Civic Positions/Experience
Vice Chair, Orange County Watch; Director, 321 Foundation; Overseer, Mt. Auburn Hospital (Harvard Medical School); Director, Big Brothers/Big Sisters (Newark Essex County)
Campaign Phone
4079613057
Twitter
X.com/@ChrisMessinaFL
I’m deeply concerned that many Orange County citizens are struggling, financially and otherwise, in our region, which so rich in resources.
We need an economy where families, children & businesses thrive. That takes a 21st Century Vision. Mine is for a thriving Orange County that leverages our area’s advantages, particularly in SpaceTech. #1 we'll diversify our economy to bring in a range of great, tech-oriented jobs, starting w/ attracting the Space Force Academy; #2 we'll use technology to better transportation & revitalize our blighted strip malls to create new housing.
To do so, I'll rely on 30+ years Experience building businesses & trade associations, coupled w/ my Education (Harvard MBA; Masters- City Planning) & my Vision.
1. Increase housing supply by leveraging the Live Local Act (permits housing in commercial zones), the YIGBY Act (encourages affordable housing development on church-owned lands, and the Sadowski Fund which funds affordable housing development.
2. Reduce excess demand by supporting common-sense restrictions on private equity mass housing purchases. Cooperation with state and federal law enforcement to humanely remove non-citizens illegally residing in Orange County. Estimates are that in FL, there are 1.5-2 M non-citizens; studies show that this increases FL housing costs - both rental & purchase- by 15-20%.
I believe in the concept of "home rule"; the idea that self-governance is best, starting with the family. Local governments should lead on providing local services. The state government should set the broad regulatory framework. Preemptive measures and excise of broad governmental authority such as eminent domain should be exercised only after great thought and careful consideration of alternatives. This framework will guide a Messina Mayoral administration.
Orange County needs to protect our Aquifer, preserve as much of its open space as possible, & provide more parks/recreational facilities. Specific actions that we'd prioritize:
1. Proactive development - call developers/builders together to focus on revitalizing our blighted strip malls vs. clear cutting;
2. Opposing hyper-scale AI data centers and other threats to our Aquifer;
3. Advancing park, playing field & community garden development;
4. Connecting our bike trails & encouraging wildlife corridors connecting nature preserves;
5. Reduction in synthetic pesticide & herbicide use in favor of natural sustainable alternatives (such as using sterile, grass-eating carp instead of glyphosate herbicides to prevent lake overgrowth).
By proactively encouraging: 1. redevelopment of our blighted strip malls and 2. other in-fill development. Local towns like Ocoee want this, our citizens want to live in such multi-use, mixed income developments, and developers/builders are interested. We know, because the Messina Mayoral team has been testing these ideas for viability,
By working to develop a more harmonious relationship with the state instead of the antagonistic relationship of the past 8 years.
Civic Positions/Experience
Congress, FL-07
Twitter
www.x.com/Murphy4OCMayor
I’m running because I’m raising my family in Orange County and believe we have every advantage to become not only a world-class destination, but a world-class community. The two issues I’m best positioned to address are growing our economy and leading an $8 billion-plus county government. My experience in business, national security, and Congress gives me the relationships and perspective to attract higher-wage jobs, strengthen our workforce, and diversify our economy. Just as importantly, I’ve spent my career leading change in complex organizations. As mayor, I’ll build a responsive, accountable county government that delivers world-class services.
Expanding attainable housing requires increasing supply while preserving neighborhood quality. We need a comprehensive approach that streamlines permitting, reduces unnecessary regulatory costs, encourages a wider range of housing options, and partners with the private and nonprofit sectors. We should prioritize infill and redevelopment where infrastructure already exists, allowing us to leverage federal housing and redevelopment funding while reducing infrastructure costs. Our goal should be housing for every stage of life, from first apartments to first homes to helping seniors age in place with dignity, while creating complete communities connected to jobs and transportation.
Local governments are closest to the people they serve and are generally best positioned to address local priorities, while the state has an important role in establishing statewide policy. Having served in both the executive and legislative branches, I deeply respect our system of federalism and the responsibilities of each level of government. As mayor, I’ll be a strong advocate for Orange County while building productive relationships with state leaders. My experience has taught me that collaboration delivers better results than conflict, and I’ll work to ensure Orange County has a strong voice in decisions affecting our community.
Protecting our environment is essential to Orange County’s quality of life, public health, and long-term prosperity. Throughout this campaign, I’ve met with local conservation leaders to learn about restoring our lakes, protecting wildlife habitat, and preserving our natural resources. Combined with my experience securing federal investments in environmental restoration and resilient infrastructure, those conversations have reinforced that economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. As mayor, I’ll protect our water resources, expand parks and green space, improve water quality, invest in resilient infrastructure, and encourage sustainable development.
Orange County’s growth reflects its strengths, but without thoughtful leadership it can mean higher housing costs, worsening traffic, and strained infrastructure. We need a vision that turns growth into greater affordability, livability, and opportunity. I’ll coordinate land-use decisions with transportation, utilities, schools, parks, and public safety, prioritize infill and redevelopment where infrastructure already exists, and ensure greenfield development is supported by needed infrastructure while protecting environmentally sensitive lands and rural areas. Growth should create complete communities and include attainable housing at every stage of life.
Protecting home rule begins with effective, accountable local government that earns the trust of residents and state leaders. Orange County should engage our legislative delegation early, partner with neighboring communities and statewide associations, and clearly communicate the local impact of proposed legislation. My experience has taught me that influence is built long before disagreements arise. By investing in relationships, engaging constructively throughout the legislative process, and focusing on practical solutions, Orange County can be a stronger advocate for preserving local decision-making.
Civic Positions/Experience
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., South Atlantic Regional Director, Member of Board of Directors, Member of: Paul C. Perkins Bar Association, Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers, Volunteer with LANES girls mentoring group
Campaign Phone
407-801-2332
Twitter
N/A
Orange County has given me so much, and public service has been my way of giving back. After serving eight years on the Orange County Commission and 12 years as your Clerk of Courts, I know how county government can make a real difference in people's lives. I'm running because Orange County deserves experienced leadership that brings people together, solves problems, and plans for the future.
The two issues I'm best prepared to tackle are housing affordability and responsible growth. We need more attainable housing while making sure our roads, infrastructure, and public services keep pace. I'll work with residents, local governments, businesses, and community partners to deliver practical solutions that protect our quality of life.
Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. We need to increase the supply of workforce and affordable housing by partnering with the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and local governments. I support mixed-income communities, preserving existing affordable housing, making smart use of available land, and renovating older homes. At the same time, we must maintain high building standards and strong code enforcement so affordability never comes at the expense of quality or safety.
The people closest to the community are often best positioned to solve local challenges. While we must work within Florida law, I believe Orange County should continue advocating for the flexibility to make decisions that reflect our community's needs. As Mayor, I'll build strong relationships with our legislative delegation, municipal leaders, and regional partners so Orange County has a respected voice in Tallahassee and can continue advancing local priorities.
Orange County has an important responsibility to protect natural resources while planning for future growth. Environmental protection and sustainability are essential to maintaining public health, economic vitality, and quality of life.
One priority should be protecting water resources, including lakes, wetlands, and groundwater systems. Responsible development, conservation efforts, and investments in water infrastructure can help preserve these valuable assets for future generations.
Land conservation is another important focus. Protecting environmentally sensitive lands, open spaces, and wildlife habitats can support recreation, environmental health, and community character.
Growth isn't the challenge, how we manage it is. We need thoughtful planning that creates housing opportunities while ensuring roads, schools, utilities, parks, and public safety keep pace with development. I support smart growth that encourages redevelopment where it makes sense while protecting rural communities, environmentally sensitive areas, and open spaces. Good planning today will ensure Orange County remains a great place to live for generations to come.
Home rule matters because local leaders understand the unique needs of the communities they serve. While the Legislature ultimately defines local authority, Orange County should continue working collaboratively with state lawmakers, neighboring governments, and community partners to advocate for local decision-making. Strengthening relationships with House and Senate leadership and the local delegation and speaking with a unified voice gives us the best opportunity to protect our community's priorities.
Civic Positions/Experience
I spent 8 years working for US Senator Bill Nelson. Currently District 3 Commissioner (elected 3 times) 2018,2020, 2024.
Campaign Phone
4077213433
I’m running for Orange County Mayor because I believe leadership means listening, delivering results, and putting residents first. Orange County is my home. I was born and raised here. I’m raising a family, building a life and a business here. And just like everyone else, I want to thrive here. I’m heavily invested in our community, my neighborhood, and my church. Orange County is a part of me. That’s why I am so passionate about serving as the next Mayor. I am uniquely qualified and ready on day one to sit at the head of the table and make decisions that are in the best interest of the people of Orange County. I believe that this election is crucial because we are at a pivotal moment, and our residents need, now more than ever, leadership.
Affordable housing requires more than good intentions—it requires action and partnership. As Mayor, I will increase the supply of workforce and attainable housing by working with cities, nonprofits, developers, and the private sector to reduce barriers, streamline permitting, and encourage responsible development. We must also preserve existing affordable housing, support first-time homebuyers, and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with growth. My approach is to balance smart growth with strong neighborhoods, so teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, seniors, and young families can afford to live in the community they serve without sacrificing quality or safety.
Florida works best when state and local governments respect each other's roles and work together to solve problems. Local leaders understand the unique needs of their communities, while the state provides resources, consistency, and broader policy direction. As Mayor, I will build strong partnerships with our legislative delegation, state agencies, neighboring municipalities, and regional organizations to advocate for Orange County's priorities. My focus will always be on delivering results—whether that's improving transportation, expanding affordable housing, strengthening public safety, or growing our economy—through collaboration, accountability, and effective leadership.
Protecting our environment and planning for sustainable growth go hand in hand. Orange County must preserve our lakes, springs, wetlands, and green spaces while ensuring responsible development that supports our growing population. As Mayor, I will prioritize protecting water quality, investing in resilient infrastructure, expanding conservation efforts, and promoting smart land-use planning. I also support partnering with businesses and local governments to encourage sustainable practices that strengthen our economy, improve the quality of life, and leave a healthier, more resilient Orange County for future generations.
Orange County's growth must be planned—not reactive. As Mayor, I will support smart, responsible development that expands the workforce and attainable housing where infrastructure already exists while protecting our rural communities, natural resources, and open spaces. We must invest in roads, transit, utilities, schools, and public safety so infrastructure keeps pace with growth, not lags behind it. By partnering with municipalities, developers, and residents, we can preserve our quality of life, strengthen our economy, and ensure future generations inherit a county that is both prosperous and sustainable.
Home rule is essential because local leaders are closest to the people and best understand the unique needs of their communities. While the state has an important role in setting broad policy, counties should have the flexibility to address local priorities. As Mayor, I will build strong relationships with our legislative delegation, advocate early during the legislative process, and work with counties across Florida to present a united voice. Protecting home rule requires collaboration, communication, and demonstrating that local governments can deliver accountable, effective solutions for their residents.
