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Orange City Council At-Large

he City of Orange City has a council–manager government. The city council is composed of a mayor and six council members who serve overlapping four-year terms. The city council serves as the elected legislative and governing body responsible for establishing policies, adopting an annual budget, adopting local laws and ordinances, and hiring and overseeing the city manager, city attorney, and municipal clerk. The mayor and council members are elected by voters citywide and must reside within the corporate limits of Orange City. Council members run for office by district (five) and one at-large.[

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  • Candidate picture

    Stephen P. Gensel, Jr.
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Dana Knight
    (NON)

Biographical Information

• What are the two most pressing issues facing the city and how will you address them?

• What are your priorities in drafting and adopting the budget?

• Has the city been impacted by SB 180 which limited local control? If so, what is the impact and what ideas do you have to address the issue?

• How would you seek greater collaboration among cities and the county in the areas of growth and affordable housing?

• What will you do to help improve the relationships among the elected officials including the mayor to promote collaboration and effective leadership?

The two most pressing issues facing Orange City are managing growth responsibly and maintaining long-term financial stability. As our community grows, we must ensure roads, utilities, public safety, and other infrastructure keep pace with development while preserving the character that makes Orange City unique. I will support thoughtful planning and hold developers accountable for contributing to infrastructure improvements.

At the same time, we must protect taxpayers by making fiscally responsible decisions. I will advocate for balanced budgets, strategic capital planning, transparent government, and careful stewardship of public funds to ensure we continue providing excellent services without placing unnecessary financial burdens.
My priorities in drafting and adopting the budget are protecting essential services, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and planning for the future. I believe every taxpayer dollar should be spent wisely, with a focus on public safety, infrastructure, and maintaining healthy financial reserves. I will support transparent budgeting, evaluate expenditures carefully, and ensure investments align with the community's long-term needs while keeping Orange City financially strong.
Yes. Like many Florida municipalities, Orange City has been impacted by state legislation that limits local control over certain land use and development decisions. As a member of the Orange City Planning Commission, I've seen firsthand how important local decision-making is in balancing growth with preserving the character of our community. While we must comply with state law, I believe local leaders should continue advocating for policies that allow communities to make decisions based on their unique needs. I support working with our legislative delegation, maintaining strong and legally sound land development regulations, and proactively planning for growth so Orange City can continue to develop responsibly while preserving.
Growth and affordable housing are regional challenges that require regional solutions. I believe Orange City should continue working closely with Volusia County, neighboring municipalities, developers, and community organizations to share information, coordinate long-term planning, and pursue grant opportunities. As a member of the Orange City Planning Commission, I've seen the importance of collaboration in making thoughtful land use decisions. We must balance the need for attainable housing with protecting existing neighborhoods, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth, and maintaining the quality of life that makes Orange City a great place to live.
Effective leadership begins with respect, communication, and a shared commitment to serving the community. If elected, I will listen to different perspectives, encourage open and respectful dialogue, and focus on finding common ground rather than creating division. My experience as a member of the Orange City Planning Commission has reinforced the importance of collaboration and making decisions based on facts and what's best for our residents. While we may not always agree, I believe we can disagree respectfully, work professionally, and build consensus to move Orange City forward.
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