Candidates for Orange County mayor and other offices met with voters in downtown Orlando on Wednesday night. The event, hosted by the Orlando Chamber of Commerce, gave voters a chance to meet the candidates and hear their platforms.
Orange County Mayor Candidates
Mayra Urbe, a candidate for Orange County mayor, emphasized the need for good jobs, real transportation, and affordable housing. “We need good jobs, we need real transportation, and we’ve got to stop talking about affordable housing and make it happen,” she said.
Chris Messina, another mayoral candidate, highlighted his vision for the county. “Because we bring in new vision to Orange County and we’re not another recycled politician,” he said when asked why voters should choose him.
Stephanie Murphy, also running for mayor, focused on the need for affordable housing, less congestion, and better-paying jobs. “We need to have housing that’s affordable for working families. We need to have less congestion, and we have to have better-paying jobs,” she said.
Other Offices
George Oliver, a candidate for Orange County Commissioner District 2, pointed to his experience and background. “I’ve been elected to my seat four times for my district. I also have the background of compliance, I understand numbers, auditing. I’m also a veteran, a Navy veteran,” he said.
Shannon Currie, running for District 7, emphasized her legislative experience. “I bring the experience. I’m the only candidate in this race that has real legislative experience. I served two terms as senior staff in the Florida Senate,” she said.
Beryl Thompson-McClary, also a candidate for District 7, stressed the importance of respect for all neighborhoods. “As an attorney, it is my position — as an advocate, as a citizen — to bring respect to all neighborhoods,” she said.
Candidates for Ninth Circuit judge also attended the event, including Christie Lou Mitchell, Temika Hampton Johnson, Kafi Kennedy, and Asima Azam. Each highlighted their qualifications and experience.
Roberta Walton Johnson, a candidate for Clerk of Courts, noted her unique qualification. “You should vote for me because, right now, I am the only licensed attorney running to be your next Orange County Clerk of Court,” she said.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
