{"id":359216,"date":"2026-07-31T19:52:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T19:52:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/359216\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T19:52:07","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T19:52:07","slug":"2026-voters-guide-orange-county-mayor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/359216\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Voter\u2019s Guide – Orange County mayor"},"content":{"rendered":"

As part of our commitment to providing you with what you need to make an informed decision in the 2026 elections, News 6 joined with the News Collaborative of Central Florida<\/a> to present the Voting Central Florida 2026 Voter\u2019s Guide. <\/p>\n

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.<\/p>\n

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you\u2019re eligible to vote<\/a>|How to vote by mail<\/a>|Election Myths<\/a>]<\/p>\n

Florida has a closed primary system<\/a>, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.<\/p>\n

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.<\/p>\n

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n

Orange County mayor<\/p>\n

Unlike most counties in Central Florida, Orange County has a dedicated strong mayor who oversees day-to-day operations in government. In addition to leading meetings, managing the county\u2019s 8,000 employees, and overseeing the county\u2019s multi-billion dollar budget, the mayor is also the face of the county at regional boards for transportation, the airport, tourism and other growth issues. <\/p>\n

The mayoral race is a nonpartisan election, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.<\/p>\n

Since there are four candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November. <\/p>\n

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. <\/p>\n

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities. <\/p>\n

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel and Vox Populi compiled the candidate responses for the Orange County mayoral race, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks. <\/p>\n

You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n

Chris Messina<\/p>\n

WEBSITE: www.chrismessina.com\/<\/a> <\/p>\n

Top issues in your race<\/p>\n

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:<\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Low median wages stifle economic opportunity for many Orange County citizens. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data ranks Greater Orlando as #49\/50 of the 50 largest metro areas in the US, with a median wage of $45,410 in 2024. We\u2019ll address this by diversifying our local economy, with a focus on attracting High Tech\/Space Tech businesses, to bring a range of great jobs to complement those we have now. A centerpiece of our Space Tech recruitment efforts will be to bring the first military academy in the South – The Space Force Academy- to Orange County. The Space Force Academy alone will generate a minimum of $1B in local economic activity.<\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: We need to keep our kids safe; they are our future! As one indicator of the scale of the attacks on our children, leaders affiliated with organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children say that Greater Orlando is #3 in the country in child sex trafficking. The USF Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Lab 2024 State Report estimates that there were 100,000 trafficked children in FL, with Orange County in the top group. In addition, there is a rise in large group teen crime, such as the April 2026 \u201cIcon Park Takeover.\u201d Our approach to keeping our children safe will be multifaceted. We\u2019ll focus on every environment that our children find themselves in. This includes getting rid of environmental toxins, providing more sports opportunities and playing fields, and sensibly regulating e-bike use. Above all, we will focus on fostering a culture of responsibility, accountability, and opportunity. A major initiative which we plan to launch is our Orange County Works program. This provides a subsidized trade school education to every qualified citizen in Orange County who wants one. Eligibility will start junior year in High School and run through middle age, addressing the local shortage of qualified trades workers, while providing a hopeful path to those feeling stuck in a \u201cdead-end\u201d job. After finding a trade job, the recipient will have 5 or 10 years to pay \u00bd of the subsidies back. This will help keep the program evergreen. <\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: We need to get rid of waste, fraud & bureaucracy in County government. That way we can invest where needed- such as better transportation & affordable housing – without raising taxes (& potentially while cutting taxes, if the ballot initiative to reduce homesteaded taxes passes.) We\u2019ll utilize a forensic audit team, zero-based budgeting, and fiscal discipline to cut $200M\/ year in programs which are unnecessary, inefficient, or both.<\/p>\n

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? My combination of Experience, Education & Vision is ideal for the role of Orange County Mayor: <\/p>\n

Experience: <\/p>\n

Building high-tech businesses, trade associations & foundations that have cumulatively created thousands of great jobs<\/p>\n

Solving problems with technology<\/p>\n

Community service – Vice Chair- Orange County Watch; volunteer OC High School Football Coach; Big Brother; Special Needs Ministry founder.<\/p>\n

Education: MBA, Harvard; Master\u2019s in City & Regional Planning (Rotary Fellow) <\/p>\n

Vision: <\/p>\n

Bring the SpaceForce Academy to Orange County, lead OC to be the US center for SpaceTech. <\/p>\n

Fund a Trade school education (Orange County Works) for every OC citizen who wants one. <\/p>\n

Transform the Lynx system using technology to right-size it, making it a more reliable\/efficient point-to-point system. <\/p>\n

Revitalize our blighted Strip malls, create vibrant housing (including affordable), commercial & residential centers. <\/p>\n

Partner with the City of Orlando & local builders to develop Church Street into a mega-sports entertainment complex, including e-sports, & giving local residents an equity stake.<\/p>\n

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida\u2019s affordability issue?<\/p>\n

Bringing in additional great jobs. \u201cAffordability\u201d is mainly a function of earnings ability. <\/p>\n

Facilitate educational paths, especially in the trades, which provide opportunities for economic advancement. <\/p>\n

Cutting the per capita cost imposed by local government on its residents.<\/p>\n

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue \u2013 fees and\/or service reductions? I will vote Yes to lower property taxes by increasing the Homestead exemption and am encouraging everyone to vote accordingly. The total from taxes on homesteaded properties is 2.5% of Orange County\u2019s budget, assuming no growth. The impact of the proposed amendment on Orange County\u2019s budget is likely to be less than a 2% reduction, again, assuming no growth. With growth, Orange County budget revenues will be neutral to positive even if this amendment takes effect. Any shortfall will be addressed by economic growth, combined with fiscal discipline. It\u2019s important to note that non-homesteaded residential and commercial properties are both larger County ad valorem revenue categories than all homesteaded properties. <\/p>\n

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida\u2019s utility regulators respond? Although this issue is largely addressed at a state vs. a county level, there are a number of important considerations. First, I don\u2019t believe that hyper-scale data centers are right for Florida, especially because of the risks to our water supply. Second, I believe that the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) should discontinue incentives for inefficient large-scale utility solar fields & wind turbines and instead encourage clean coal and small-scale nuclear to provide stable base load power. In addition, FPSC should incentivize investments in commercial & residential rooftop solar by mandating net metering (1 for 1 utility bill credits) and cash payments for the net energy those installations send back to the grid.<\/p>\n

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? We need to reduce pollution across the board- water, air & land- starting with threats to the Florida Aquifer. That\u2019s why I oppose hyper-scale data centers in Florida generally and Orange County specifically. These hyper-scale centers are currently cooled by massive amounts of water. That water is chemically treated with glycols, phosphates, nitrates, biocides, and sodium hydroxide, among other additives, all of which will end up back in our water supply.<\/p>\n

Tiffany Moore Russell<\/p>\n

WEBSITE: https:\/\/tiffanyformayor.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Top issues in your race<\/p>\n

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:<\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Housing. <\/p>\n

Orange County families, seniors, teachers, first responders, and young professionals are struggling with rising housing costs. I will expand workforce and affordable housing through public-private partnerships, preserve existing affordable housing, encourage mixed-income development, and coordinate with our municipalities to increase housing options while protecting neighborhoods. Housing solutions must also be paired with transportation and infrastructure investments to keep communities connected and affordable. <\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Managing Growth & Transportation. <\/p>\n

Orange County continues to grow rapidly, and our infrastructure must keep pace. I will prioritize smart, responsible growth by ensuring roads, stormwater are considered before approving new development. We must invest strategically while preserving our quality of life and protecting rural and environmentally sensitive areas. Furthermore, we must prioritize solutions to address our transportation deficiencies. Orange County needs a dedicated funding source to address a multi-modal transportation plan for the future. <\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Economic Prosperity. Residents deserve a county government that is transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on delivering results. I will support workforce development, access to opportunities for small businesses, and economic opportunities that create good-paying jobs while maintaining responsible budgeting. My experience managing a large constitutional office and serving on the County Commission has prepared me to lead efficiently and responsibly. <\/p>\n

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I deserve to be the next Orange County Mayor because I care about the people of Orange County, not special interests. I have dedicated my career to serving the people of Orange County. As an Orange County Commissioner for eight years and as Clerk of Courts for more than twelve years, I have managed large budgets, led complex organizations, and worked collaboratively to solve community challenges. I understand county government because I\u2019ve served in it, and I have a proven record of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and delivering results. I\u2019m running to bring experienced leadership that listens, builds consensus, and puts Orange County residents first. As a former County Commissioner, I secured funding to improve infrastructure in the Little Egypt Community. As Clerk of Court, I raised the starting pay for Clerks from $12 to $17 while also making budget cuts. I understand that Orange County wants a mayor committed to this County and bringing about transformative change. <\/p>\n

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida\u2019s affordability issue? Affordability requires a comprehensive approach. At the county level, we can increase the supply of workforce and affordable housing, reduce unnecessary barriers to responsible development, preserve existing affordable housing, and support transportation investments that lower commuting costs. We should also continue attracting high-quality jobs, invest in workforce training, and ensure county government operates efficiently to maximize taxpayer dollars. While many affordability challenges require state and federal action, Orange County can take meaningful steps to reduce costs for working families.<\/p>\n

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue \u2013 fees and\/or service reductions? I would vote No on the constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes because I believe it will hinder local governments from providing quality services uniquely designed for that community. Any proposal affecting property taxes should be carefully evaluated based on its long-term impact on essential local services. Property taxes fund public safety, parks, transportation, libraries, and other critical county services. While I understand the financial pressures facing homeowners, any reduction in revenue must be accompanied by a sustainable funding plan that does not shift costs to residents through higher fees or reduce the quality of services they rely on. My priority is protecting taxpayers while ensuring Orange County remains financially strong. As the Orange County Clerk, I have been faced with cutting my budget three times within one fiscal year. I was successful in modernizing the processes and services in the Clerk\u2019s Office and avoided any furloughs or layoffs. It will always be my priority to explore opportunities for efficiencies while protecting the quality of services to citizens and county employees before presenting any tax or fee proposal.<\/p>\n

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida\u2019s utility regulators respond? Utility regulators should ensure that infrastructure investments are planned responsibly, rates remain fair and transparent, and costs are allocated appropriately. As Florida\u2019s energy demands grow, regulators should balance reliability, affordability, and long-term sustainability while encouraging energy efficiency and thoughtful planning. Residents and small businesses should not bear an unfair share of costs resulting from significant new industrial demand.<\/p>\n

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Protecting our water resources while managing growth is one of the most important environmental challenges facing Orange County. We must protect our lakes, wetlands, springs, and drinking water through responsible land-use decisions, conservation, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable development practices. As our community grows, we have a responsibility to preserve natural resources and open spaces while ensuring future generations enjoy the same quality of life that makes Orange County such a special place.<\/p>\n

Stephanie Murphy<\/p>\n

WEBSITE: https:\/\/murphyformayor.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability. Housing is the biggest financial challenge facing many Orange County families, and it\u2019s the foundation of my affordability agenda. The simple reality is that we are not building enough housing to keep pace with our growing community, and that shortage is driving up costs.<\/p>\n

As mayor, I will increase the supply of attainable housing by streamlining permitting, reducing unnecessary barriers to construction, encouraging thoughtful development where infrastructure already exists, and partnering with employers and the private sector to expand workforce housing. We can create more housing while protecting the character of our existing neighborhoods.<\/p>\n

Orange County cannot become a world-class community if teachers, nurses, first responders, hospitality workers, young professionals, and families can no longer afford to live in the community they serve.<\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Livability. Livability means making Orange County a place where families can spend less time stuck in traffic and more time enjoying the community they call home. As our county continues to grow, we must invest in infrastructure before it falls behind. That means improving roads, modernizing transportation, expanding parks and recreational opportunities, protecting our natural resources, strengthening stormwater infrastructure, and delivering world-class county services.<\/p>\n

Growth is a sign of Orange County\u2019s success, but it must be managed thoughtfully. We can welcome new residents and businesses while protecting neighborhoods, preserving our quality of life, and ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with growth.<\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Opportunity. Opportunity means creating an economy where every resident has the chance to build a successful future right here in Orange County. Tourism will always be one of our greatest strengths, but we must also diversify our economy by attracting higher-wage employers in industries like advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, life sciences, technology, and financial services, while continuing to support the small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy.<\/p>\n

We also need to invest in people. That means expanding workforce training, apprenticeships, mentoring, and creating Orange County Promise so more students can earn a community college degree or workforce credential. We can\u2019t afford not to make that investment. By connecting more residents to good-paying jobs and creating pathways to upward mobility, we can ensure Orange County remains a place where families can build lasting prosperity for generations to come.<\/p>\n

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I\u2019m prepared to lead Orange County on day one. Throughout my career in business, national security, and Congress, I\u2019ve managed complex challenges, built consensus, and delivered results. The Orange County Mayor oversees an $8 billion-plus organization with thousands of employees, making it one of the largest executive leadership roles in Central Florida. But the mayor also serves as Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, where success depends on bringing people together, building consensus, and turning good ideas into action. My experience leading organizations and working across policy differences has prepared me to do both.<\/p>\n

But this campaign isn\u2019t about my r\u00e9sum\u00e9. It\u2019s about the future of Orange County. I\u2019m running to make our community more affordable, more livable, and full of opportunity so the next generation can build their future right here at home.<\/p>\n

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida\u2019s affordability issue? The greatest pressures on working families are the rising costs of housing, transportation, insurance, and everyday necessities. While many of those challenges are beyond the control of local government, county leaders have a responsibility to make every taxpayer dollar count.<\/p>\n

Smart investments in stormwater systems, flood mitigation, and resilient infrastructure not only protect homes and businesses, they can also reduce risk over time. While the county can\u2019t set insurance rates, lowering flood risk is one way local governments can help improve insurability and ease pressure on insurance costs over the long term.<\/p>\n

My priorities are straightforward: make housing more attainable, improve infrastructure, grow higher-paying jobs, and ensure county government delivers better value for every taxpayer dollar. That\u2019s how we make Orange County more affordable for the people who call it home.<\/p>\n

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue \u2013 fees and\/or service reductions? I will vote no. I support responsible property tax relief, but I do not support eliminating a major source of local revenue without a credible plan to replace it. Property taxes fund essential services residents rely on every day, including public safety, roads, parks, stormwater infrastructure, and emergency management.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m also concerned the proposal could make Florida\u2019s housing shortage worse. Exempting newly permitted homes under $250,000 from property taxes would leave counties and cities responsible for providing roads, public safety, parks, and other services without the revenue to pay for them. That creates a strong disincentive to approve the attainable and workforce housing our community desperately needs.<\/p>\n

Eliminating property taxes without a responsible replacement plan could also shift more of the burden to regressive taxes and fees that hit working families the hardest. Tax relief should be thoughtful, sustainable, and protect the services that make Orange County a great place to live.<\/p>\n

Orange County\u2019s budget has grown significantly in recent years, so we should first improve efficiency, hold departments accountable, and ensure taxpayer dollars are focused on core priorities. If this amendment were approved, my priority would be protecting public safety and other essential services through a comprehensive spending review, delaying lower-priority projects where appropriate, pursuing additional state support, and finding efficiencies before considering higher taxes or fees.<\/p>\n

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida\u2019s utility regulators respond? Innovation and economic growth are essential to Orange County\u2019s future, but they should not come at the expense of working families and small businesses. The rapid growth of data centers across Florida is increasing demand on our electric grid, and residents can feel the impact in their monthly utility bills whether those facilities are located in Orange County or somewhere else in the state.<\/p>\n

Florida\u2019s utility regulators should require transparency, full cost-of-service pricing, long-term commitments, and appropriate financial safeguards before utilities invest in new infrastructure for large energy users. Companies that require significant new generation, transmission, or grid upgrades should bear the cost of those investments rather than shifting them onto existing ratepayers.<\/p>\n

As Orange County works to diversify our economy, we should welcome companies that create high-quality jobs, strengthen our tax base, and generate lasting economic value for our community. Every project should be evaluated on its overall economic impact and the opportunities it creates for our residents. In many cases, industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, life sciences, and technology create more jobs, stronger career pathways, and broader economic benefits than data centers alone. My focus will be on attracting the kinds of investments that deliver the greatest long-term return for Orange County while protecting residents from unnecessary increases in their cost of living.<\/p>\n

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Protecting Florida\u2019s water resources while making our communities more resilient to flooding and extreme weather is one of the most important environmental challenges we face. In Orange County, clean water and resilient infrastructure aren\u2019t just environmental priorities\u2014they\u2019re essential to protecting our neighborhoods, strengthening our economy, and maintaining our quality of life.<\/p>\n

As mayor, I will invest in stormwater infrastructure, flood mitigation, water quality, conservation, and smart growth that protects our natural resources while accommodating a growing population. These investments also help safeguard homes and businesses, reduce long-term costs, and can improve our community\u2019s resilience to future storms. Protecting our environment and protecting our economy go hand in hand, and Orange County should lead on both.<\/p>\n

Mayra Uribe<\/p>\n

WEBSITE: https:\/\/mayraformayor.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Top issues in your race<\/p>\n

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:<\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability. <\/p>\n

The number 1 issue is affordability, which deals with both the high cost of living in this county and the need to attract higher-paying jobs for our citizens. <\/p>\n

Housing. Housing costs, both rental and home ownership, have exceeded the 25 to 30% threshold of the average income of our residents. <\/p>\n

Growth of Homeowner Starter homes. For affordable housing that is owner-occupied, we need to encourage, limit, or require a percentage of new houses be no more than 1500 square feet. <\/p>\n

We need to grow the inventory of starter homes for our kids and the younger generation to have the opportunity of homeownership. <\/p>\n

Infill, transit interaction with new units, redevelopment of 1950s used car lots that stretch on existing state roads are the targets for townhomes. <\/p>\n

Recognize that we need more compact, dense housing with readied transit. <\/p>\n

My team will engage with the State and other states to develop and expand the financing of owner-occupied units.<\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: The number two issue is Transportation with Environmental Protection.<\/p>\n

On Transportation, I support strengthening and modernizing the Lynx transit system to better meet the needs of a growing Orange County, but expansion alone is not enough without meaningful reform and improved service efficiency. We need a more reliable, user-friendly system that includes smaller and more efficient buses, improved digital and web-based scheduling tools, and better-connected transfer stations, especially in the Eastern and Southern parts of the county. We also need express routes that reduce travel times. Transportation funding conversation must be grounded in accountability and focus on tangible improvements such as pedestrian safety, lighting, intersection upgrades, green spaces and trails, better traffic signal timing, and critical roadway improvements in high-impact corridors. We will improve the daily commute time by 10-15 minutes each way with simple, smarter transportation solutions <\/p>\n

On environmental protection, I strongly support preserving Orange County\u2019s rural boundary and have demonstrated that commitment through my votes, including serving as the deciding vote on multiple occasions to prevent urban sprawl. As Mayor, I will continue to lead efforts to protect our rural communities while promoting smart, responsible growth within our existing urban areas. Preserving our rural boundary also means protecting our wetlands, improving flood control, and safeguarding our natural resources with consistent, science-based standards across the county. It is time that we have one set of rules for wetland and flood control in Orange County, as those areas cross jurisdictional boundaries.<\/p>\n

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: The number 3 issue is Fiscal Responsibility. While not glamorous, the third issue is maximizing the return to our citizens on their tax dollars. We need to efficiently spend. We need to live within our means. As Mayor, my budget priorities will begin with protecting core services that residents rely on every day, including public safety, fire rescue, corrections, transportation, and critical infrastructure. For example, let\u2019s look at public safety. While it will always be a funding priority, the increased costs need to be minimized. I have no problem paying the deputies and fire fighters and jail guards appropriately. But, at the same time, we need to find efficiencies in those budgets. I believe we have a responsibility to ensure every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely. I will implement a \u201czero-based budgeting approach\u201d that requires every department to justify its spending, identify inefficiencies, and eliminate waste rather than simply increasing budgets year after year. Instead of tackling the waste and inefficiencies in the system, many budgets were increased by 20-40% under the current Mayor. Under my leadership, this won\u2019t happen again. I will also pursue greater operational efficiencies by centralizing and modernizing back-office functions across county government and exploring innovative approaches to reduce rising insurance costs, which now exceed $200 million annually for the General County Government, the Sheriff, Fire, Corrections and Constitutional Officers.<\/p>\n

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I want to make Orange County a better place where our Children will want to and be able to work and prosper. I support private industry. I will hold people accountable in the spending of tax dollars. I challenged the status quo on tourism marketing spending, and they went after me for that when I simply thought they were granted too much money, and when two years later they would not return $20 to $40 million to the general fund that was improperly spent, I voted against giving them a free pass. I am now raising my children here and have been a champion for people. I know what it takes to make Orange County better with attainable housing, transportation, and good-paying jobs. I have made tough choices where my focus is on putting people first, not the Status Quo. <\/p>\n

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida\u2019s affordability issue? That is the Number 1 issue affecting our citizens. The cost of property insurance, transportation, and basic commodities is rising, making it difficult for working families, retirees, and young people to get by. As Mayor, I\u2019ll prioritize growing the workforce and affordable housing, making permitting easier to bring down housing costs, investing in transportation solutions that save residents time and money, and promoting economic growth that brings more higher-paying jobs in varied industries such as tech, auto, and manufacturing. I will also seek to minimize unnecessary regulatory burdens on small businesses, strengthen workforce development partnerships, and ensure public monies are spent wisely and transparently. The County can\u2019t solve every affordability concern alone, but we can make wise local decisions that bring down the cost of living, improve economic opportunities, and support Orange County as a place where families can afford to live, work and prosper.<\/p>\n

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue \u2013 fees and\/or service reductions?* Florida\u2019s affordability challenges are real, and homeowners deserve meaningful property tax relief. I have yet to be provided in written detail on the effects on Orange County. As a homeowner, I support raising of the homestead exemption. And our County is better situated than Seminole or Osceola Counties with the amount of commercial taxable properties. But it is going to cause real problems in other counties and small cities within the county. I would have preferred an open discussion to provide offsets such as increasing taxes on tourism, as the Governor mentioned. Our citizens want efficient government. Some past practices need to change, and efficiencies expanded. Constitutional votes are hard to take back. So, I am still uncertain as to whether we can govern with loss of revenue. I am waiting for more of the detail which has not been forthcoming. <\/p>\n

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida\u2019s utility regulators respond? Affordable, reliable utilities are critical to our residents\u2019 quality of life and Orange County\u2019s economic competitiveness. The general public should not subsidize the delivery of energy to data centers. We need to make sure that residential customers aren\u2019t unfairly stuck with increased energy costs as demand for electricity increases from data centers and other major industrial users. I think utility regulators need to demand more openness in how rates are set, look hard at the long-term impact of large energy consumers and make sure those that create big additional demand are paying their fair share for the infrastructure expenses needed to accommodate them. At the same time, Florida should continue to invest in grid modernization, energy efficiency and robust infrastructure to improve dependability and help limit long-term costs. We should be supporting innovation and economic progress while not saddling families, elderly and small businesses with subsidizing those uses.<\/p>\n

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Balancing expansion with the conservation of our natural resources is one of the greatest environmental concerns facing Orange County. As our population continues to grow, we must maintain our lakes, springs, watersheds, wetlands and drinking water, manage stormwater better and invest in resilient infrastructure that lowers flooding and protects our ecosystem. Smart growth implies combining economic development with conservation by protecting environmentally sensitive regions, increasing green spaces and ensuring new development is supported by the infrastructure needed to maintain sustainable communities. As Mayor, not only is conserving our environment about conservation, it\u2019s also about protecting public health, improving our economy and preserving the quality of life that makes Orange County a great place to live, work and raise a family. And, a hidden issue is that we need to protect our community\u2019s water supply from development and for preservation of recreation. This has been silenced. We need to acquire areas where our water supply is recharged. I will engage on this issue, and develop a plan and start such purchases.<\/p>\n

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