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Campaign Phone
407-929-0297
I do not support eliminating property tax. Our state does not have the flexibility as other states similar to us in size in having multiple tax revenue streams, such as, a state and local income tax. We rely heavily on property taxes to fund essential services from public. The topic of eliminating property tax is sensitive, and I approach it very carefully. If voters eliminate property tax revenues, I will work with my colleagues to explore other revenue streams to maximize and balance existing revenue sources such as tourism dollars to support protecting essential services especially in underserved communities. I would also explore opportunities for new development to contribute to infrastructure and services it and services it impacts.
My vision for transportation in Orange County is about creating a balanced system that gives residents safe, reliable, and affordable ways to get where they need to go. We can't solve every transportation challenge by simply adding more lanes, nor can we rely on transit alone. We need smart investments that address today's needs while planning for the future.
One of my top priorities is making Orange County more affordable for working families, young professionals, seniors, and longtime residents. I support expanding affordable and workforce housing by encouraging development near jobs and transit while partnering with developers to create more attainable housing opportunities. We need smart, community focused solutions that help people live where they work and build a stronger more inclusive Orange County.
I would encourage stronger collaboration between local government, businesses, and community stakeholders to ensure development decisions are thoughtful, equitable, and aligned with the long-term needs of Orange County and the long-term sustainability of Central Florida's aquifer.
As an involved citizen a growing tension took place in our community and country when the presence of ICE threatened the well-being and safety of our immigrant communities. I worked diligently with local civic organizations preparing our communities with information and best practices that would help keep them and their families safe. I stood in solidarity with a coalition of groups local and statewide against ICE policies. through my presence at the Orange County Board of Commission meeting, protested and challenged legislation that supported the harm caused to our communities.
Local decisions are best made by the people who live and work in our communities. While the County must work collaboratively with the State, we should also be strong advocates for protecting orange County's ability to address local needs and priorities. As County Commissioner, I would support working closely with our legislative delegation, neighboring local governments and community organizations to speak with a unified voice when state proposals threaten local authority. I also believe=eve residents deserve to be informed and engaged when home rule is at risk. Protecting local control means ensuring Orange County can make decisions that reflect the unique needs, values, and priorities of the people who call it home.
My vision for Orange County is one of thoughtful, balanced growth that prepares us for the future without losing what makes our community special. As our county continues to grow, we must invest in the infrastructure needed to support that growth, such as roads, transit, utilities, schools, and public safety, before development outpaces our ability to serve residents. We have a responsibility to protect our rural communities, preserve our wetlands, and safeguard the wildlife corridor that is so important to Central Florida's environment and resilience. Smart growth means directing development to the right places, promoting redevelopment where appropriate, and making decisions that balance economic with environmental stewardship.
As I understand TDT funds are protected under State Statue, tourism is a vital part of Orange county's economy, and TDT dollars should be invested in ways that benefit both our visitors and our residents. Wehn used thoughtfully, these funds can strengthen our economy while improving the places where people live, work, and visit. I believe such investments should support transportation, cultural and community attractions, workforce development and initiatives that help local businesses grow and succeed. We should make sure every dollar is spent responsibly, with transparency and a focus on creating long-term opportunities that strengthen our entire community.
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Civic Positions/Experience
Former mayor of Eatonville. (22-26), town council member (20-26), Comm Redev Agency (20-26), Tourist Dev Council (22-26), LWV, AACC, Sierra Club
Campaign Phone
4077658965
If the property tax proposal passes, considerations must be made to service fee increases as well as millage rate increases. For those municipalities that do not have non-ad valorem assessments to cover public safety and EMS services, they would probably have to consider imposing such assessments. An increase in user-based fees would also be likely: doc stamps, permits, impact fees, rental rates, water/sewer rates, on the local level. Unfortunately, an increase in fees and the millage rates would hit those persons that are already cost-burdened. Any increase in fees and taxes would have to run concurrent with re-evaluation of ”non-essential” services and restructuring of responsibilities.
I agree with those that have stated that the modals of transportation must compliment each other; otherwise, the ROI will be in a deficit because we will continue subsidizing the services. Higher density zoning will decrease urban sprawl and stabilize transportation needs. Additionally, it isn’t feasible to think that traditional housing can continue at the rate necessary to meet the trending needs. From the unsheltered-sheltered and affordable rent - ownership; housing innovation such as commoning, collaborative, dorm-type shelters, and zoning overlays will help diversify and allow more “downtown” living while reducing carbon footprints - over time. Development decisions must take ‘current’ transportation availability into consideration.
In the immediate future, all developments would need to address “affordability” in their planning: 10% set aside as affordable, flexibility on zoning (less ‘R2 only’) to make room for more ‘R3’ zoning: townhomes and/or duplex zoning, smaller lot dimensions or setbacks, AS LONG AS it maintains the character of the neighborhood in design (A duplex doesn’t have to look like a duplex). Current policies such as the “Live Local Act” do come with concerns because it seems to circumvent home-rule in the name of “Affordable Housing.” Small communities can lose their character if the development doesn’t “fit” the current community. This includes YIGBY.
Conservation areas and bodies of water must be protected from pollutants and over use. Developments would need to have proper drainage, water flows and proper site plan review. Working with government agencies to ensure long-term sustainability would first start with ensuring that aging infrastructure is replaced and/or working effectively. I would expect all of district 7 to have wastewater treatment facilities installed - where needed; and , educate residents on the importance of water conservation. These conservational efforts would include new multi-family dwelling projects and framed by an ordinance, if necessary.
As a citizen, I spoke out regarding an earlier contract for the Hungerford property (school board) that did not “fit.” It did not close. As mayor, I worked with the county, to successfully have CRA funds finally released to the town. Furthermore, within the town, I strongly supported the Dr. Phillips’ purchase of the Hungerford property because it was best for the town and many citizens did support it. The school board approved it. Finally, there was a bill to have Eatonville be the location of the state’s first African American History museum. Although not initiated by the town, it was a concerted effort between non-profits, local-county-state-federal officials, and citizens. It was an unsuccessful bid but very successful effort.
County commissioners can protect local control, if at all possible, through building relationships, respect, and having conversations with state officials. Because I am unsure what exactly triggers the Tallahassee majority, I believe that the right lobbyist would be essential. Most importantly, having experienced representatives on the board of commissioners is also vital because it will provide political stability, respect and confidence in leadership.
Strong, smart development must begin with appropriate, and best-practice planning. My vision for the future development of the county would start with clearing the board. Instead of continuing to plan from sprawling outward over time, what if we start with the conservation and water bodies and draw a non-negotiable plan inward. A plan that would create boundaries and distances from identified and agreed-upon natural areas, agreed upon rezoning maps that would allow for higher density P.U.D.S and clearly identified transportation routes that will be planned for in a “seemless” flow. We must protect our natural areas and wildlife while accommodating growth over time. But… there must be agreed upon non-negotiable areas in perpetuity.
Tourist Development Tax funds should be used as agreed upon. Those dollars help to keep jobs and avoid state taxes. If the tourist tax funds should go away, then what? Will the transportation pay for itself, if it doesn’t currently? I believe that conversations are in order so that both “sides” are in full understanding of the other; however, the solution should be sought elsewhere - first. TDT funds is low hanging fruit. The more tourists that arrive, the more money is spent on the local economy (through local sales taxes). The more taxes received and generated on the local economy, the more of an increase in the general revenue fund for capital improvements and programming. Impact fees should also be considered.
Civic Positions/Experience
Executive Director of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, Alumni of Leadership Orlando and the Political and civic leadership institute for Orlando Economic Partners
Campaign Phone
407-276-2865
The property tax bill is currently the most efficient means of collecting revenue for county services. The only way a resident can pay is by paying for each service individually, unless the county creates a better plan.
My vision is responsible development for infrastructure and forward planning for growth.
Affordable housing needs creative ideas to address the housing shortage.
The long-term sustainability of the Central Florida aquifer is very important. This, too, will require in-depth research on the best measures to sustain our water quality. This research should be outsourced to experts and continuously maintained as a working plan to achieve the best answer.
As an involved citizen, I have advocated for workforce housing, affordable housing, and property rights.
My commitment as a commissioner is to listen to our residents' needs and build strong partnerships at every level of government. This will protect Orange County's ability to make decisions in the best interests of the people we serve.
This is a planned event. Growth will always bring challenges, but they are not foreign. They will exist naturally. Relevant planning with responsible solutions is key.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Civic Positions/Experience
Educator
Campaign Phone
4073256544
As someone who has spent my career serving families, I understand that every dollar matters. At the same time, I know county services like public safety, road maintenance, parks, libraries, and programs for seniors and youth are essential to our quality of life.
If Orange County loses a significant source of property tax revenue, we can't simply cut services that our residents rely on. We need to be smarter about how we spend taxpayer dollars by reviewing the budget, eliminating waste, pursuing grants, and making sure every investment delivers real value to the community.
As a lifelong Orange County resident, I've seen firsthand how traffic has changed as our community has grown. I don't believe this is an either-or conversation. We need both strategic road improvements and a stronger, more reliable mass transit system if we're going to keep up with our growing population.
There are neighborhoods in District 7 that still need safer intersections, sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, and road improvements. Those investments improve safety and quality of life and can't be ignored. At the same time, we cannot build enough roads to solve congestion on their own.
My vision is to create a transportation system that gives people options.
As an educator, I have worked with families who are doing everything right—working hard, raising their children, and contributing to our community—yet they still struggle to find housing they can afford. Affordable housing isn't just about having a roof over your head; it's about creating stable communities where families can thrive.
I support increasing the supply of affordable and workforce housing through a combination of smart growth, public-private partnerships, and responsible development. We should encourage mixed-income communities that provide housing options for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and service industry.
As an educator, I've always believed that one of the best ways to teach children to value our environment is to let them experience it. I've taken students on field trips to explore Florida's natural beauty and wildlife because I want the next generation to understand that protecting our environment isn't just an environmental issue—it's a quality-of-life issue.
Protecting our water quality and preserving our springs starts with making smart decisions about growth.
Although I have not served in elected office, I have spent years working alongside families and advocating for my community.
One example was when my apartment community experienced serious health and safety issues that affected residents. Rather than simply accepting the situation, I documented the concerns, communicated with property management, reached out to local agencies, and worked through the appropriate channels to advocate for a resolution. That experience reinforced for me that residents deserve responsive government and leaders who are willing to listen, ask questions, and follow through.
As an educator, I have also built relationships with county departments, community organizations, and local leaders.
Yes. I believe the County Commission should be a stronger advocate for Orange County's ability to make decisions that reflect the unique needs of our community. Local leaders are closest to the people they serve and are often in the best position to address local challenges.
Protecting home rule starts with building strong relationships with our state legislative delegation and working collaboratively with other counties, municipalities, and organizations to advocate for local decision-making.
My vision for Orange County is thoughtful, balanced growth that strengthens our communities without sacrificing the natural resources that make Central Florida unique. Growth is inevitable, but poor planning is not. We have a responsibility to ensure that development improves the quality of life for current residents while preserving the county for future generations.
I believe growth should pay for growth.
Yes—where permitted by law, I believe Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds should be used more broadly for projects that benefit both visitors and the residents who make Orange County such a great place to live.
Our tourism industry is one of the strongest economic engines in the country, and while attracting visitors remains important, the people who live and work here should also see meaningful benefits. I support using TDT funds for projects that enhance quality of life while strengthening our tourism economy, such as cultural venues, parks, recreational facilities, transportation improvements that connect visitors and residents, and initiatives that promote our local arts, history, and small businesses.
Civic Positions/Experience
HOA President
Campaign Phone
4077601131
Twitter
https://bsky.app/profile/vote4joyner.bsky.social
If property tax revenue declines, we should first improve efficiency, eliminate unnecessary spending, and prioritize core services. We should also strengthen our commercial tax base through responsible economic development, maximize available state and federal grants, and carefully evaluate targeted user fees for optional services rather than shifting costs to all taxpayers. Any revenue changes should be transparent, fiscally responsible, and tied to measurable results, with residents clearly informed about how their tax dollars are spent.
We cannot build enough roads to keep pace with growth, but we also cannot ignore the need to maintain and improve our existing road network. I support investing in reliable, cost-effective transit where it can reduce congestion and connect residents to jobs, education, and healthcare, while prioritizing road improvements that address safety, traffic bottlenecks, and freight movement. With limited funding, every project should be data-driven, fiscally responsible, and measured by its ability to improve mobility and quality of life for residents.
I support expanding partnerships between government, nonprofit organizations, and responsible private developers to create and preserve permanently affordable housing. This includes using public land strategically, encouraging mixed-income developments near transportation and employment centers, streamlining responsible development, and protecting existing affordable units. Housing policy should focus on increasing supply, maintaining community quality, and ensuring that teachers, first responders, seniors, and working families can continue to afford to live in Orange County.
Central Florida’s water resources are essential to our environment, economy, and quality of life. I support stronger protection of recharge areas, responsible growth planning, conservation efforts, and investments in wastewater, stormwater, and reclaimed water infrastructure. Orange County should work collaboratively with the St. Johns River Water Management District, state agencies, municipalities, and neighboring counties to ensure water decisions are based on sound science and long-term sustainability. Protecting our springs and aquifer requires balancing growth with responsible resource management, transparency, and measurable outcomes for future generations.
As HOA president, I worked with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) to address a growing concern about residential break-ins and a lack of community involvement. I partnered with OCSO to establish a neighborhood watch program, worked to have signage installed, and helped create stronger communication between residents and law enforcement. I also organized the first neighborhood block party bringing residents and OCSO deputies together to build trust, engagement, and a shared commitment to safety. Through this partnership and increased community awareness, residential break-ins were eliminated. This experience reinforced the importance of collaboration between residents and government to solve local problems.
Local control allows Orange County to address the unique needs of our growing community. The County Commission should continue building strong partnerships with municipalities, regional organizations, and other counties to advocate for local decision-making authority. Commissioners should actively engage with state legislators, clearly communicate the impact of proposed preemptions, and provide data-driven examples of why local flexibility matters. At the same time, local government should use its authority responsibly, with transparency, accountability, and a focus on policies that best serve residents. Protecting home rule requires both effective advocacy and public trust.
I support a thoughtful development approach that coordinates infrastructure investments with responsible growth, protects wetlands and the wildlife corridor, and preserves rural areas where appropriate. New development should include adequate transportation, water, stormwater, and public safety resources rather than allowing infrastructure to lag behind growth. By using sound planning, science-based decision-making, and meaningful community input, we can create vibrant communities while protecting the environment and quality of life for future generations.
Orange County’s residents are the foundation of our tourism economy, and the workforce that serves visitors is one of our community’s most valuable assets. While tourism-related investments can benefit residents, TDT funds should not be used to replace private industry responsibilities, such as corporate advertising and marketing. Large tourism businesses should continue to invest in promoting their own attractions. Public funds should focus on projects that provide clear community benefit, strengthen infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and support the long-term sustainability of both residents and the tourism economy.
Civic Positions/Experience
Non-Profit Leader
Campaign Phone
407-630-3827
Twitter
x.com/aaronelewis
Property tax elimination is the wrong fix for our cost of living crisis. The bills breaking families are insurance and rent, and this amendment touches neither. It just strips the revenue for fire, EMS, roads, and other essential service, forcing service cuts and a heavier burden on renters and small businesses who get no benefit. That is a cost shift, not relief. A real solution tackles insurance and rent directly. But if voters approve it, we must replace that revenue responsibly. I would bring back a one cent sales surtax, which the county's own analysis shows about 89% is paid by tourists, not residents. Half would fund the infrastructure our general fund now covers, freeing that money to protect services, and half would expand transit.
You can't build your way out of congestion in a county growing this fast. New lanes fill within years, and widening highways is the costliest, least durable fix. We must spend every dollar on what moves the most people, so transit must be the backbone. I'd expand SunRail, modernize LYNX, and advance the Sunshine Corridor linking rail to the airport, attractions, and jobs. Transit is economic mobility, a worker without a car should still reach a good job. Instead of wider highways, I'd shift road dollars to safety and maintenance, since our region is among the deadliest in the nation for walking. None of this works without dedicated funding, which is why I back a voter approved surtax paid mostly by visitors.
Affordable housing only works if we define it honestly. Too often "affordable" means up to 120% of area median income, still out of reach for the workers we most need to house. I would anchor it to what local families actually earn, prioritizing homes for residents at lower income levels, not just workforce tiers. I'd pair that with land, the county and school district own idle lots, including closed school sites, that Florida's updated Live Local Act now lets us use for affordable multifamily, with a full tax exemption on government ground leases. By leasing public land cheaply and requiring deep, lasting affordability, we add real supply while keeping the land and savings in the community's hands.
Our springs and aquifer are some of Central Florida’s greatest assets, but they’re under pressure from overdevelopment, septic systems, fertilizer runoff, and increasing water demand. We cannot keep paving over the land that naturally filters and replenishes our water supply and then act surprised when water quality declines. I would focus on the basics. Help homeowners transition from septic to sewer in sensitive areas, protect more land around our springs and waterways, strengthen runoff protections, and invest in water conservation and reclaimed water systems. Growth has to be balanced with protecting the resources that make Central Florida livable.
In 2024, I worked with Commissioner Bonilla's office to dig into the county's Vision 2050 comprehensive plan and make sure it served all residents, not just good intentions on paper. Through research and public advocacy that culminated in a Sunshine meeting, we helped delay its adoption and secured code updates reflecting our proposed changes. More recently, I partnered with Florida Rising to build a working prototype for a property accountability database, now being taken up by a county commissioner, that lets renters check a property's code violation history easily before signing a lease.
When it comes to protecting home rule, Orange County needs to be proactive instead of reactive. Too often, local governments find out about preemption bills after the momentum has already built in Tallahassee. We need to be engaged early, make our case often, and build relationships before important decisions are made. I would support strengthening our legislative advocacy efforts and working closely with organizations like the Florida Association of Counties to present a united front on issues that affect local communities. When the state considers policies that limit our ability to address local challenges, we need to be prepared with real data, strong partnerships, and a clear message about how those decisions impact residents.
My vision is a county that grows up and in, not out. We can meet our infrastructure needs by directing growth to areas already served, our urban centers and transit corridors, rather than pushing sprawl into the places that make our county special. I would defend our voter approved rural boundary, protect wetlands as natural flood control and clean water, and safeguard the wildlife corridor and conservation lands like Split Oak Forest that connect Florida's wild spaces. Smart infill, walkable communities, and transit do more for affordability and traffic than endless outward expansion. Growth is coming either way, our job is to ensure it strengthens our communities without paving over the heritage, water, and wildlife we cannot replace.
Yes. Tourists should help fund the transit and infrastructure their visits demand, and I would push our state delegation to expand what tourist tax dollars can legally cover. But we do not have to wait on the state to spend this money better today. Too much is concentrated on International Drive and a few corporate attractions, while the rest of the county sees little of it. I would steer more of these dollars back into our actual communities, investing in our cultural, historic, and small business destinations from Eatonville and Maitland to College Park and Pine Hills. Tourism should stimulate the entire county, not just where large corporations chose to build.
Civic Positions/Experience
Orange County Transportation Mobility Advisory Commission Vice Chair, Skate Bud Program Inc. 501c3 Executive Director, 8 years self-employed experience providing youth development and placemaking services to government.
Campaign Phone
4079561748
By ensuring our local economy belongs to us, not silicon valley. Last year I started pushing for the county to create its own Rideshare app. Instead of Lyft and Uber taking hundreds of millions out of our economy we keep that money for public transit. This model for transportation can then be applied to all private technology infrastructure that is currently owned by Silicon Valley. By rebuilding the technology infrastructure that citizens rely on, we can reappropriate the economic impact that comes with it for local businesses and residents.
Any candidate who gives you a transportation solution that is not based in funding does not have a solution for you. And any transit funding tied to development fees is an invitation to repeat our catastrophic mistakes.
As Vice chair of the Orange County Transportation Mobility Advisory Commission I have become a bonafide expert on our transportation issues, and a convener of the vital stakeholders who define this system. The reality is we need roads and transit. And I understand how to fund both.
BRT is the best first step. A pilot BRT program can be implemented within a year, and BRT is consistent with state plans.
We need to aggressively pursue better financing options for small scale developers who live in our community, and maximize our implementation of successful existing innovations such as the affordable housing trust, and Ready Set Orange. We have been running housing like grasshoppers before winter, and we need to become ants.
We can speed up the permitting process and decrease costs for builders who pass on savings to residents by implementing better technology.
We can make it easier for people to build ADUs on their property.
Orange County is moving in the right direction with programs like Ready, Set, Orange. We just need to do more things like that, and do them faster.
It comes down to having leverage with state legislators. I will continue to increase my leverage, and continue to negotiate fiercely.
But I also think a key part of preserving the springs is preserving access. Anyone who has lived here long enough can tell you that it's become hard to access the county's springs and enjoy them. I'm not sure what steps we can take, but there has to be something better than having people line up in their car before it opens. Folks can line up like that in New York or California, but we have always done better in Florida.
I helped make it possible for Orlando to secure the 2028 Olympic Qualifiers. For the last 4 years I have leveraged my nonprofit to create world class skateboard programming, bringing Olympic skateboarders, and the men’s Olympic skate coach into our community for free events such as the Florida Skateboard Heritage Fair produced in partnership with Florida Division of Arts & Culture.
Simultaneously, I have worked with state legislators to secure funding to build a temporary Olympic skateboard training facility in Orange County.
By being more proactive about revenue generation. Legislators respond to one thing: money. The more unrestricted revenue we generate, the more leverage we have in the Capitol. The more public technology infrastructure we create the more opportunities we have for revenue generation.
Orange County needs to lead the next iteration of American industry which will be built on public technology infrastructure. By leveraging our tremendous tourist population we are positioned to be the first local government organization to codify public technology infrastructure. Just as New York City sold the nation its financial infrastructure at the onset of the last economy and fashioned itself into the leading city in the nation, Orange County can become the fractional beneficiary of every transaction in the economy of public technology infrastructure and become the leading county in the nation. In an age where political power is under question, Orange County is proof of where the power lies.
Yes, but only under qualified guidance, and only according to the laws set by the legislature. More than anything the agencies tasked with spending that money locally need to be more responsible in their spending, and ensure that more of that value stays in our local economy where it can be accessed by the hundreds of thousands of small local businesses that do not benefit from giant events.
It makes no sense that Visit Orlando has money to pay creative agencies in New York for ai campaigns about our local community, but they have no money to pay local journalists or photographers for crucial work required to market and promote our local culture and businesses to visitors once they are here.
Civic Positions/Experience
President of the Regency Park HOA and former President of the Pine Hills Community Council. Served on the MetroPlan Orlando Community Advisory Committee, Orange County Sheriff's Office Community Advisory Committee, & Orange County advisory boards focused on affordable housing&community development.
Campaign Phone
407-913-3579
Property taxes are a vital source of funding for essential county services, including public safety, transportation, parks, housing, and infrastructure. If those revenues were ever reduced through changes beyond the County's control, we would need to protect core services by budgeting responsibly, improving efficiency, pursuing state and federal funding opportunities, and supporting thoughtful economic growth that expands the tax base. Any decisions should be made transparently, with public input, while maintaining the high-quality services Orange County residents expect.
Orange County's continued growth requires a balanced transportation strategy. We must invest in both reliable mass transit and targeted road improvements because neither alone will meet our community's needs. I support expanding transit options to reduce congestion and improve access to jobs while also improving roads, intersections, and traffic flow where growth demands it. With limited funding, we must prioritize projects that deliver the greatest benefit, coordinate with regional partners, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and transparently.
Orange County must take a comprehensive approach to increasing the supply of affordable housing. I support streamlining permitting, encouraging mixed-income and workforce housing, expanding public-private partnerships, and making better use of available land for housing opportunities. We should preserve existing affordable housing, support responsible redevelopment, and work with nonprofit and private developers to increase supply while protecting neighborhoods. My goal is to ensure teachers, first responders, seniors, and working families can afford to live in the community they serve.
Protecting our water resources requires regional collaboration and long-term planning. I support protecting wetlands and natural areas, reducing stormwater pollution, investing in resilient water infrastructure, and encouraging responsible growth that safeguards our water resources. Orange County should continue working closely with regional, state, and water management agencies to protect water quality, conserve our aquifer, and ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations. Clean water is essential to our environment, economy, and quality of life.
As President of the Pine Hills Community Council, I worked with residents, County staff, and local officials to oppose a proposed liquor store that our community believed was not in the neighborhood's best interest. I attended Orange County Board of County Commissioners and Board of Zoning Adjustment meetings, spoke on behalf of residents, and helped organize community input. By working collaboratively through the public process, we were successful in preventing the project from moving forward.
I believe local decisions are best made by the people who know our communities best. The County should work collaboratively with our legislative delegation, neighboring local governments, and community stakeholders to advocate for preserving home rule whenever possible. By maintaining strong relationships, communicating the local impact of proposed legislation, and speaking with a unified voice, we can better protect Orange County's ability to address the unique needs of our residents while respecting the role of the state.
My vision is for smart, responsible growth that meets the needs of our residents while protecting what makes Orange County special. As we expand infrastructure, we must prioritize planning, accountability, and coordination so growth does not outpace roads, drainage, schools, public safety, and other essential services. At the same time, we must protect rural communities, wetlands, natural lands, and wildlife corridors by guiding development to appropriate areas and respecting the character of established neighborhoods.
Tourist Development Tax funds should continue to be used in accordance with state law while maximizing their benefit to both visitors and residents whenever appropriate. I support investing in projects that strengthen our tourism economy while also improving quality of life for Orange County residents, such as transportation improvements, cultural and recreational amenities, and facilities that serve the community and attract visitors. Any use of TDT funds should be transparent, fiscally responsible, and provide a clear public benefit.
Civic Positions/Experience
President of the Links Incorporated (FL) Altamonte Springs Chapter
Campaign Phone
888-640-2999
If Orange County lost a significant share of property tax revenue, the only realistic options are a mix of new or increased user fees and special assessments, targeted local-option taxes (sales/tourist/utility), aggressive growth of the non-property tax base, and selective service reductions or consolidations—with public safety likely protected as much as possible. There is no single clean replacement; you’d need a deliberate package that spreads the burden, protects core services, and is politically explainable to voters.
Mass transit as the backbone, not an afterthought
We should center our system on frequent, all‑day bus and rail service that connects major job centers, dense neighborhoods, and the airport, building on existing bus routes, SunRail, Brightline, and the proposed “STAR” rapid transit plan.
A corridor‑based rapid transit network—with dedicated bus lanes or rail where warranted—through the county’s highest‑volume corridors can move far more people per dollar than repeating the old pattern of widening every arterial.
Investing in transit signal priority, zero‑emission vehicles, and better stops/stations will improve reliability and comfort, making transit a real alternative for commuters and tourists alike.
Make zoning and permitting work for affordability
Implement and strengthen the Housing for All recommendations to remove outdated regulatory barriers and streamline approvals for certified affordable and attainable projects.
Offer meaningful density and height bonuses, reduced parking, and flexible design standards in “zoning incentive areas” along transit and job corridors, in exchange for on‑site affordable units with long‑term covenants.
Expand fast‑track permitting (like “Ready Set Orange”) for affordable projects, including ADUs and small multifamily, with guaranteed timelines and fee reductions or waivers.
I would push for a “clean water first” agenda: tighten local pollution controls and land‑use protections, aggressively protect recharge areas and springsheds, and lock in long‑term partnerships with DEP and the water management districts to keep the Floridan Aquifer healthy for the next 50+ years. That means treating water quality and aquifer protection as non‑negotiable infrastructure—on par with roads and schools—not as an afterthought to growth.
As a young attorney in Leesburg, Florida, I was asked by residents of the Pine Street neighborhood to help them fight a major expansion by Leesburg Regional Medical Center. The hospital planned to pave over a historic, traditionally Black, low‑income neighborhood—replacing homes and a tight‑knit community with a parking lot and new buildings. Many residents didn’t have the resources or transportation options that would make relocation feasible, and Pine Street held deep history going back to the days of Lewis McCall.
Two residents came to my office and told me they didn’t know where to turn. I agreed to represent the neighborhood pro bono at the city’s Planning and Zoning stage. I organized the community, prepared a detailed presentation,
The commission can best protect home rule by combining smarter ordinance design, stronger charter protections, coordinated legal and lobbying strategies, and visible public campaigns that make preemption politically costly for state lawmakers. In practice that means you don’t just “react” when a bad bill drops in Tallahassee—you organize, communicate, and litigate around a clear story of local democracy being overridden by distant power.
My vision is to welcome growth in the right places—along existing corridors and in walkable, mixed‑use centers—while drawing a very firm line around our rural communities, wetlands, and the wildlife corridor, using Vision 2050, Orange Code, and aggressive land conservation to make sure those places are permanently protected. In practice that means pairing serious investment in infrastructure where we already live and work with equally serious rules and acquisitions that keep sensitive lands and rural lifestyles intact. The commission’s recent decisions to uphold the rural boundary and Vision 2050 in the face of SB 180 pressure show the backbone we need going forward. When projects propose paving over wetlands, fragmenting the wildlife.
Tourist Development Tax dollars should stay tightly focused on tourism-specific uses, with only limited overlap projects that clearly meet the legal test of being primarily tourism-related rather than a backdoor general fund for local services. If we want to fund broader community needs, we should be honest with residents and use the appropriate revenue tools instead of stretching TDT beyond its purpose. Keep TDT as a high-performance, transparent tourism engine, with strong oversight and clear metrics, so visitors shoulder the cost of marketing and tourism facilities—not residents
Civic Positions/Experience
City of Orlando Commissioner District 3, Board of Directors Central Florida Fair (2000 - present)
Campaign Phone
(321)947-3381
Just as I did when I served as a City of Orlando Commissioner, I intend to learn the budgeting and accounting software to scrutinize Departments budgets. As I walk precincts, I am meeting retired Orange County employees. They are telling me of various waste in Orange County government. I will start with this task prior to making other financial decisions. There are millions of dollars of funded but not filled positions. I believe that there are excesses in the current budget.
Mass transportation is great, if people will use it. Cities and counties need to develop around the current Sunrail service area to boost ridership and take cars off the road. Lynx needs to improve its service with more frequent trips of its existing lines before expanding. I am interested in learning more about the City of Orlando Waymo program (driverless vehicles) to give more access to transportation options for seniors and people who do not drive especially to access nearby neighborhood services. Lynx should consider smaller driverless vehicles to save money on personnel for some of its routes. There is a lot of capacity in the new expansion of Interstate 4.
Orange County already has a funding mechanism for affordable housing. I would consider giving incentives for townhomes and condominiums, a more affordable option for homeownership rather than a single family home. I am opposed to phasing out the affordability requirement after thirty years. If Orange County is going to provide incentives, then the affordability standards should be permanent and run with the land.
Water quality is important. Lake Lawne, Lake Orlando, and Lake Fairview (joint responsibility of Orange County and City of Orlando) are the headwaters for the Wekiva River. They are impaired lakes. We need to divert the road/stormwater runoff off Colonial Drive and Highway 441 from flowing into these lakes. The City of Orlando is partially working with the State. However, the City of Orlando needs to do more to protect these lakes, and Orange County needs to focus on Lake Fairview and Little Lake Fairview. The protection of the Wekiva River should start with the headwaters not at the Seminole County line.
I am concerned about all the lakes in District 7. We must stop using our lakes for retention ponds.
As an Orlando City Commissioner, I worked to bring the FAMU Law School to downtown Orlando. It was a very competitive process between Orlando and Lakeland. I am proud to have our FAMU Law School in plain view along Interstate 4.
The Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties are doing everything possible to lobby the Legislature and to protect home rule. We can partner with them.
Orange County needs to work more closely with the State and the program to preserve our local food source farm/ranch land by buying development rights and permanently preserve land for agriculture uses.
I grew up in Western Michigan and spent considerable recreation time on Lake Michigan. I have tremendous respect for our natural resources. I was raised in a rural setting with deer and wild turkeys roaming the yard frequently. Just as Seminole County worked to protect the wildlife corridor with the creation of the West beltway, Orange County should consider similar techniques in environmental sensitive areas.
I am not a fan of zero lot line or very small spaces between homes. We need more subdivisions with estate lots.
The Florida Legislature determines how Orange County can use TDT funds. The Florida Legislature limits us on what we can do. I think it is disingenuous to talk about other uses of the funds and, thereby, making the public hopeful that help is on the way when we can do nothing. Let's acknowledge that TDT funds are not accessible for alternative uses and save our breath on this subject for when, if ever, the law changes. Orange County leaders should stop giving false hopes to citizens and, instead, focus on real alternative solutions.
