Campaign website: lourdesforcasselberry.com | facebook.com/lourdesforcasselberry
Education: Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology; Master of Science in Library and Information Science; Bachelor of Music Performance; Bachelor of Science in Web and Multimedia Design; Bachelor of Arts in English
Occupation: University lecturer and librarian
Hometown: I have lived in Casselberry, Florida, since 1991, but I am originally from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
Age: 51
Political or civic experience:
1) I currently serve on Casselberry’s Planning and Zoning Commission, reviewing development proposals and working to keep the local community informed about land use zoning updates.
2) I have canvassed and phone-banked for multiple candidates throughout the last 10 years.
3) I have been an officer in the Hispanic Caucus of Seminole County.
4) I currently volunteer with other Latin American organizations in Seminole County.
5) As a public librarian, I serve diverse segments of the community.
What is your top priority if elected?
My top priority is fiscal responsibility that protects residents while maintaining the high-quality services Casselberry families depend on.
Earlier this year, the city approved utility rate increases that will continue to affect residents for years to come. While investments in infrastructure are necessary, we must also recognize that many people are living on fixed incomes, facing job loss, or struggling with the rising cost of housing, insurance, and everyday necessities. Even modest increases can create real hardship for families trying to balance their budgets.
As a commissioner, I will advocate for a careful review of city spending before asking residents to pay more. That includes evaluating contracts for cost efficiencies, pursuing available grants and outside funding opportunities, prioritizing essential projects, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent as effectively as possible. Every dollar saved through responsible budgeting is a dollar that remains in the pockets of our residents.
I also believe the city should examine ways to reduce the impact of future fee increases on vulnerable populations, including seniors and residents experiencing financial hardship. Good government is not just about balancing budgets. It is about understanding how our decisions affect people’s daily lives.
Looking ahead, local governments throughout Florida may face financial challenges resulting from changes in state policy and voter-approved initiatives. Casselberry must be prepared to meet those challenges without unnecessarily increasing fees, assessments, or other costs placed on residents. Achieving that goal requires thoughtful planning, transparent decision-making, and long-term financial stewardship.
My commitment is simple: I will work to make government more accountable, more transparent, and more responsive to the people it serves. Having personally experienced financial uncertainty after losing a position I held for over 14 years, I understand the importance of making every dollar count. That perspective will guide my decisions as commissioner.
Casselberry deserves leadership that listens, plans responsibly, and makes common-sense choices that strengthen our city while easing the financial burden on the families who call it home.
What makes you the best candidate in the race?
As a longtime Casselberry resident, educator, and librarian, I have dedicated my career to helping people solve problems, access information, and make informed decisions. I bring a practical, independent perspective grounded in public service rather than politics.
Having recently experienced job loss after 14 years with the same organization, I understand the financial pressures many families face and the importance of responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I will bring transparency, accessibility, and common-sense decision-making to the Commission while ensuring residents have a voice in the policies that affect their daily lives.
My commitment is simple: to listen, lead responsibly, and put the interests of Casselberry residents first.
What other issues would you tackle while in office?
1) Responsible development, preserving open spaces, and park maintenance.
2) Find more modern, accessible ways to involve Casselberrians in the process of government. For example, let’s go to our local coffee houses or eateries and have a chat about your concerns, or let’s go to the library and hold community meetings. We can even video conference one-on-one should that be a preference.
3) Making every member of our community feel welcomed and that they belong – regardless of background, political leanings, or beliefs. Why? Because Casselberry = community
This Voter 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. Questions for the candidates were created by members of the collaborative and shared with candidates to answer. Attempts were made to contact all candidates to answer our questions – many responded but some did not. If a candidate did not respond, we have done our best to provide answers to our questions based on candidates’ websites, social media posts or public comments. For more information about the News Collaborative of Central Florida, click here.