Category Archives: Central Florida 100’s

As we move into the final work session and vote by the Board of County Commissioners, I have to express my disappointment in the absence of any consideration for light rail or some other east – west mass transit option. The U.S. Census was clear: West Orange County added 80,000 new residents yet the onlyContinue reading “The Need for Light Rail to be prioritized in the Transportation Sales Tax Work Sessions: ”

The purpose of District Commissioners is to ensure stakeholders and residents are informed and have an opportunity to engage with any legislative items which would affect those residents. However, over the last several Orange County Board of Commissioners meetings, items of great importance to Orange County residents have been either removed from consideration, or decidedContinue reading “Agenda Items Removed from Board of County Commission Meeting!”

Last week, those in the Jewish community celebrated Passover together for the first time in two years. Passover is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish religion, as it details the Jews’ escape from Egyptian slavery. Growing up, I was always taught that Passover is an opportunity to stand up for all oppressedContinue reading “Celebrating Passover!”

In one of the most bipartisan, clear-cut decisions of November 2020, 86% agreed to protect Split Oak Forest with a Charter Amendment. I wrote a memo to the Mayor and Commissioners as early as January 2022 asking them to rescind their application which would allow destruction of at least 160 acres of public lands.  It’sContinue reading “Comments on My January 2022 Memo to the Mayor regarding Split Oak Forest”

Last week, the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) approved the request for modification to Split Oak Forest submitted by Orange County. The fight to defend our environment put me in my seat today. I asked Mayor Demings and the Board of County Commissioners to bring this item back for a vote in January. My only responseContinue reading “The Florida Community Trust’s Vote against Split Oak Forest”

Since my election in 2020, I have worked tirelessly on water quality issues from stormwater retention to the new fertilizer ordinance update and revised wetland code. I championed a more comprehensive tree protection ordinance and GreenPLACE conservation program. All of these efforts are based on the voter support of the charter amendment passed providing forContinue reading “Environmental Efforts in my First Year as Commissioner”

To all who celebrate, happy Eid al-Fitr! Congratulations on completing Ramadan, one of the most challenging and important holidays for Islam. I am lucky to have the Islamic Center of Orlando in District 1 as incredible partners in building a safe community. Their recent Interfaith Iftar ceremony was the perfect display of District 1’s solidarity.Continue reading “Celebrating Ramadan!”

If the rest of Florida’s business community thinks they are safe sitting idly by as the Governor attacks the state’s largest employer they are missing the larger threat. It was unbelievably irresponsible for the Governor to abolish RCID without conducting a thorough economic study. Orange and Osceola County taxpayers may end up shouldering the burdenContinue reading “Governor DeSantis is Hurting The Business Community”

Florida teachers deserve so much more than a day, week or month of appreciation. They deserve, at the very least, better pay. Our teachers mold the future of America, protect our kids from gun violence, shelter them in storms, care for them in times of need, and show our kids how to think critically. TheContinue reading “We Must Support Florida’s Teachers!”

The  Board of County Commissioners narrowly passed the Transportation Sales Tax for the November ballot. This measure was based in part on a report that used Vision Zero as a basis for additional pedestrian and bicycle safety measures. This direct conflict was one of many inconsistencies that ultimately led me to vote no to theContinue reading “Inconsistencies within the Transportation Sales tax”