Chasm in development support widens as money flows into Seat 2 run-off
The debate over how Winter Park will look in the future continues to dominate the race that will be decided on Tuesday
April 12, 2024
By Beth Kassab
The attacks continued in the final days of the run-off for Seat 2 on the City Commission with Craig Russell and Jason Johnson each trying to convince voters they would would be the best defender of Winter Park’s unique character.
The election is Tuesday.
Russell accused Johnson on Thursday of failing to defend the city’s code through his role as chairman of the Board of Adjustments, which considers requests for variances from property owners who are seeking to build a larger pergola than typically allowed or who want a smaller setback from the edge for their land.
Craig Russell, a football and wrestling coach at Winter Park High School, is running for City Commission Seat 2.
“Make no mistake, Craig Russell is the only candidate we can trust to protect Winter Park’s character,” the note to voters stated. “While on the Board of Adjustment the other candidate in this race, Jason Johnson, voted for zoning exceptions over 90% of the time. This record does not back up his talk about preserving our charm!”
Johnson said his votes on the Board of Adjustments “align exactly with my public comments on variances.”
“I recognize that the variance code exists for a good reason,” he said. “I know that not every eventuality is contemplated by the land development code, so variances are sometimes appropriate … But too many commercial developers abuse the process and view the variance and conditional use ordinances as their ‘grab bag.’ Those interests know I will not allow that, so they are throwing a lot of money behind my opponent in the hopes of having a friendly vote on the City Commission.”
Russell’s campaign is largely funded by people who own large commercial properties or have other development interests. The most recent campaign finance report shows Russell collected $5,000 from companies associated with the Holler family or their attorney. Holler companies already contributed $8,000 in the round of fundraising leading up to the March 19 election, which led to the run-off between Russell and Johnson.
Russell has raised more than $17,000 for the run-off, according to the most recent report available, bringing his total for the entire election cycle to more than $80,000.
One of the Holler’s companies also contributed another $3,000 in the most recent report from Winter PAC, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s political action committee that has raised $25,000 in support of Russell.
Dan Bellows, known for redevelopment projects on the historically Black west side and for the mixed-use development Ravaudage at Lee Road and U.S. 17-92, contributed $1,000 and his two children contributed another $200.
A recent mailer sent by Russell to voters’ homes said he opposes “irresponsible, high-density overdevelopment.” It also said he would “defend property rights from government overreach.”
Russell, who also announced an endorsement from the Orlando Regional Realtors Association, did not respond to messages from the Voice seeking comment.
“Craig Russell knows that Winter Park is growing, and we need to be focusing on fiscal responsibility for the future and promoting residents-first smart growth,” said the Realtors’ endorsement.
Johnson raised nearly $14,000 for the run-off, bringing his total to slightly higher than $50,000.
His recent contributors included former mayors Phil Anderson and David Strong, who each gave $1,000, and have preached a more scaled back approach to new development. Developer Alan Ginsburg, also gave $1,000, and Belle Isle Mayor Nicholas Fouraker, who operates and commercial and residential real estate brokerage, wrote the maximum check as well.
Johnson also touted endorsements in recent days, including a blurb from Rick Frazee, operator of the former Mt. Vernon Inn.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” the message read. “The Carlisle, Combank, the Langford Hotel ‘pyramid’ addition were ‘history lessons’ that cost the city millions of dollars to avert. Jason Johnson will maintain Winter Park’s quality of life and proper scale.”
More than 6,500 voters or about 30% turned out in the March 19 election and Russell led the pack by 540 votes. Turnout often decreases for run-offs, though Winter Parkers bucked that trend the last time the city saw a run-off for a commission seat in 2019, when more than 700 additional votes were cast.
WinterParkVoiceEditor@gmail.com
So one guy cares about Winter Park and the other one took money from big donors and never voted before but wants to be elected? Got it.
Johnson represents a perspective that the rest of the board already has. He has proven numerous times he is in touch with the high earning, private school segment of our community but terribly tone deaf to the needs of the rest of our community and what creates the community we all enjoy. We don’t need another attorney to run our city. Craig Russel has done more in the last year to strengthen our community than Johnson has done in his lifetime.
Craig Russell couldn’t bother to vote AT ALL for over ten years. He did not care about any issues for a LONG period! All of a sudden, he wants to run for city commission??? It is suspicious in itself, and I would NEVER vote for someone who could not bother to vote for over a decade!
Regretfully, yesterday my wife received an anonymous message indicating that Craig Russell supported the current building codes and parking requirements and had no intention of changing them or the current Orange Avenue Overlay. This is despite the various debates (some on video) where he indicated that he wanted to revisit the OAO, lessen the current parking codes, and look at higher densities for commercial buildings.
Mr Russell, even if you didn’t authorize the broadcast, you can stop it and correct the record if you are the kind of person you’ve claimed to be. Please do it now!
Coach Russell sent out a text blast yesterday attacking Johnson for his years of service to the City on the Board of Adjustments. The message was meant to be a dig at Johnson. In reality, what it clearly told me is that apparently Russell had no idea about what the Board of Adjustments is, what its function is, or why it exists.
Jason sent out several emails attacking Russell, so what gives? Maybe you didn’t fully understand the text?
Blah, blah, blah. Seventy percent of the voters don’t vote and those who do think they have a mandate to waster our money.
Not so attractive.
Can we be honest? We need Mr. Johnson on the commission like we need a fifth wheel on a car. The last mayor, commission and Mr. Johnson are all from the same root stock. “La familia”. One party rule. Mr. Johnson will be more of the same and the only defense for us taxpayer will come when they run out of our money.
Let’s try someone with a different perspective than the current tax and spenders. Political monoliths have proven to be very costly to WP taxpayers.
You obviously never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Johnson. He cares about the community.
Are you too busy to vote but not too busy to lead? Does Holler have the residents’ best interests at heart? As my son said, Coach Russell, everyone loved at WPHS, but running government, I don’t see it.
Nothing against Mr. Johnson. Just his philosophy. I’m old enough to know that when tax and spend Leftists (DeCiccio, Anderson, Weever, Alan Grayson, et al) embrace a candidate, he is part and parcel of their agenda.
Maybe you don’t understand the strong city manager form of government that runs WP. One person with a different POV (out of 5) will add a fresh perspective but has zero ability to alter the course. Hopefully, he’ll use logic and common sense to promote our tax base.
And speaking of meeting someone, maybe you should meet one of the Hollers before you anonymously imply they are bad citizens. Are you working for the residents?
Pitt Warner, Since Johnson and Russell are both members of the same political party, and because balanced budgets each year are mandatory, and because we have a strong city manager form of city government along with the highest reserve levels on record under the party you dislike, exactly what is it that you object to about Johnson’s political bent that you aren’t also forced to object to about Russell since your concerns are admittedly based on party affiliation? Have you gotten hold of some bitter Chamber PAC Kool Aid?
This august body of commenters, coupled with Ms. Kassab who has not once taken Mr. Johnson and his supporters to task for the multiplicity of attack ads by Mr. Johnson and his supporters, reminds me of the title of a famous book of recent vintage by John Kennedy Toole.
Once again the role of the WP Voice as the mouthpiece of the no development cabal is made clear through the complete lack of objectivity in its “reporting”. Ms. Kassab, you might want to acknowledge your reporting as an in kind contribution (if it has any value) on the next Johnson campaign finance report. Particularly after you told me in writing that, “I can assure you I will note these [out of town shell company developer] contributions going forward.” after I questioned you of why someone taking money from out of town developers was not more of a story than taking contributions from a local family.
But overshadowing even that is the pervasive hypocrisy of the cabal. So desperate to keep control of Winter Park politics, they have sent out repeated untraceable attack texts for Mr. Johnson and they have all backfired. They call Coach’s texts a “blast” and Johnson’s attack texts just “facts” “Protect the code” they say, but it’s OK if their chosen candidate grants variances 90% of the time. “Don’t take money from developers” they say, but it’s ok when their guy does it through anonymous shell companies as long as he calls them friends.
They attack the Chamber, me and my client for being open and obvious in their support for a friend and needed change on the commission while they sit back in the shadows and try to pull the strings.
And to put to rest the boogeyman of the Holler’s support for VOTE COACH CRAIG, they have owned most of the properties they own now for decades….someone please point to me one time they have proposed any big buildings on any of them, even though there have been several different phases of commissions over the years, many of whom these same people accuse of being more than favorable to big development.
For that matter, point out one time they have “developed” any property….
Move on to another strawman. The ones you are using are only going to scare the stupid and uninformed and quite frankly I have more faith in people than to fall for your same old garbage again.
And any of you who want to put your community service records next to Coach Craig, I’d like to see that. He owns that he didn’t vote as regular as he should and is learning from it…can you say the same about your pettiness and, many of you, your cowardice of anonymity?
Frank, To be clear, your clients — companies associated with the Holler family and their properties — sued the city of Winter Park in 2020 over concerns about their development rights related to the change in the Orange Avenue Overlay. Your original complaint even stated, “Plaintiff’s rights to develop their respective properties are affected by City’s ordinances ….” I can’t cover every story and every election contribution in Winter Park. As I told you, I have prioritized people and/or companies with city business because that is most newsworthy by any standard such as proximity to city business potentially before the commission, dollar amounts and amount of property within city limits.
Beth, please tell us the amounts of financial contributions to Winter Park Voice from David Strong, Steve Goldman, Jennifer Anderson, and others supporting Jason Johnson.
Pete, David and Steve are listed on the Voice site as key donors. They do not have any say in our editorial decisions nor do any of our many donors. We don’t accept contributions from people who hold public office (or their spouses). I’ve told you before and I’ll tell you again, if you don’t like the site, just don’t read it. I will not be offended.
“and I’ll tell you again, if you don’t like the site, just don’t read it.”
This is the kind of arrogant statement one would expect from The Sentinel.
Not from the decade long revered respected WP Voice.
It’s sad how WP Voice editing has declined in civility and inclusiveness since Ann Mooney retired.
Unlikely that Miss Kassab would make the same snarky retort if say Steve Goldman, Sally Flynn, David Strong, or one of the other big donors to WP Voice would have said the same thing.
Down-to-wire acrimony aside, the Orlando Sentinel has stated that both candidates for Seat 2 are qualified; however, they have also indicated their preference for electing Candidate Russell. His election could be a great opportunity for the City to potentially expand its range of opinions. On the development continuum, it appears that the Mayor and the current three council members generally tilt more toward Candidate Johnson’s position; electing Candidate Russell could allow for 5-person conversations to include one possible alternative voice for at least the next two years.
Contrary to what Hamner says here, the Hollers’ proposal for big buildings came in the form of a massively bitter and protracted lawsuit by multiple LLC’s they own to fight the rescission of the Original OAO (Orange Ave Overlay). The suit is public record. The original overlay was the most massive upzoning in the history of WP. Had the original OAO not been rescinded, the corridor would be unrecognizable by now. The buildings would have looked like that giant size green behemoth building Russell drew an “X” across in his social media posts. Those were absolutely “on the table” and thick strands of drool were spilling out of developer/landowner mouths. Hence the lawsuit(s) filed to get THAT overlay reinstated. Exactly what Russell has said he will pursue. Love those kind of buildings? Only one candidate said it was “irresponsible” to repeal. Hint, his initials are CR.
Beth,
In your zeal to do whatever you can to dismiss any criticism of Mr. Johnson, you are not even reading your own language. Of course my client’s rights to develop their property are affected by the city’s ordinances…… EVERYBODY’s rights to develop their property are affected by the city’s ordinances! And if you were even remotely fair, you would’ve also noted that the purpose of the lawsuit was not too take issue with the development rules, but with how the process was undertaken to do away with an overlay that was the subject of a years long effort, inclusive of business owners, residents and all stakeholders. How does our challenge to what was perceived as government overreach by many beyond us have anything to do with Mr. Johnson taking developer money when he explicitly said he would not?
But just to make it easy on you, my question was where is your in depth reporting on the shell companies of outside developers contributing to the campaign of someone who voted 90% of the time to grant variances. I have zero problem with Mr. Johnson voting how he sees fit, but it seems like a lot of low hanging fruit to work with there…if they were “friends” why not donate in their name? Why shell companies? I don’t think you’ve published anything even investigating the ties there. Do they have any interest in developing in Winter Park? Who in the city power structure have they spoken to, if anyone? Why did Mr Johnson tout his lack of developer contributions when he was taking developer contributions? Was it just a simple mistake? Would Mr. Johnson’s past votes on the BOA have any bearing on how he would vote for his supporters? You’re not afraid to plant the seed of scare tactics on how Coach Russell MIGHT vote, but where you have a black and white record of actual votes, you have no questions. Seems a bit hypocritical.
Those are questions an objective journalist wouldn’t deflect, particularly when their core constituency seems so concerned about what could happen….hardly seems you are trying to “engage, inform and connect citizens on ALL sides of issues” You might want to consider revising that mission statement to just the sides that support whatever view you are allowed to have.
Frank,
The fact that you care this much speaks volumes about your client’s intentions – which will only create more billable hours for you and your firm. The Hollers haven’t tried to redevelop their property in the last few years because they have been in litigation with the City, hoping to prevail so they could have greater entitlements to develop their property in the overlay. If you think no one believes your client wants to redevelop their property, you are out of touch. They are clearly trying to influence the make-up of the City Commission so they can do more with their property. Also, did you even know Coach before he was asked, um I mean handpicked, to run by the Chamber?
The overdevelopment in Winter Park, and the resulting huge problems with traffic congestion, and other strains it puts on our infrastructure, does not deserve repeating in the Winter Park Voice that “Craig Russell is the only candidate we can trust ….” Can we? He has received numerous donations from large developers. Jason Johnson has received none. Who is for protecting proper scale and village charm, now and for generations? That’s what Johnson has been saying all along. Now that’s what Russell is saying. Which is it? What do all the developers who made these contributions want Russell to do? Proper scale and village charm, which will “MAKE WINTER PARK GREAT AGAIN,” has nothing to do with more and more development, and taunts of fiscal irresponsibility by some in this comments section. Beyond that, the first objective of a commissioner is being prepared for, and “showing up,” for every commission meeting.
Brad, please point to specific cases of over development in Winter Park.
Minutes from the Winter Park Library Board of Trustees meetings indicate that Russell has missed 10 of 14 of the Library Board of T’s meetings since he joined the board (as of my recent public records request date). Nine absences were without notice to the Board. Yet, Russell’s FB page today shows an endorsement by a fellow board member- despite Russell’s dismal attendance record. Does this brand new endorsement seem objectively warranted to you? Or is the endorsement only meant to counter the public airing of Russell’s unexcused absenteeism?
The main problem with Coach are his contradictions. Build big-don’t build big. Vote locally-don’t vote locally. Be commissioner for everyone-revisit the amendments that passed with large majority. The other problem is getting major funding from the Chamber of Commerce as that leads to more divisiveness in our city, especially as you, the taxpayer, fund their building. Have them pay $15,000 rent a month and I’m OK with their PAC.
Easy to judge someone’s voting record when the opponent has NO voting record. Interesting to find Craig Russell has not voted in Winter Park Municipal elections in the last 10 years … Really?!
Despite what he has said recently, Russell has stated, in public and for the record, that he would revisit the original OAO and the City’s parking codes. (watch the YouTube video of the Winter Park Chamber Debate Forum). Translation: 6+ story office/multi-family buildings on Orange Avenue that do not provide adequate parking. Result: more congestion and more traffic, but higher profits for the large local landowners who are financially backing Russell’s campaign. Make no mistake – this is not about anything other than greed. Greed at the expense of the residents, the commuters, the small business owners and their customers. This IS the definition of irresponsible overdevelopment and it will not stop at Orange Avenue.
Reading all the attacks on Beth Kassab, I almost forgot the race for Seat 2 is between Jason Johnson and Craig Russell. That Hamner, as legal counsel for one of the 2 major OAO landowners, has become such a fierce and vocal supporter of Russell takes all the guesswork out of how to vote. Hamner’s pro-development ire speaks more than all the texts, social media posts, mailers ever could. Wake up! Vote!
I have contributed to Jason Johnson’s original run for seat number two and to his runoff campaign. I have also contributed, both in past years and in 2024, to the Winter Park Voice. These I do as a private citizen who is retired and not as anyone who has business interests to push in Winter Park. It troubles me very much that neither side can treat this race objectively.