Reader Poll: Sarah Sprinkel Trounces Opponent in Winter Park Mayoral Debate
Marshall S. Swanson 
A recent community poll conducted by The Orlando Local News found residents viewing Winter Park's first Mayoral debate believed Sarah Sprinkel won handily with 58% positive responses in her favor. Hosted by Rollins' Democracy Project, he two most important topics covered according to the responses were the place of the Mayor in city government and modernization, with Sprinkel emphasizing a balance of modernization and historical charm.
"I value highly all of our history," Sprinkel declared. "I’m also very proud of the fact that I’ve lived here for 49 years. In those 49 years, I have seen so many changes, as has my husband for 66 years… Change happens, change occurs. We have to prepare ourselves for that. Darwin always told us that ‘It’s not the strong who survive, it’s the adaptable that survive.’ We have to be adaptable.”
While Anderson seemed open to 21st century improvements to the town, he intimated his favor for "village charm" over growth and economy. Sprinkel's statements on the role of the Mayor in the city also received high marks: "The only role that the mayor has is to do two things: the mayor has to run the meetings and the mayor has to sign the documents," Sprinkel said. "Other than that, [city commission members] each have one vote. The nine years I was commissioner I knew my vote counted just as much as the mayor’s. So, it’s not anything that’s new for me."
