality care and housing to those experiencing poverty and homelessness. As the founder and CEO of Hope Partnership I’ve had the honor of working with these families and individuals and have helped them secure affordable housing, healthcare, and support services since 2008. This experience has helped me build a resume that reflects the skills needed for this position. Building relationships, strong business acumen, strategic leadership, and compassionate care are what make me deserving of this office.
What do you feel are Osceola County’s three most pressing problems and give a brief explanation of how you’d advocate they’d be solved:
Roads/Infrastructure: Balancing the needs of the fastest growing county in Florida with the protection of our natural resources is difficult. We must make careful choices that help alleviate the traffic congestion without increasing damage to our precious wildlife and land. We need to make sure we have infrastructure in place before we continue to develop and slow our rapid growth in a way that helps us both welcome new neighbors without destroying the community we have all worked so hard to build together.
Affordable Housing: We increase the supply of affordable housing by continuing to encourage private investment, while ensuring we explore all opportunities created through federal and state legislation for more opportunities around low-income tax credits and encourage initiatives that provide for the full housing continuum.
Sustainable Job Growth: One of the best things about Osceola County right now is our Osceola Prosper program providing financial support for any high school graduate in Osceola County to attend Valencia College. As a first-generation college graduate I value the opportunity for our students to get the education they need to succeed. With funding opportunities available more and more students will be able to explore future careers. I would continue to fight for this as a County Commissioner, as well as continue to strengthen partnerships and collaboration through organizations like the School District of Osceola County and CareerSource of Central Florida.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue?
For the last 20 years I have fought for those who need access to safe and affordable housing in Osceola County and I’m committed to continuing to focus on making sure our community is a safe place for all. Thrive Studios by Hope Partnership, a hotel conversion project into affordable housing, recently opened and I continue to advocate for other nonprofits, affordable housing developers, and private organizations that invest in affordable housing. We increase the supply of affordable housing by continuing to encourage private investment, while ensuring we explore all opportunities created through federal and state legislation, including the most recent changes to Live Local that allow for easier development for affordable housing by religious organizations and faith-based organizations.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: No.
We simply do not have enough information about how eliminating the property tax will affect our communities. It was passed through the legislature very quickly and without much data on its effects. An issue of this magnitude should have been given more time and attention and should have been done in a way that the public could understand. Even the website where citizens can estimate their own savings does not display correct information. When our public safety personnel tell us that this will stop us from being able to provide necessary services for public safety, we must listen to them.
This Voters Guide was produced by the News Collaborative of Central Florida, a collective of independent local news outlets and aligned partners working toward a more informed and engaged Central Florida.