ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – There was a big turnout at the Pine Hills Greater Orlando Hob Nob Thursday night.
The political social mixer is hosted by the Pine Hills Community Council. It allowed voters to connect with community members and legislators and to make their voices heard ahead of the election
“We have food, we have people, we have candidates and we’re having a great time,” Pine Hills Community Council Director Kenneth Dwyer said.
Carlett Flemming said she came to the event to learn where candidates stand.
“I feel more prepared and have more information than I did before I came,” Flemming said.
Dr. Latanya Nichols, President of the Pine Hills Community Council said that information voters received Thursday will help them vote for candidates who align with their values.
The Orange County Supervisor of Elections office brought voting booths and mock ballots to the event for the straw poll.
Voters who participated cast ballots for local, state and congressional leaders they want to see in office.
Nichols announced the results from the mock ballots at the end of the night.
District 15 Florida Senator Geraldine Thompson and her opponent Randolph Bracy were in attendance.
District 15 covers West Orange County which includes areas like Pine Hills, Ocoee and Apopka.
News 6 reporter Treasure Roberts asked Thompson how she would change infrastructure in the district if elected again.
“I realize transportation is one of our biggest and I’m going to work for a dedicated funding source for our transportation which would mean that we would have rail coming into Senate District 15 right now we don’t even go to the airport, so I think that that’s one thing,” Thompson said.
Her opponent Bracy was asked the same question.
“Well, we [have to] start with someone who is effective my opponent has not been able to pass laws she’s been up there twice as long as me I have the most effective record, you’re talking about someone [who] passed bills more than anyone, brought more money home,” Bracy said.
Voters had an opportunity to ask tough questions too so they know what box to check at the polls.
“It’s very important to not go into your booth and vote blindly and based on just here say,” Flemming said.
The primary election is on August 20.
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