Scott Powers
BusinessForce, a political action affiliate of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, has endorsed the re-election bids of Pete Clarke and Ted Edwards for Orange County Commission.
Clarke, a businessman and former public official from Orlando, is running for re-election in District 3, which covers much of south-central Orange County. Edwards, a lawyer from Winter Park, is seeking re-election in District 5, which covers much of north-central and east Orange County.
“As commissioner, Pete Clarke has fought to make the needs of small businesses a priority, enhance the quality of life, and get government out of the way for Orange County’s job creators and hard-working families,” Craig Swygert, BusinessForce chair and president of the Orlando Division of Clear Channel Outdoor, stated in a news release issued by BusinessForce. “Pete will continue to ensure transparency and accessibility on the commission, while improving Orange County’s infrastructure and encouraging transit-oriented development along the South Orange Avenue Corridor.”
Clarke faces three challengers, including former Orlando police officer Bill Moore, Jose M. Datil Colom and Robert Edward Melanson, all of Orlando.
“In addition, Ted Edwards will continue to encourage economic diversification in Orange County that will attract higher paying jobs, prepare our workforce for an emerging high-tech economy, offer logical solutions to improve our transportation and traffic issues, and collaborate to provide affordable housing options,” continued Swygert. “Ted understands the importance of the tourism industry to this community and he will cut burdensome regulations to ensure that government services are more streamlined and efficiently delivered.”
Edwards faces four challengers, including east Orange County activists Tim McKinney and Emily Bonilla, property manager Greg Eisenberg and Gregory Lamonte West.
“We are confident that both Pete and Ted are the clear choices when it comes to providing a strong voice, experience, and leadership on the Orange County Commission and advocating for Central Florida businesses,” Shannon Gravitte, chair of the BusinessForce County Commission, stated in the news release. “These endorsements send a strong signal that both commissioners deserve the support of the entire business community as they seek to serve our county for another term.”
