VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The mayor’s seats in Deltona and Edgewater are up for grabs, and the races are drawing widespread attention.
Six candidates are vying for the two positions, and while the cities are separate, the core issues driving each campaign are largely the same: development, flooding and the future of their communities.
In Edgewater, incumbent Mayor Diezel Depew — described as the youngest mayor in the state — is seeking re-election. His top priorities include growth management tied to new development, reducing utility costs and combating flooding.
Challenging Depew is Wayne McCloskey, a school crossing guard and volunteer with the local police department and animal shelter. McCloskey says his campaign is centered on flood control, smart growth and making the city safer for residents and youth.
Former NHL player, Stanley Cup winner and small-business owner Stephen Olesky has also entered the Edgewater race. Olesky lists his priorities as supporting local businesses, protecting nature and encouraging smart growth in the city.
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All candidate information was gathered directly from the candidates or their official campaign websites, according to News 6.
In Deltona, three candidates are competing for the mayor’s seat — and again, growth management is front and center.
Incumbent Mayor Santiago Avila Jr. says his priorities are managing growth and development, creating the city’s first downtown and uptown districts to drive economic growth, and bringing family-centered facilities — including a maternity hospital and parks and recreation amenities — to Deltona.
Current Vice Mayor Maritza Vazquez is also running for the top seat. She says she wants to preserve green space in Deltona, slow the pace of new development, and identify flooding areas and find solutions to keep residents’ homes safe.
Rounding out the Deltona field is Jason Voelz, a veteran, former law enforcement officer, and small-business owner. Voelz says he wants less development, an end to what he calls overspending and high taxes and fees, and a halt to the “toilet to tap” initiative — arguing the city must prioritize clean water.