2026 Voter’s Guide - Orange County Commission District 7

Election Day is Aug. 18

Published: July 31, 2026 at 3:16 PM

As part of our commitment to providing you with what you need to make an informed decision in the 2026 elections, News 6 joined with the News Collaborative of Central Florida to present the Voting Central Florida 2026 Voter’s Guide.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

Selina Carter

WEBSITE: www.selinacarter.com/

Ms. Carter did not respond to the questionnaire.

Shannon Currie

WEBSITE: shannoncurrie.com/

Ms. Currie did not respond to the questionnaire.

Nate Douglas

WEBSITE: www.natefororange.com/

Mr. Douglas did not respond to the questionnaire.

Shakaya “Kay” Filmore

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587267963414#

Mr. Filmore did not respond to the questionnaire.

Angie Gardner

WEBSITE: www.angiegardner.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Housing attainability: Knowing which housing models would actually work and would be sustainable is important; so, I would expect studies to be done. I would address it with the following;

Housing innovation such as Finland’s model (scaffolded approach from simple “shelter” to “permanent housing - with access to health services.
Common/Co-op housing would empower residents to purchase/renovate the units they currently occupy if/when the owner is ready to walk away from it. When the owner is tired of code violations and regular maintenance/upkeep, the multi-unit structure would be purchased (by qualified residents) through private/public partnerships and only in the right circumstances. Qualified residents would have to earn a spot through sweat equity.
Land trusts (allow residents to earn equity by purchasing the improvements, provide a safety net to help reduce foreclosures and provide other support.)
Collaborative housing is another idea that I would like to explore. This model would appeal to residents that enjoy sharing common spaces. It would reduce the carbon footprint and provide more “togetherness” for those that would otherwise be lonely. Similar to most senior living.
Orange County’s “Housing for All” includes parameters for homeowners to build ADUs. If every homeowner that could would build a separate unit and rent at a reduced rate, this would help greatly with the housing need.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Safety must always be considered.

Right now, there seems to be an increase in teen gatherings that have caused quite a bit of disturbance. The teens are restless and this must be addressed now - before it continues to get out of hand. I would work with the Sheriff’s department to enhance the community policing division. Perhaps having a student-led task force would assist with a generation of fresh ideas. Expansion of youth-organized sports teams, building relationships through understanding, getting parents involved (via accountability or education).
E-Mobility mandates will be needed. Those that are responsible users won’t feel the pain; however, those that are modifying e-bikes to the point of lawlessness must be met with harsher regulatory penalties. One way to address this would be to require registration with a QR code that informs officers about the original factory make/model so that they know if the device has been modified. If so, then the bike is confiscated, parents are notified, warnings are issued or fines are assessed. Deaths are occurring, so this must be addressed.
Additionally, with the sheer increase of housing, safety measures must continue to be considered. When it comes to housing and residents, emergency preparedness training and cohorts would assist with smaller safety issues so that 9-1-1 isn’t always the first call. With proper training and knowing what to expect, residents can foil larger emergency situations. I would infuse safety tips, strategies, and training in any communication piece and/or setting. This is quick, easy, and implementable element.

Note: With all of these ideas, there will require some adjustment to public safety numbers: Personnel, equipment, intel, and funding.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Healthcare must continue to be addressed. Orange County is doing a great job utilizing the skilled human resources that already exist, as well as partnerships with the surrounding healthcare partners, to which….

I would advocate for a larger facility that would allow services and personnel to be in one location. This allows for a better patient flow.
It would be necessary to create some sort of payment system for those that can pay ‘something.’ This would mean that those being serviced will have to verify their income. This is not to prevent services, but it will create some sort of “payment-reference scale” from which to assess a co-pay.
The procurement of an electronic record system will be needed to help capture patient data in a cohesive manner. The current system is part and partial.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? As former Mayor of Eatonville, I had to address challenges caused by several decades of “decision-making” and was able to begin a turnaround for the town. Seniors received transportation, Catalina Park received bathrooms and a P.A.L. Clubhouse, Stormwater/Sewer lines are being replaced, drinking water lines are being upgraded (CRA initiative), master planning initiative was completed, and well-respected partnerships have been created. Not to mention nearly $6m in funding for housing and land purchase. (This was held up because two parcels of land were sold to private individuals). I would like to continue doing the right work, but for a larger group of residents who would benefit from a leader who knows that every “Story Matters.” This is a non-partisan race, so everyone is a “priority” and every issue must be considered, regardless of political affiliations/groups.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Within this document, affordability for housing has been addressed. Healthcare has been touched on, but:

I would like to also add the importance of job creation through small business initiatives. Currently, Orange County has initiatives in place, however, it seems that more small business owners would benefit from these services. I would create a consistent communication tool for small business owners and entrepreneurs. By growing small businesses, you create jobs and training programs. More jobs and better training will allow residents to have more living choices. The increase of choices will help the market pattern, especially for the lower-income residents. Landlords will be forced to offer “better” living conditions. An improvement of living conditions will attract many to stay where they are and not be so attracted to join the “urban sprawl.”
Healthcare options that can be considered would be using “local choice” programs to purchase insurance-like coverage for low-income and/or underinsured residents. Another option would be direct primary care programs, which would allow patients to pay a monthly subscription fee directly to healthcare providers. This may help to lower costs for underinsured residents. Specific parameters for these programs would have to be hashed out with experts in the field.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Slashing property taxes would be catastrophic without a fail-proof plan to cover the losses. I will vote “No!” Although schools will be exempt and there is discussion surrounding small cities and towns being able to “apply” for funding from the state, my position remains the same.

Small towns having to ‘apply’ for funding from the state circumvents the spirit of home-rules. Small towns and cities will have to “skin and grin” with the governor in order to ensure yearly operating payments. This shifts the idea of ‘representation’ from residents to the state.
Public Safety: The current response time for emergency vehicles is sometimes concerning. What happens if funding is slashed?
Which government services would need to be cut first? Housing for All, senior and youth programs, foster services contract? Many services that keep people safe, aside from public safety services, will be in limbo.
Maintenance of parks and other facilities may lose priority.

Replacement of lost revenue would be seen in the form of;

Sales tax initiatives
Increased user fees: Permitting, recording documents, court fees, public facilities (park usage), fines assessed.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Orange County is considering a utility fee for its customers. If passed, the fee should be commiserated with the amount of usage. Florida’s utility regulators must ensure that data centers shoulder their fair share but also help them to create mitigation projects; because even if they ‘pay’ fairly for their usage, they could never pay for the ultimate damage to the environment.

Other ways Florida’s utility regulators should respond is to work with residents and other entities to also reduce usage and assist with maintenance tips that will utilize services more efficiently.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? There are many “environments” that must be considered. Safety, economic, etc. They all would be enhanced if we do not ignore the destruction of the natural environment, conservation lands/green spaces, to make way for development. I completely understand that development is necessary, however, more effort has to be given to pre-planning that involves green space and saving natural habitats. Once these are gone, there is no more green space. There has to be a shared responsibility between developers, government, and residents. Ultimately, developers won’t build if residents say that they won’t buy and businesses don’t relocate to these affected areas. It is a very delicate balance. More thought must be put into future planning. The market sets the pace. Neither entity can be demonized but education can be a catalyst to better understanding.

Deidre Graybill

WEBSITE: vote4graybill.com/home

Ms. Graybill did not respond to the questionnaire.

Rasheeda Doris Jones

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/RasheedaDJonesforcountycommisionerdistrict7/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: The rising cost of housing is making it difficult for working families, seniors, and young professionals to remain in District 7. I will support workforce and affordable housing initiatives, encourage responsible development, and ensure county resources are being used effectively to expand housing options while protecting existing residents from displacement.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Residents deserve safe neighborhoods and reliable infrastructure. I will prioritize investments in sidewalks, street lighting, drainage improvements, road maintenance, and pedestrian safety. I will also support partnerships between law enforcement, firefighters, community organizations, and residents to improve public safety and quality of life.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: As an educator, I understand the importance of creating pathways to success. I will support workforce development, small business growth, job training programs, and youth mentorship opportunities that prepare residents for high-demand careers and strengthen our local economy.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I deserve to be elected because I have spent my life serving the people of District 7, not from behind a desk, but in classrooms, churches, neighborhoods, and community organizations. As an educator for more than 20 years, a mentor, and the founder of a program that empowers young women, I understand the challenges families face because I work with them every day. I am not a career politician. I am a community leader who listens, builds relationships, and solves problems. I will bring a fresh perspective, transparency, and a commitment to putting residents first as we address housing affordability, public safety, economic opportunity, and the overall quality of life in District 7.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? As a teacher, I understand the affordability crisis not just as a candidate, but as someone living it every day. Like many working families in Orange County, I have felt the impact of rising housing costs, increasing insurance premiums, higher grocery prices, and the growing cost of everyday necessities. I am also the mother of two children in college, so I understand firsthand the financial pressures families face while trying to provide opportunities for their children and build a secure future. As County Commissioner, I will prioritize expanding workforce and affordable housing so that teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and other essential employees can afford to live in the communities they serve. I support responsible growth that includes housing options for working families and protects longtime residents from being priced out of their neighborhoods. I will also focus on economic opportunity by supporting workforce development, small business growth, and career training programs that help residents access better-paying jobs. Additionally, I will advocate for responsible budgeting, improved transportation options, and county programs that help reduce financial burdens on families and seniors. Affordability is personal to me. I understand the difficult choices many families are making because I face many of the same challenges. That perspective will guide my decisions as I work to ensure Orange County remains a place where working families can live, work, and thrive.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I understand the frustration many homeowners feel about rising property taxes. As a teacher and a mother of two children in college, I feel the impact of rising costs myself. However, I am concerned that dramatically reducing property tax revenue without a clear replacement plan could lead to cuts in public safety, transportation, parks, libraries, and other essential county services that families rely on. I support targeted tax relief for seniors, working families, and homeowners, but I do not support shifting the burden through higher fees or reduced services.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Utility costs are becoming a growing burden on Florida families, especially seniors, working families, and those living on fixed incomes. As a teacher and a mother of two children in college, I understand how rising monthly bills can strain a household budget. Florida’s utility regulators must ensure that residential customers are not unfairly burdened with the costs of large-scale infrastructure projects, including data centers. Companies that place significant demands on the power grid should pay their fair share of the costs associated with expanding and maintaining that infrastructure. Regulators should increase transparency in the rate-setting process, carefully scrutinize utility rate increase requests, and prioritize investments in energy efficiency and grid modernization that can help reduce long-term costs. They should also encourage innovation and diversification of energy sources to promote reliability and affordability. Florida’s economic growth is important, but it should not come at the expense of residents who are already struggling with the rising cost of living. The goal should be a balanced approach that supports growth while protecting consumers from unnecessary rate increases.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? I believe one of the biggest environmental issues Florida must address is the impact of rapid growth on our natural resources, particularly water quality, flooding, and sustainable development. As our population continues to grow, we must ensure that development is balanced with environmental stewardship so that we protect our lakes, wetlands, green spaces, and drinking water for future generations. In Orange County, many residents are also concerned about flooding, stormwater management, and aging infrastructure. We need to invest in resilient infrastructure, improve drainage systems, protect conservation areas, and ensure that new development does not place additional burdens on existing communities. I support responsible growth that includes environmental protections, smart land-use planning, and investments in clean water initiatives. Protecting our environment is not just about preserving natural resources—it is about protecting public health, property values, quality of life, and the future of our communities. As a teacher and community leader, I believe we have a responsibility to leave Florida better for the next generation than we found it.

Gloria C. Joyner

WEBSITE: vote4joyner.com/

Aaron Emmanuel Lewis

WEBSITE: voteaaronlewis.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Number 1 issue is Housing. Working families are being priced out of the neighborhoods they helped build. My priority is to keep people housed while expanding permanently affordable housing. I will strengthen the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, establish Community Land Trusts so homes remain affordable for generations, invest in eviction diversion to prevent displacement before it starts, and support the development of workforce and missing middle housing. I’ve already drafted an affordable housing ordinance that’s ready to move forward on day one because families can’t afford to wait for action.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: After Housing, my number 2 issue is Public Transit. A job you can’t reach isn’t a real opportunity. Too many District 7 residents lose hours every week because public transit is unreliable or doesn’t go where they need it to. I fully support the STAR plan because our region needs a modern, connected transit system that grows with us, not one that’s constantly playing catch-up. I will fight to expand LYNX service on the routes people actually depend on, advance the long-term SunRail vision, and secure dedicated, sustainable funding so we can stop starving transit and start treating it like the essential infrastructure it is. Just as importantly, every rider deserves a safe, accessible place to wait. I will push to ensure every bus stop is ADA compliant and equipped with benches, lighting, and shelters so seniors, people with disabilities, families, and workers aren’t left standing in the Florida sun or rain.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: My 3rd issue is Economic Mobility. Too many residents work full time and still can’t get ahead. I will use the county’s buying power through Community Wealth Building by directing procurement and local hiring toward businesses that invest in Orange County workers. I’ll partner with labor unions, employers, and our educational institutions to expand apprenticeship and skilled trades opportunities, creating clear pathways into livable wage careers that don’t require a four-year degree. I’ll also strengthen support for small businesses and entrepreneurs because local businesses create local wealth. My philosophy is that prosperity shouldn’t be measured by how much our economy grows; it should be measured by whether the people who keep Orange County running can afford to build a life here.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I believe public office is about service, not status. I’ve spent my career bringing people together, solving complex problems, and fighting for those whose voices too often go unheard. Whether through my work as a nonprofit leader, my military service, or my community advocacy, I’ve learned that the best solutions come from listening first and leading with integrity.

I’m running because I see an Orange County with incredible potential, but too many families are being left behind by rising costs, unreliable transportation, and a lack of economic opportunity. I won’t settle for business as usual. I’ll be an accessible commissioner who shows up, listens, and works every day to deliver results that improve people’s lives. If you want a commissioner who will lead with compassion, think boldly, and never forget who they’re accountable to, I’m asking for your vote.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability isn’t just about the price of groceries. It’s about whether your paycheck is enough to build a stable life. In Orange County, that means tackling the biggest costs families face every month: housing, transportation, and access to good-paying jobs.

I’ll strengthen the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, support Community Land Trusts, expand workforce and missing middle housing, and invest in eviction prevention to help keep families in their homes. I’ll fight for reliable public transit through the STAR plan because every dollar a family can save by not needing another car is money they can put toward rent, childcare, or savings. I’ll also use the county’s purchasing power to support local businesses, expand apprenticeship opportunities with our unions and employers, and ensure county investments create pathways into careers that pay livable wages.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No. I support giving homeowners real relief, but I won’t support doing it by gutting the services District 7 depends on. Orange County is projected to lose hundreds of millions of dollars over the next two years, and that money pays for things like public transit, health services, homelessness programs, parks, and fire rescue. That’s not savings; it’s shifting the cost somewhere else. Renters don’t get the tax break, but they’ll still end up paying the price through higher fees, reduced services, or both.

The state created this problem without providing a real solution, and I won’t pretend there’s an easy fix. My priority will be protecting the essential services families rely on while fighting for the state to keep its promise to make counties whole. If additional local revenue ever becomes necessary, it should be transparent, approved by voters, and designed to protect working families by exempting essentials like groceries and medicine while ensuring our millions of visitors help shoulder the cost.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators have one job: protect the public interest. That means making sure the cost of new growth isn’t shifted onto working families. Data centers should pay the full cost of the electricity generation, transmission, water, and infrastructure they require, with enforceable long-term commitments so utilities don’t recover those costs from residential customers if a project scales back or fails to materialize. Florida should welcome innovation and investment, but not by asking families to subsidize some of the wealthiest companies in the world. Regulators should aggressively enforce the laws added to the books, require transparent cost allocation, and reject any proposal that leaves homeowners and small businesses paying higher utility bills so billion-dollar corporations can receive discounted service.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Florida’s biggest environmental challenge is protecting our water. Our aquifer, springs, lakes, and wetlands are under increasing pressure from rapid growth, pollution, and overconsumption. Once these resources are damaged, they become far more expensive, and sometimes impossible, to restore. Protecting our water isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s about public health, responsible growth, and ensuring future generations have access to clean, reliable water.

That means strengthening water conservation, protecting wetlands and recharge areas, reducing pollution from stormwater and runoff, and requiring new development to meet higher environmental standards. We can continue to grow, but growth must be sustainable. If we fail to protect our water now, Floridians will pay the price later through higher utility costs, increased flooding, and the loss of the natural resources that make our state unique.

Zach Moldof

WEBSITE: www.zachfororange.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Transportation. I am working to build a county-owned rideshare app in order to reclaim the hundreds of millions in revenue that we currently lose to Uber and Lyft. Rideshare fares will fund Lynx, which will run vehicles of different sizes on ai optimized smart routes that respond to capacity on demand. Vehicles will be owned and leased to Lynx by residents, providing opportunities for passive income at all scales of our economy.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Housing. We need a more robust system for financing and permitting that is designed to accommodate and assist smaller-scale developments, so that housing in our county can be accelerated by better assisting potential developers who want to build shelter for 1-10. Our current system only works to produce shelter for hundreds or thousands of people at once. As a person who was homeless, I am committed to separating the conversations of homelessness and housing; they are connected, but we need to be able to solve these issues independently and stop conflating the conversations.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Schools. I’m currently preparing a skateboard aftercare and business academy program for OCPS to ensure that education in our community evolves to meet the needs of changing families. We have amazing educators in Florida, and an amazing school board here in Orange County. My intention is to leverage our economy to negotiate better arrangements for OCPS. The state needs our revenue in order to function, and that revenue will become increasingly difficult to obtain if OCPS is not protected from political theatre in Tallahassee.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? For the last 4 years, my nonprofit has been serving District 7, and I have committed myself to serving Orange County. Whether through my role as Vice Chair of the Orange County Transportation Mobility Advisory Commission—where I have advocated that we use transportation to create more jobs and better systems for community safety—or my work in the Capitol building rapport with the republicans who control the transportation committees, I am already leading and serving. I’m asking for the public’s permission to be an official leader employed by the county.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Taking our economy back from big tech one industry at a time. Silicon Valley takes so much from our local economy that there is no longer enough of our local economy left for us to survive! All the technology infrastructure that we rely on daily is owned and operated by corporations that exploit our community with no regard for quality of life. The moment I’m elected is the beginning of the end for Silicon Valley, and the reclamation of our local economy for local benefit.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I started pushing for the county to create a rideshare app last year, because I saw this coming. There is a ton of potential for revenue generation through public technology infrastructure. If we take back all the money that big tech extracts from our economy, it’s enough to replace property tax revenue and never miss it.

I’m voting no because it’s a terrible way to alleviate the burden on residents. If anything, we should eliminate private insurance and convert housing insurance to a public commodity with no profit margin. I may be capable of getting us out of this mess, but I’m still against making the mess worse before I fix it.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? We should commission a robust study on the effects of existing data centers elsewhere in order to properly quantify the long-term effects. Until the study is completed, there should be a moratorium on new data centers and a cap on the utility usage of existing data centers. The study should take at least 2 years to complete.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? We live on some of the richest agricultural land in the world, and our farmers’ markets are selling produce from other continents. Bring back Florida agriculture.

Patricia Rumph

WEBSITE: patriciarumph.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Issue #1: Affordable Housing

Too many working families, seniors, and young people are being priced out of the communities they call home. As your County Commissioner, I will expand affordable and workforce housing by supporting responsible development, streamlining the permitting process, encouraging public-private partnerships, and ensuring Orange County invests in housing that teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and other working families can actually afford.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Issue #2: Infrastructure and Transportation

Our roads, sidewalks, and transit system must keep pace with Orange County’s growth. I will support smart infrastructure investments, improve traffic safety, expand transportation options, and make sure new development is matched with the infrastructure our communities need.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Issue #3: Public Safety

Public safety is one of the county’s most important responsibilities. Drawing on my decades of experience in public service, including nearly 30 years with the Florida Department of Corrections, I will work with our public safety agencies, invest in violence prevention and youth programs, and support emergency preparedness to help keep our neighborhoods safe.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I have spent decades serving Orange County and have been doing the work long before I became a candidate. As the first and only Orange County Community Ambassador appointed by Mayor Jerry Demings, President of the Pine Hills Community Council, and a longtime public servant with nearly 30 years at the Florida Department of Corrections, I have earned the trust to lead through service. My roots in this community, combined with my experience bringing people together and solving problems, have prepared me to deliver thoughtful, accountable leadership that puts District 7 first.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability is the issue I hear about most from families across District 7. We need more affordable and workforce housing, stronger support for good-paying jobs, and smart investments in public transportation and infrastructure that reduce everyday costs. I will also advocate for policies that protect working families, support small businesses, and ensure Orange County remains a place where teachers, first responders, seniors, and young families can afford to live and succeed.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? NO. I support meaningful tax relief for homeowners, but not if it comes at the expense of the local services our residents depend on. Orange County relies on property tax revenue to fund public safety, parks, roads, libraries, and other essential services. Rather than shifting the burden through higher fees or cutting services, we should focus on responsible budgeting, greater government efficiency, and targeted affordability solutions that help working families without weakening our community’s long-term financial stability. The proposed amendment has raised concerns that it could significantly reduce local government revenue and force difficult budget choices.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators should put residents first by ensuring families are not forced to subsidize the growing energy demands of large data centers and other high-use industries. We need greater transparency, strong oversight, and investments in modern, reliable energy infrastructure so utility costs remain fair, predictable, and affordable for homeowners and small businesses.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Protecting our water resources is one of the most important environmental challenges facing Florida. As our community grows, we must balance responsible development with conservation by safeguarding our lakes, springs, wetlands, and drinking water, investing in resilient infrastructure, and preserving green spaces. We owe it to future generations to protect the natural resources that make Central Florida a great place to live.

Beryl Thompson-McClary

WEBSITE: www.berylthompsonmcclary.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordable Housing and Cost of Living:

Affordability is the biggest challenge facing Orange County families. Housing costs, insurance, utilities, and property taxes continue to rise, while many families’ incomes have not kept pace. My goal is to make Orange County a place where teachers, first responders, seniors, young families, and working professionals can afford to live and thrive.

I will address this by increasing the supply of workforce and attainable housing through faster permitting, supporting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and encouraging responsible development near jobs and transit. I will advocate for targeted property tax relief for seniors and low- and middle-income homeowners, require new development to pay its fair share through impact fees so existing residents aren’t left with the bill, and improve transportation infrastructure to reduce commuting costs. I will also build partnerships with nonprofit housing organizations and the private sector to create more affordable homeownership opportunities.

My commitment is straightforward: protect taxpayers, spend your money wisely, and make Orange County a place where families can afford to live, work, and build a better future.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Infrastructure:

Orange County is growing rapidly, and if we do not plan wisely, our water quality, flood safety, and quality of life are at risk. Growth must pay its fair share instead of leaving existing residents with higher bills and more flooding, traffic, and pollution.

I will push for infrastructure planning that is tied to realistic population growth and climate realities, so we are not approving large developments without adequate roads, drainage, water, sewer, and public safety services. I will support investments in stormwater systems, green infrastructure, and wetland and aquifer protection to reduce flooding and protect drinking water, and I will hold polluters—not taxpayers—accountable for the cost of environmental damage. I will also advocate for land‑use decisions that protect natural areas and minimize sprawl, which drives up both infrastructure and household costs.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Accountable, Competent Government:

District 7 deserves a county government that delivers results—not excuses. Residents in Maitland, College Park, Pine Hills, Rosemont, Eatonville, Lockhart, and Orlovista have heard promises for years while traffic worsens, flooding projects stall, infrastructure ages, and basic improvements move at a painfully slow pace.

As your County Commissioner, I will insist on clear priorities, realistic timelines, and measurable results for every major project affecting District 7. Taxpayers deserve to know what is being done, how much it costs, and when it will be completed.

For more than 30 years as an attorney, I have held people accountable for keeping their commitments. I will bring that same discipline to county government by asking the hard questions, demanding transparency, and making sure government works for the people—not the bureaucracy.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? District 7 is getting its first County Commissioner. We have one opportunity to set the standard for what this office should be. I believe that standard should be competence, accountability, and results.

I’m not asking people to elect me because I’ve spent 35 years as an attorney. I’m asking for their vote because those 35 years prepared me to do this job well.

I’ve built a career solving difficult problems, negotiating competing interests, reading the fine print, managing budgets, and holding people accountable. Those are the same skills a County Commissioner uses every day when deciding how taxpayer dollars are spent, how growth is managed, and how our communities move forward.

I also understand the realities of this office. The first term is only two years, and much of the first year’s budget will already be in place before the next commissioner is sworn in. That means I’m not going to make promises I can’t keep.

Instead, my first responsibility will be to make sure county government delivers on the promises it has already made. If a road project is years behind schedule, I want to know why. If flooding improvements have stalled, I want to know what’s standing in the way. If taxpayers are investing millions of dollars, they deserve to see measurable results—not endless studies and delayed timelines.

At the same time, I’ll help shape the next county budget and the next generation of priorities so District 7 is positioned for long-term success. Every decision I make will be guided by one question: Will this improve the daily lives of the people who live here?

I’ve called District 7 home for more than 35 years. I know the character of Maitland and College Park. I know the pride of Eatonville. I know the challenges facing Lockhart, Rosemont, Orlo Vista, and Pine Hills. Every community deserves the same attention, the same respect, and the same commitment to results.

I’m not running to be a career politician. I’m running to be a commissioner who does the job well.

When my first two years are over, I don’t want residents talking about me. I want them talking about what got done—projects completed, neighborhoods protected, taxpayer dollars respected, and a county government that kept its word.

That’s the standard I intend to set for District 7.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? First, I will increase the supply of attainable housing by supporting a mix of housing options—including workforce housing, accessory dwelling units where appropriate, and redevelopment of underused commercial properties—while protecting the character of existing neighborhoods. Teachers, firefighters, nurses, law enforcement officers, and young families should be able to live in the communities they serve.

Second, I will make sure county government spends taxpayer dollars wisely. Every dollar we save through greater efficiency is a dollar we don’t have to ask taxpayers to provide. I will carefully review spending, eliminate waste where possible, and focus our budget on core services that residents depend on.

Third, we must invest in infrastructure that saves people both time and money. Better traffic signal synchronization, improved roads, and reliable stormwater systems reduce fuel costs, vehicle repairs, lost productivity, and the financial burden that comes from flooding.

Finally, I will support policies that help create high-paying jobs by encouraging responsible economic development, supporting small businesses, and preparing our workforce for growing industries. The best affordability program is a good-paying job that allows families to build financial security.

Affordability isn’t solved by one policy. It requires responsible budgeting, thoughtful growth, more housing choices, strong infrastructure, and a local government that respects every taxpayer dollar. That is the approach I will bring as your Orange County Commissioner.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will vote No.

I understand why this amendment is appealing — property taxes in Florida have become a genuine burden, especially for long-term homeowners on fixed incomes watching their assessments climb. That pain is real and I take it seriously.

But slashing property taxes without a credible replacement plan does not solve affordability. It shifts the burden. The services funded by property taxes — schools, emergency response, road maintenance, parks, public health — do not disappear when the revenue does. They either get cut or they get replaced with fees that hit working families harder than the tax relief helped them.

The honest answer is that Florida needs structural reform of how we fund public services — not a ballot amendment that creates a revenue hole and leaves counties to figure out how to fill it through service reductions or regressive fee increases. I will not support a measure that balances budgets on the backs of the residents who can least afford it.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? In Florida, the state Public Service Commission sets the basic utility rates and profit levels, while our local decisions in Orange County determine how expensive it is to serve us—through growth, zoning, and local fees on utility bills. The new state law on AI data centers already requires those facilities to pay their own full cost of service so those expenses aren’t shifted onto families and small businesses. As your county commissioner, I will use our local land‑use and permitting authority to make growth, including data centers, pay its fair share for infrastructure, avoid unnecessary local add‑on fees, and move sensible grid and clean‑energy projects through approval quickly, so we keep power bills as affordable and stable as possible for Orange County residents.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest environmental issue Florida’s government must address is getting water right—protecting the quality of our rivers, lakes, springs, and drinking water, and reducing flooding made worse by rapid growth and stronger storms. When we allow pollution and pave over wetlands and natural lands, we don’t just harm wildlife; we drive up flooding, insurance, and infrastructure costs for families and small businesses.

As a county commissioner, I will fight for stronger protections for our waterways and wetlands, smarter growth that doesn’t sacrifice natural flood defenses, and investments in stormwater and green infrastructure so we safeguard both our environment and affordability in Orange County.

Vicki Vargo

WEBSITE: votevickivargo.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Public Safety is always my first priority. Currently, District 7, by far, has the highest number of young people between twelve and seventeen years old committing murder. Many of them do not have prior criminal encounters. I consider this situation a crisis. I am participating in State Attorney Monique Worrell’s community collaboration of the Missing Middle, and what can be done to prevent these young people from ending up in her office and saving the lives of the victims and the future of the wrongdoing pre-teen/teenager. As your County Commissioner, I will bring county assets to the table to turn around this tragic situation. I have ideas. However, this forum does not allow for lengthy responses. Public safety and saving lives are my first priority.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordable living opportunities are my second priority. One of the reasons for my Number 1 issue is that teenagers are committing crimes to help their mothers pay the family bills. I am looking to expand food giveaway programs to the evenings to support parents who work during the day. There are resources for free food in District 7; however, they are distributed only during the day. I have other ideas.

We need more affordable housing near our largest employers, that is, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando Health, Advent Health, and our tourism/hospitality sector. I do not support doubling impact fees, which would drive up the cost of housing. I have ideas. However, this forum does not allow for lengthy responses.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Transportation is my third priority. Rather than expanding service, Lynx needs to focus on its core routes supporting workers. In District 7, Rosemont has a direct line to Disney World. However, this bus stop has lost service even though it is heavily used by workers. The new Lynx station in Pine Hills also runs infrequently Over 50% of the workers in District 7 work in tourism/hospitality. It takes too long to travel to and from work. Lynx needs to transition to driverless vehicles to save costs and increase service. I support the concept of the City of Orlando’s Waymo driverless system. I have ideas. However, this forum does not allow for lengthy responses.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? My experience is unmatched by the other candidates running for District 7. I am a former Orlando City Commissioner and real estate attorney. I have a track record of getting things done. Constituents do not need to wonder if Vicki Vargo will do what she says on the campaign trail. They can look at my record. Go to www.votevickivargo.com and review my endorsements, accomplishments, and education. I have lived in District 7 for thirty-two years, and Pine Hills has not changed for the better. I am a known change agent and will bring progressive, positive change to our District 7 most challenged neighborhoods while augmenting our affluent communities. I am running to better the lives of my neighbors, and I consider all my constituents my neighbors.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? In addition to my references to affordability above, I would support giving incentives to build townhomes and condominiums, a less expensive form of homeownership. I would also consider tiny homes communities for the homeless, many of whom do not like living in apartment communities.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Regardless of how property tax relief is decided in November, I believe there is excessive spending in Orange County government. I reviewed the first six-month agenda items for 2025 and found the spending interesting. Currently, there are millions of dollars in funded but unfilled positions. Also, as I walk precincts, I am meeting retired Orange County employees who are telling me about various forms of wasteful spending. As an Orlando City Commissioner, I learned the budgeting/accounting software and looked behind Departments’ budgets for wasteful spending. I intend to do the same as your next County Commissioner. I will start here before considering any other financial avenues.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida utility regulators should require data center owners to pay/bond all their own infrastructure, including expanding electrical grids. Even experts anticipate that some data centers will fail. Local governments or utility companies should not be liable for bonds to build and operate these private enterprises. Further, I am concerned that what is now searchable information that is free on the internet will turn into a fee for every single search, thereby pricing out consumers’ access to data. Florida utility regulators must address this issue.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Orange County District 7 has among the worst air quality in Orange County. There are few trees in Pine Hills and other parts of District 7. The Highway 441/John Young Parkway/Old Winter Garden Road corridor is highly industrialized with a lot of freight trucking, warehouses, and manufacturing businesses. Vision 2050 shows the county supporting making the area even more industrial. With the push to build more infill to preserve rural land, this issue will become worse with more consumer/residential traffic. The unspoken consequences of rural preservation/conservation come at the expense of District 7, located in the middle of the county, which is more or less already built out. However, Vision 2050 plans to bring more density and traffic congestion. There must be a balance and plan to offset the consequences. District 7 cannot be expected to suffer the unintended consequences of preserving rural land in other districts.