Where Craig Russell and Jason Johnson stand on issues
The Seat 2 candidates will face off in the April 16 run-off election
March 28, 2024
By Beth Kassab
With less than three weeks until the April 16 run-off and mail-in voting already underway, Jason Johnson and Craig Russell are in a heated contest for a City Commission seat with Russell positioning himself as a political outsider who will break barriers of access for the average resident and Johnson running as the candidate who will most closely guard against unchecked development.
Both men are first-time candidates and registered Democrats and both would join Commissioner Kris Cruzada, 50, on the younger spectrum on the City Commission — Russell is 43 and Jason Johnson is 52.
But there are differences in their positions in the technically non-partisan race. Here’s where they stand:
Voter records
Russell’s candidacy might appear as something of a contradiction: If elected, he would be the first Black commissioner in more than a 100 years who, he says, will bring a fresh perspective to the job compared to what he’s called an “elitist” mentality in City Hall. But Russell, a Winter Park High teacher and coach, is also the candidate with the most money, the endorsement of the local Chamber of Commerce and support from former Mayor Ken Bradley and former Commissioner Sarah Sprinkel, whose names have appeared in his social media posts.
Russell, who won the most votes in the March 19 election with 42%, said he wants to “build a government for all residents, not just political insiders.”
He’s embraced the help of the chamber, which has raised money to support him through its political action committee, but also his status as a political newbie.
His voter record, for example, shows he hasn’t voted in a Winter Park municipal election in the last 10 years until his name was on the ballot in March. Russell voted in the 2004, 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2020 November elections and the 2018 August primaries.
Johnson cast more than 35 ballots during that same time, appearing to vote in every municipal election, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office.
Russell responded to criticism about his voting record by noting that he’s no different from many people who must prioritize demands on his time amid the daily grind — a reason why he said he’s connected with younger voters in the city.
“I’ve been busy raising my family,” he told the Voice. “Am I too busy to vote? Absolutely not. But just like anybody, life gets in the way and the mail-in ballot sits on the counter … I think that’s why my campaign was able to gain first-time and new voters.”
Johnson, a litigator who has the endorsement of outgoing Mayor Phil Anderson, said his voting record speaks to his engagement in the community and the time he’s spent learning about issues that he feels are relevant to residents.
“I guess we just have different viewpoints on the value of voting,” Johnson said of Russell’s record. “I see it as a necessary civic duty to vote in every election and I take the time to educate myself on the people and the issues and that has shown through in my answers to the questions during the debates.”
Future development
Johnson’s campaign presents his own paradox: He once worked for the Lowndes law firm, known for representing some of the biggest developers in Winter Park and across Central Florida, but has firmly staked out his position as the staunchest opponent to drastically altering Winter Park with taller buildings and denser development.
He says that experience has armed him with insight on the “sneaky” tactics some commercial landowners use and how to make sure residents’ interests are protected.
“There are very clear distinctions between my opponent and myself and a lot of them center around development,” he said.
Johnson says he supports the current rules for the Orange Avenue Overlay, which reduced the number of stories allowed and call for dedicated open space under certain conditions.
Russell said he would consider revisiting the original overlay rules.
Johnson supports the supermajority charter amendments voters passed in 2022 that require at least four votes on the City Commission to pass certain land use changes. Those changes include the sale of city property, rezoning parks and public land and rezoning residential land to a non-residential use and rezoning lakefront land from residential to commercial, mixed use or higher density residential.
Russell told Pastor Troy East in an interview with the Winter Park Ministerial Alliance that he doesn’t know if the voters understood the amendments or got it right when they approved them by wide margins.
“There’s two sides to that story,” he said. “You have the voters who voted on it, obviously, and then residents who didn’t necessarily understand it … It’s something I’d like to revisit and speak to the experts and see how historically it’s benefited the city and also talk to the residents, not just the voters. To me, there’s a large majority of the residents that didn’t get a chance to speak on it.”
Johnson is also skeptical of the chamber’s push to rewrite parking requirements for developers, which could reduce the number of parking spaces required for certain projects.
One of Russell’s social media posts included a black and white photo of a large concrete parking lot with the question, “Do you want Winter Park to look like this?”
“When it comes to parking solutions, we need to do more than just add endless parking spaces,” the Instagram post from Vote Coach Russell said. “On the City Commission, we should be thinking about creative solutions for enhancing our transit, our sidewalks and road, and our parking.”
Johnson questions if the desire to reduce parking is more about reducing the burden and cost for developers than it is pushing transit.
“Parking is already challenging enough in the city, let’s not make it more challenging by reducing parking requirements,” he said.
Johnson sent an email to voters in recent days with the subject line, “Do you want this to replace the old Lombardi’s?” with an illustration of a large 7-story building along Orange Avenue.
“This illustration was included in … the now-repealed version of the Orange Avenue Overlay. This would NOT be allowed under our current Code,” read the email. “Craig Russell says we need to take a second look at the repealed Orange Avenue Overlay and consider bringing this back.”
Russell called the email a “scare tactic.”
“To imply that’s something I would vote on, that’s just not true,” he said. “I always look to stay positive and show the residents who I am first-hand.”
He said he is grateful for the financial contributors to his campaign, including prominent landowners like the Holler family and developers like Allan Keen who have helped him raise more than $60,000. The chamber’s PAC has raised more than $20,000.
Russell said the money won’t control his positions if he’s elected.
“There’s no secret meetings I’m having with the chamber,” he said. “That’s not happening. I am nobody’s puppet. I weigh almost 300 pounds and there’s no puppet strings that are going to hold me.”
Johnson, who came in second to Russell on March 19 by 540 votes and raised $45,000, acknowledged that Russell is a popular candidate and well-known from his work at the high school and community.
“I’m not trying to win a popularity contest,” he said. “I am going to point out the issues that I think are relevant to the city of Winter Park and they can decide who they want. I’m going to be a champion for residents. I think the questions remains, if Mr. Russell is elected whose interests is he going to champion?”
Will Reeves voters return to the polls?
Both candidates say they want to win the votes of the nearly 1,600 people who cast a ballot for Stockton Reeves, who did not make the run-off with 24% of the vote.
Johnson said he welcomes support from Reeves voters.
“I have reached out to Stockton Reeves personally and would be honored to have their support,” he said.
Russell also would like those voters to know he wants to represent them.
“He has a following who is very loyal and hopefully they can have as much trust to come back out and vote,” he said. “I want to give them a reason to come back out and vote.”
Leaf blower ban
One of the city’s most controversial issues recently — a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers set to take effect next year — also brings differing points of view among the candidates.
“I’m not for it,” Russell said of the ordinance the commission passed in 2022 that bans gas-powered blowers. “I don’t think it’s something we should be focusing on right now,” and he questioned if large organizations like the public school system was aware of the change and prepared to use electric devices.
Johnson said he’s not opposed to letting voters decide via a referendum next year. But he also said he is concerned that involvement by a state senator sets another bad precedent for locally elected boards to be bigfooted by the state Legislature, which erodes local control.
“I liked my gas leaf blower, but because I’m a law-and-order guy I went out and bought an electric leaf blower, which I was surprised was just as powerful and maybe more powerful,” he said. “I am not opposed to allowing voters to have a say … but I also worry this referendum is a way of giving in to bullying by a state legislator when this is a matter of local governance …. at some point we have to be allowed to govern ourselves.”
Whoever wins on April 16 will likely face the leaf blower question almost immediately. Whether or not to approve a referendum for next year is now scheduled to be decided at the April 24 meeting.
WinterParkVoiceEditor@gmail.com
-
By: Beth Kassab
No biography available at this time
-
Beth, you really should try harder to conceal who you favor in this election. It’s quite obvious by your writing you’ve consumed the Johnson Kool-Aid. And that’s fine. Please just refrain from passing this off as an impartial story.
Bob, I appreciate your comment. But this simply isn’t true. My job is to ask the candidates questions and do my best to give readers information that they may not have otherwise. That’s all I’m doing here.
I beg to differ. Its all in the information you choose to share and how you choose to share it. There is a slant in your article: ie Gas blower ban: Russell, one curt comment and a 30,000 ft overview of his objection. 53 words. Johnson: Protecting us from the fear of big government intervention. Let the voters decide. Then, an endearing story about giving up his gas for electric, and how much better the electric was. Followed again by being a man of the people for Winter Park, rejecting being bullied by a “state legislator. I took journalism as well. Read it objectively, there are many other examples.
Ms. Kassab, please print all responses
I have to agree with Bob. It may not have been your intention to seem to favor Johnson, Beth, but that’s the way your article reads. Sometimes (often, really) writers do not see their own work clearly. I wonder if the editor needs an editor.
Everyone needs an editor. I tell that to anyone who will listen. I welcome your feedback and, once again, I can assure you my only mission is to provide information to our readers that they won’t be able to find anywhere else.
I thought this was very impartial. No clue who she supports by reading this article
Thank you Mr. Johnson for this response.
I agree, Beth, ignore the trolls and March on with your great work. Are they stepping up to put in the time like you are? Well done covering these, appreciate it!
Tina,
Just because you don’t agree with someone, doesn’t mean they’re a “troll.” No one needs that kind of reactive name-calling. And “stepping up to do the work” doesn’t mean a person is always completely impartial.
I truly appreciate that Beth is so actively working to keep us informed, but she should consider the possibility that she erred a bit here.
The person disagreeing might also wish to admit s/he might have erred as well. Every time I read these articles someone is verbally attacking Beth. Some how this just does not agree with me–the idea that it is always Beth’s fault. And, I do not even know Beth or the other people who comment on here.
So the thing I find interesting is people like me are too busy to vote ever….. I raised a ton of money from two sources I oppose but I’m in it for you. How does that “work”?
In both Urban Planning and Architecture, space and time are estimated for all types of buildings, whether they are simply one-story or several.
So, building high-rise buildings on Park Ave in Winter Park Town Center would undermine the community atmosphere that distinguishes the city. Investors are not interested in the common good of the general population, simply in their own.
The City or its representatives should consult with Urban Planners and Architects. There are so many physical and human conditions to consider in an Urban Development Plan that it is not a matter of “I want or I don’t want” what is done must be something rational and according to the urban space of the area.
Thank you so much.
Oh, my. Another person who “thinks” that when a person is disagreeing with what a journalist writes they are “attacking” her. Calm down, people. We have free speech in this country, at least for now, and that doesn’t mean that we all have to be in lock step with out opinions.
We are indeed lucky to have two very personable candidates seeking to serve Winter Park residents as our Seat Two Commissioner. The job requires a deep commitment of time and sheer discipline—agenda packets are often 250 pages long, city commission meetings run from 3:30 pm to as late as 9:00pm. Workshops—so important for policy development and consensus—often run from 1pm to 3:00pm . Reading/responding to your emails as well as sitting down with citizens is a daily duty.
The truth is a responsible elected commissioner easily devotes a minimum of 30 hours a week to serving this city. That’s in addition to the day job and the family back home. Public service is predicated on a willingness to dig deep, read the agenda packet and ask the tough questions.
Likewise voting in city elections demonstrates a curiosity to know the issues, know the qualifications of candidates, ask questions, and review financial contributions: follow the money (thank you WPVoice).
Coach Russell is a vibrant and respected member of the Winter Park community. We’re lucky to have him. But he falls short in asking voters to vote for him when he himself has not demonstrated sufficient curiosity to vote in benchmark city elections. Your Vote is Your Voice—unless you don’t vote: then you have no voice, and others speak for you. There really is no excuse for not voting. We have had three ways to cast a ballot in Florida city and state elections for years. In Orange County you no longer even need to have a stamp to send in your vote by mail ballot.
This is a simple mismatch: nice guy, wrong job. Keep up the good work, Coach—other opportunities to serve abound….and Winter Park elections cycle around every single year. Never too late to mark your calendar. – CJWilliams
Almost 300 pounds! Man, I would have voted for you if you were at least 301. But I guess I will opt for smaller development, more parking availability, no constant need to consult the experts (whomever they might be), and no relationship with the Chamber of Commerce and developers. My bad!
Beth, why didn’t you ask them for their position on the CRA extension and expansion? This is the most important issue confronting the citizens, most of whom know nothing about it. You ignored it.
Also, your making an issue of the candidates’ voting records is meaningless, yet you slant as if it is just by bringing it up.
6430 people voted in the Mayoral race, less than 30% of registered voters. DeCiccio was elected by 20% of the registered voters. This is a typically pathetic result where the winner claims a great victory.
We will never have a representative result so long as the residents remain apathetic.
Some facts: Turnout in the mayoral race was 29.54%. And you are characterizing that as “less than 30%?” Fine. You characterize the turnout as “typically pathetic.” Have you even bothered to look at turnout in other local municipalities and counties? Winter Park’s turnout is high by comparison. I wrote about that here: https://winterparkvoice.com/five-takeaways-from-winter-parks-election/ Do you only include facts that fit your narrative or world view? Also, the new commissioner will not vote on the CRA expansion … the next vote is on the county level. It is an extremely important issue, I agree. FYI Here is some turnout data from previous story linked above:
“4. Winter Park knows how to turn out. The city has a reputation for being among the most civically active in the county and that held true again. Overall turnout across the mostly blue county dipped by 8 points to 18% since the Democrats opted against a presidential primary vote in Florida (in 2020, the last time both parties had presidential primaries in March, countywide turnout was more than 26%). But Winter Park turnout held fairly steady at 31% compared to nearly 32% in 2020. Only the much smaller cities of Oakland and Eatonville brought out a higher rate of voters for municipal races this time around. In Winter Garden, municipal race turnout was just 8% while Ocoee and Apopka each showed 14%. And while Winter Park is Orange’s fifth largest city with 30,000 people, it saw the most voters with nearly 7,000 people casting a ballot. That figure included the highest percent of Democrats (31%) except for Oakland (35%), the west Orange city of fewer than 4,000 people.”
You seemed to handle the candidates with an even hand. The interview was informative and both men seem to be decent guys. Now it is up to voters to decide which one aligns with the direction they, the voters, want the city to take and the longer term impact any decisions will have. It is very important to look far down the road.
Clearly the Chamber is supporting Russell because it, along with Mary Demitree, Allan Keen, and the Holler’s, want to exploit their land holdings in the overlay area at the expense of increasing already high congestion and overall quality of life.
I have to laugh at your comment. The original OAO was a 10-12 person study group that met for months in at least 12 public meetings. Public input was encouraged. The final product was nearly unanimously endorsed by the group. The no votes were over minor details. On the flip side, this commission has met in closed “Work Sessions” for 4 years to craft the OAO plan that is now before us: OAO vacant land. No infrastructure, bike paths, green spaces, parking, beautification created. The only “progress” has been a park being constructed for 25% more than was originally estimated ($4M to $5M) that WP taxpayers paid for years ago in the land swap for old state building on Morse Blvd. The taxpayers were supposed to be reimbursed when Seven Oaks Park was developed. Nope.
And you’re worried about 2 pieces of land being “exploited” by 1 man’s election to the commission. Seriously? Maybe OAO needs a little non WP taxpayer exploitation, i.e. developers. It looks like a decrepit inner city.
Not so fast, Pitt.
As 1 of the 2 votes in opposition to the 11 member Orange Avenue Overlay Steering Committee’s final recommended work product to the City Commission, my “no” vote was not over “minor details”. Among other concerns during the Committee’s months long review, I became increasingly concerned with reconciling the impact the new recommended development was going to have on these already trafic challenged corridors. And I say “these” corridors which included not only Orange Ave. but also Fairbanks Ave. predominatly in the area of Denning and Fairbanks.
The committee was instructed by then Planning Director Bronce Stephenson that the impact of this new and more intense/dense development on the existing level of traffic was not within the committee’s jurisdiction. Hence, I voted against the draft because I thought it irresponaible and reckless to increase development entitlements without first knowing what impact it would have on traffic. I thought that was a pretty “major” detail
Pitt also appears to suggest that progress on Orange Ave. redevelopment has been stymied by the current commission. I don’t think I imagined the recent approval of the McCraney Office Building on Orange Ave. In fact, the approved Orange Avenue Overlay as a minimum retained most existing property owner entitlements yet significantly inreased entitlements on other properties, especially subareas D (Demetree) and J (Holler). Any lack of redevelopment momentum within the Overlay district is totally within the control of those property owners, not the city commission.
“At their final meeting on November 13, 2019, the Orange Avenue Overlay Steering Committee voted 8-2 to recommend approval of the Final Draft language, with minor changes that were discussed at the meeting. The major
topic that all members of the Steering Committee could not agree upon was whether or not the City-owned Progress Point property should be developed, to what scale it should be developed, and whether or not it should be used as a park” Final Report -OAO.
McRaney parcel has been slated for office development forever. This commission couldn’t stop it. What they have managed to stop, whether intentional or not, is the development of Denning/Palmetto/ RR tracks tract into the basis for OAO, live, work, play development. And the $5M park that was supposed to be free? Nope.
Orange Avenue Overlay Steering
Committee Recommendation
At their 12th and Final Meeting on November 13, 2019, the Orange Avenue Overlay Steering
Committee voted 8-2 to recommend approval of the Orange Avenue Overlay District.
“The issues that not all Steering Committee members could agree on were
whether or not Progress Point should be developed, at what scale or
whether the area should be made into a park. Additionally, a Committee member did not agree with some of the language in the Overlay
document.”
Me thinks you should’ve spoken up at that time.
Me thinks I did speak up on the proposed developments’ impact on traffic during at least two regular meetings. With the Director’s rejection of traffic impact as a topic for discussion and the vast majority of my fellow committee members apparently okay with the traffic impact not being important, it was not pursued. Aside from traffic impact, I had other concerns that I raised at the approval meeting that didn’t make it to the minutes. I don’t recall seeing you at any Steering Committee meetings and I only missed one. And, not all questions and concerns and discussions typically show up in meeting minutes so I’ll continue to rely on my recollection of what transpired over your revisionist inclination.
Beth,
I’m over offering input on the work product of the OAO Steering Committee that transpired nearly 5 years ago. Not productive at this point. The important thing is the mission was accomplished and there is a fair and progressive OAO ordinance in effect whenever the property owners choose to move forward with their redevelopment plans.
At one time, there were plans for overlay districts for Lee Rd., Fairbanks Ave. and Orange Ave. I always felt that a Fairbanks Ave. overlay district from I/4 to 17/92 should have preceded Orange Ave. but the City Commission felt otherwise back in 2018.
The utility undergrounding of this section of Fairbanks has been completed and a redevelopment strategy for this district is LONG overdue.
Fortunately, the Future Land Use Element GOP provisions have identified the need for a Gateway Plan for this section of Fairbanks.
Let’s move on from the OAO and devote our energy to the plan for Fairbanks.
Just so you know Mr. Warner, the original OAO was doomed when during the 2nd vote and the final meeting of 2 former Commissioners, the FAR on areas D and H was increased to 200% with no discussion. The original OAO passed with a 3-2 vote for that reason alone. It was immediately rescinded by the new Commission with a 4-1 vote, but 95% of the original language from the original OAO remains in the later version.
It would be better for all if we didn’t have to read misinformation from someone with an axe to grind.
The McCraney project, just approved by a 5-0 vote, will see the Denning Trail continue south to the RR tracks, additional stormwater capacity is in store for that property, along with a great deal of greenspace on both sides of Denning, the electric undergrounding will be complete all the way down Denning to Mead in a week, and the new 120-car parking lot will be part of the new 7 Oaks Park. Additional parking for the area is needed before some owners will redevelop. Lots of good things are happening on the corridor, but nothing is immediate.
Like McCraney, development is the choice of the property owner, not the city commission.
There are enough very capable Architectural Professionals in the City of Winter Park who can be consulted; It is not necessary to resort to architects outside the city.
Thank you.
What strikes me about Mr. Johnson is his tone deafness. I have attended each of the public forums where both he and Mr. Russel have spoken and find him to be surprisingly tone-deaf. In the first forum at the library he proudly stated that he is “an equity partner in his firm” inferring that he is so wealthy, he does not need to work and has the time to be a council person and attend day-time meetings. And in the above article, he’s quoted as saying he bought an electric leaf blower as if everyone has the means to buy a redundant appliance. While I hold no resentment of his wealth, he demonstrates that is the primary lens through which he operates. I don’t think he realizes how out-of-touch he comes across to voters. Mr. Russel represents a Winter Park constituency the board needs to balance the perspectives of the city’s wealthier residents. What makes Winter Park a wonderful community is that it is a community with a range of perspectives. Mr. Russel has a better chance of keeping it that way.
Dear Anonymous,
You ignore the words that followed my comments about being an equity partner at my law firm, presumably because they undercut your preferred narrative that I am wealthy and out-of-touch.
My comment about my position at my firm had absolutely zero to do with wealth, of course, and was simply related to holding a position that grants me adequate time to serve the residents as a City Commissioner.
I assure you that — while I have been fortunate through a lot of hard work in both school and through my employment to have achieved far more financial success that I could have dreamed of while growing up in a one-bedroom apartment with my hard-working single mother — I definitely still need to work to help support my family.
Mr. Johnson, your response just reinforces my point of your tone deafness. First, my response did connect your position to your availability. But what you don’t seem to understand it is your wealth that gives you that flexibility. Most people who work full time don’t have that privilege. Again, I don’t doubt you have worked hard to achieve your means and position. But what you clearly continue to reinforce is driven by a 1%-er perspective. Another comment that rolled off your tongue at a forum I attended was that the lower paid workers like firefighters and teachers who can no longer afford Winter Park prices can just live on Semoran and Aloma. The Orlando Sentinel got it right, your perspective is limited and you are not the right candidate to support the treasured community Winter Park enjoys.
If Mr. Russell is too busy to fill out a mail-in ballot, how is he going to have time to serve on the city commission? I understand that it’s about a full-time job! Think about it before you vote.
Having not voted in a municipal election in the last 10 years speaks volumes to me. I have been a WP resident since 2020 and have voted in every single election.
At the same time, I have emailed Jason 2 times asking his opinion on issues and he has not responded.
Beth, I made a comment last time you posted this article and you did not approve. My complaint was Johnson does not return emails, why would I vote for him? You notified Jason and then he actually replied to my email right after my correspondence with you. Coincidence? Not a chance. You are no longer credible in my eyes.
Folks, sometimes there is a lag in when I post the comments and it’s just the reality of a small site. Both of your comments are now posted. I am catching up on comments now.
Ms. Leuck,
I can assure you that Ms. Kassab made no such comments to me about your inquiry, and the timing of my response to you was purely coincidental. I do speak with Ms. Kassab when she calls to ask for comments on issues in the election, but my communications with residents who email me has simply never come up.
As I noted in my response, I thought I had already responded to your original email, but when I received your follow-up, I went back and could not find my response.
You are free to ignore it, of course, but my response was substantive, addressed your specific questions and was genuine.
Jason I did get your response . Thank you. I can accept that your email response was coincidental. However, how did you get my last name? I signed as Donna L and only Beth would have access to my last name. I am voting for you as I do believe you are more qualified.
I do not have access to your last name. It does not show up in the comments and that’s all I can see like everyone else.
Donna,
I know your last name only because your email address included it, and you signed your email to me using your full name.
My apologies for including your last name in my response to your comment, when you did not use it yourself in your comment. When I do not have a personal relationship with someone and am addressing them publicly, I tend to default to using their last name as a sign of respect.
If Mr. Russell can’t bother to vote for ten years, why does he deserve my vote?? If he cared about WP, he would have at least familiarized himself with past issues and taken the time to cast a ballot. NO EXCUSE!!!
VOTE: voting is a civic obligation and PRIVILEGE. I will vote for the candidate who has proven by his voting record that he believes this.
My vote will be for JASON JOHNSON!
Ms. Flynn; with all do respect, you are Mr. Johnson’s campaign manager so you would be expected to vote for him. Mr. Russell is a good man who is serving his community in many ways and I believe based on most past election result tallies in Winter Park he is not alone. I hope that he will inspire others with his positive messaging of inclusion. He has been available to answer questions and his willingness to learn will truly be an asset for a city that needs to open its doors to include all residents. Every Voice Matters
No doubt Russell is a popular WPHS figure. That would be fine IF ONLY he were not clearly on the record as wanting to “revisit” the rescinded OAO …with it’s massive buildings at up to 6 stories and 200% FAR, as well as the equally massive multi deck parking garages to go with the same huge buildings, no less. He also is on the record opposing the very supermajority charter amendments approved by large margins by WP voters to help protect some of what we value about living here. These Russell positions could mean ruin for the city we love. Russell did not live these battles. He wouldn’t even dream of taking big development $$$ and PAC $$$ he has accepted if he had lived them. Engaged and Informed Voters fought hard. We now know Russell was not one of them b/c he never voted in a city election. Easy to trash what you never fought to protect.
Being a city commissioner is a service. You receive your packet in plenty of time to read and ask questions prior to a meeting. The advent of workshops is recent and excessive. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day and how we spend our time is up to each person. It is a choice you make when you run and are elected – to be present, learn and vote. Yes learn- the issues that come before you are not known, yet many are claiming they know how Craig will vote. That is unfair. They don’t know Craig. He is no ones person, an independent. A few in our community like to make unfounded claims with innuendo’s that are designed to scare people into thinking some will redevelop our great city. I was always amazed when nasty people said that about me. It’s blatantly false, unkind and our coummunity is better than this, You don”t build anyone up by tearing others down.
While I’m disappointed about Craig Russell’s voting record, and while I tend to agree with Beth Hall on most issues, Sarah’s comment regarding the fear mongering struck a nerve, which is why coach Russell gets my vote.
Ed,
When I examine the list of contributions to the candidates’ campaigns, the fact that local commercial landowners and developers are pouring thousands and thousands into Russell’s campaigns tells me that unlike Sprinkel, they take Russell at his word when he says he would like to “revisit” the Original OAO and the supermajority amendments. Having worked hard to defeat the Original and to see the amendments passed, I am not just afraid. I am very afraid.
Without fear-mongering, the cabal controlling the commission is bust. The city of WP is bound up with height, density, coverage and use rules. There is no common sense. Rolls Royce can’t build an enclosed dealership on Fairbanks Ave. b/c “no more car lots” allowed. That’s pretty dumb. Taking a tree down in your own yard requires permits, inspections, fees and board approval by 5 people who don’t live in your house or pay the bills. I guess I’m too stupid to take care of my own property. (Thank you sir/madam, may I have another?) And gas leaf blowers? Ha!
My vote is going to be for Coach. He seems to be more positive, forward-looking, willing to examine the shibboleths that have dominated the last mayor and commission.
Sarah Sprinkel:
To some extent every city election pits big development interests/candidates against those who would like to see the traditional scale of Winter Park maintained. Your second of Greg Seidel’s motion to take the maximum FAR to 200% in the subarea D of the Original OAO (Amendment #2) when city attorney Ardaman had ruled -in advance-that no second reading on that change could be required under state law, gave rise to one of the future city charter amendments later adopted by voters so nothing like that could ever happen again. That amendment requires a second reading when there is a significant change to an ordinance during adoption. Seidel’s motion and your second were an ambush of residents coming when it did and not before. To pretend that Craig Russell has not taken a stand on the Orange Avenue overlay which has ingratiated him with pro-development allies, such as yourself, is a disservice to all the voting public. Had the Original OAO not been rescinded in early 2020, we would be seeing a VERY different corridor at major intersections on Orange and Fairbanks. Mr. Russell has said rescinding the OAO was “irresponsible”, and he would like to revisit the Original. This is a legit point of contrast between the candidates. Your previous votes on the OAO indicate are equally informative on your own stance.
Sarah-Spoken as one whose votes on the original OAO actually led to a city charter amendment to prevent last minutes surprise changes during passage of certain ordinances.
Perception becomes reality and this is how the Winter PAC (sounds better with Brooklyn accent) has made the coach campaign one of perceived special interests. And that leads to trust issues. And trust issues leads to fear of big development. And that leads to expert consultants who have the desired answers without the research but usually dress nice and have specialized vocabulary. I am very sad to say I have lost all trust in the Chamber of Parking. And maybe you should evaluate your trust as well.
Cracks me up to see all the people voting for Mr. Russell.
Money from local large business and the man never voted.
Too busy, yet now has time to run. Makes no sense. Johnson gets my vote
Maybe the “local large businesses” are local residents like me. I’m tired of seeing every issue in WP solved with spending more taxpayer money. You can claim to have “solved” any problem by spending other people’s money. New transportation taxes, new affordable housing tax, new stormwater taxes (Rain Tax), also annoy people who have budgets and business constraints.
“Eventually, you run out of other people’s money” is a sound philosophy. Don’t sell the Coach short. I’ll bet he gets it.
When you say “it” what do you mean.coach got a to. Of money from some interesting places. Coach never cared to even vote but now is going to dedicated to us?