Endorsements: Ron Mueller, Commissioner Mark Maciel Safest Choices for Winter Garden Commission Seats 2 & 3

   Three new candidates have entered the race for Winter Garden's March 9 election. Commission district 2 is currently held by Commissioner Bob Buchanan who will be vacating his office at the end of his term. The three candidates who declared include Iliana Ramos Jones, Ron Mueller and Bobby Olszewski. Jones, a business owner and resident of Winter Garden for over 20 years, plans "to keep the special community feel that makes Winter Garden one of the best places to live, work and raise a family" as stated on her website. A Naval veteran, Mueller also held a position as the homeowners' association director for Lake Cove Pointe of Winter Garden. Low taxes, community services and a balanced budget remain his top priorities, according to his campaign page. 

  Vying for District 3 is former City Commissioner Robert "Bobby O" Olszewski. Oslzewski's time in office lasted from 2012 to 2016. Maciel represents District 3. Olszewski credits his love for Winter Garden and passion for service as his motivation for seeking another term in office. Growth management seems to be one of Olszewski's top priorities as explained in a recent statement: "by putting residents and community first in managing our growth."

   Prior to his latest run for office, Olszewski served in the State House of Representatives in Tallahassee until his defeat at the hands of Geraldine Thompson in 2018. District 3 incumbent Mark Maciel's record includes substantial experience in business and time in the US Air Force. Though Winter Garden's races refrain from partisan discourse, both candidates registered with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections several years ago as Republicans. The District 2 candidates' political backgrounds diverge on partisan lines. Jones is a registered Democrat while her opponent is a Republican.

   While partisan politics must be kept out of city politics, tomorrow's leaders often incubate within municipal government. As a result of the policy positions outlined by each of the candidates and their individual experiences, The Orlando Local News at the consultation of our Editorial Board, whole-heartedly endorses Ron Mueller for his Winter Garden values and Mark Maciel for his fresh perspective on government. While Olszewski's government experience certainly qualifies him for the role of Commissioner, we feel his experience better serves residents at the state level.