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News
BusinessForce, the political action arm of the Central Florida Partnership, has issued its coveted endorsements in a number of regional County Commission races appearing on the August 14th primary election ballot.
In Orange County, Commission Districts 3 and 5 are seeing hotly contested primaries. For the "open" seat in District 3, former County Commissioner Lui Damiani (www.luidamiani.com) has received the BusinessForce nod over his four rivals in the race. "Over the years, Lui Damiani has enjoyed the confidence of the business community stemming from his tenure in that office first as an aide to a former County Commissioner and his most recent service there as a County Commissioner in his own right," said BusinessForce President Mike Ketchum who noted Damiani was also previously endorsed by BusinessForce in his 2004 campaign for the nonpartisan County Commission post. Veteran County Commissioner Ted Edwards (www.tededwardscampaign.com), currently serving a two year term in the seat vacated by former Commissioner Bill Segal in 2010, faces one primary opponent in District 5 as he seeks a full four year term. In endorsing Commissioner Edwards, BusinessForce President Mike Ketchum stated, "Orange County will benefit from Ted's experience and proven leadership during these challenging economic times when tough, fiscally responsible decisions must be made in county government." In Osceola County, party primaries with a host of candidates are on tap for the District 1 and District 3 County Commission posts. In District 1, former Republican County Commissioner Paul Owen (www.paulowen.net) has been endorsed over his three GOP challengers in the Aug. 14th primary for the right to face incumbent Democratic Commissioner Michael Harford in the general election. Incumbent County Commissioner Brandon Arrington (www.brandonarrington.com), a Democrat, who will face opposition in August 14th Democratic primary, has been endorsed for re-election in District 3. Awaiting him in the general election will be the winner of the Republican primary. "Few if any candidates have shown passion and the commitment that Brandon demonstrates to address at all levels the region's critical transportation issues. Our region is indeed fortunate to again have this opportunity to return this dynamic leader to public service." said BusinessForce President Mike Ketchum. To the north in Seminole County, a contentious party primary is developing in District 3 with four GOP candidates for the seat currently held by the incumbent County Commissioner Dick Van Der Weide, who had previously indicated he would retire in 2012 but is instead seeking re-election. Receiving the BusinessForce endorsement was Lee Constantine (www.leeconstantine.com), a former Altamonte Springs City Councilman and veteran state legislator. Commenting on the Constantine endorsement, BusinessForce President Mike Ketchum stated, "When it comes to advancing the Regional Agenda of the Central Florida Partnership, no one will have a greater feel for the key issues and a better ability to effectively and successfully advocate them than Lee Constantine." As part of its plan to expand the "footprint" of BusinessForce throughout the Central Florida region, BusinessForce has endorsed for the first time in Polk County Commission races. In District 1, BusinessForce has endorsed businessman George Lindsey (facebook.com/georgelindseyforpolkcountycommission), a Republican, who is running for an open seat and in District 3 it has endorsed veteran Republican County Commissioner Ed Smith. Discussing these races, BusinessForce President Mike Ketchum said, "Once elected, Polk Countians will have no better advocate for the proper role of government in our free enterprise system than George Lindsey and will clearly benefit from the continued dedicated service of Commissioner Smith over the next four years." To learn more about BusinessForce and how you can become involved, visit www.orlando.org/businessforce or contact michael.ketchum@orlando.org. |
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Affecting positive change in the Central Florida Region requires strong "Regional Public Policy Advocacy" - an important line of business for the Central Florida Partnership. BusinessForce, our "Political-Action-Arm," is making a positive difference by sharing important regional conversations, encouraging and supporting candidates for public office, and helping to guide civic, political and business leaders about the future. Working together with Orlando, Inc. focused on Regional Entrepreneurship, Leadership Orlando (Regional Leadership), and myregion.org (Regional Research & Resolves), the Central Florida Partnership is moving "Ideas to Results." |
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