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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Orange City Council District 3

The 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

    Brett Marquez
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Sherry Pough
    (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?

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Campaign Phone 9545522327
e-mail address dspforoc3@gmail.com
The two most pressing issues facing Orange City are managing growth responsibly and ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with that growth. As our city continues to attract new residents and development, we must be intentional about protecting the quality of life that makes Orange City such a desirable place to live. I support smart, sustainable growth that includes strong builder accountability, thoughtful planning, and adequate investments in roads, drainage, utilities, and public safety. Equally important is restoring trust through meaningful resident engagement. I will work to ensure residents are informed, heard, and actively involved in decisions that shape the future of our community.
My priorities in drafting and adopting the city budget are fiscal responsibility, transparency, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are invested where they will have the greatest impact. I believe every budget decision should align with the city's strategic needs while maintaining essential services and preparing for future growth. Public safety, infrastructure maintenance and improvements, drainage and stormwater management, and quality resident services must remain top priorities. I also believe residents should have a clear understanding of how their tax dollars are being spent. As a council member, I will carefully evaluate expenditures, ask thoughtful questions, and advocate for accountability and long-term financial sustainability
Like many Florida communities, Orange City has felt the effects of state legislation that limits local control over certain growth and development decisions. While SB 180 has reduced some of the city's ability to regulate development, local leaders still have a responsibility to use every available tool to protect residents' interests. My focus would be on strengthening long-range planning, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth, enforcing existing development standards, and advocating for greater collaboration among city, county, and state partners. Even when local authority is limited, we must remain proactive, strategic, and responsive to the needs of our community.
Growth and affordable housing are regional issues that require regional solutions. I would work closely with neighboring cities, Volusia County, developers, and community stakeholders to ensure growth is planned thoughtfully and supported by the necessary infrastructure. Collaboration allows us to share resources, align planning efforts, and identify opportunities to expand housing options for working families, seniors, and young professionals. At the same time, we must protect the character of our neighborhoods and maintain the quality of life residents expect. By working together, we can create practical, sustainable solutions that benefit the entire region.
Effective leadership begins with relationships built on trust, respect, and integrity. I believe we can disagree without being disagreeable. As a council member, I will focus on open communication, active listening, and finding common ground while keeping the best interests of Orange City at the center of every discussion. My leadership style has always been to bring people together, build consensus, and work collaboratively toward shared goals. I will treat fellow elected officials, the mayor, staff, and residents with professionalism and respect, recognizing that our community is best served when we work together rather than apart.