ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 Rent control and county-owned housing were competing ideas as District 2 commission candidates laid out their plans for tackling affordability, while the county mayor\u2019s race turned sharp over where affordable units should be built.<\/p>\n
Orange County District 2 Commission candidate George Oliver III said he wants the county to revisit rent control, arguing earlier efforts were derailed by the state. His opponent, Wes Hodge, pushed for Orange County to take a more direct role by building and owning housing, saying the county currently owns none and that reducing profit incentives is key to long-term affordability.<\/p>\n
In the Orange County mayoral contest, tension flared between candidates Mayra Uribe and Tiffany Moore Russell over where affordable housing should go. Uribe criticized what she described as a pattern of placing affordability units in higher-crime areas, while Moore Russell countered that long-neglected communities deserve investment and new housing opportunities, not just newer growth areas.<\/p>\n
Crime, especially youth crime, was a central issue for candidates in both races. Mayoral candidate Stephanie Murphy emphasized prevention and opportunity, including after-school options and economic pathways, saying solutions go beyond law enforcement. District 2 candidate Marsha Summersill said public safety must remain a top priority in Orange County.<\/p>\n
Candidates also weighed in on a property tax cut amendment expected to be on the November ballot, with none of the candidates present supporting voter approval.<\/p>\n
Election Day is Aug. 18.<\/p>\n
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