ORLANDO, Fla. – Early voting is underway for the special election in Orlando City Council, District 5.
Seven candidates are vying for the seat that was vacated when Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested and suspended from office.
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We asked each candidate the same questions. Below are the answers provided by Tiakeysha Ellison.
NOTE: We did not receive answers from every candidate.
[RELATED: Early voting underway for Orlando City Council District 5 special election. What you need to know]
LAWANNA GELZER
How long have you lived in District 5?
Resident of City of Orlando since 1971 for 52 years.
What is your profession?
CEO of LRG Consulting Solutions, CEO of LG Services 2 Solutions, Co-owner of Peabo Childcare Center
What made you jump into the race?
I’m running because I believe I can make a difference and bring integrity leadership and especially accountability back to the district for the constituents. My 40 years of community service has prepared me with experience and equipped me with the know-how to achieve those goals.
What do you see as District 5′s specific needs and how would you work on them?
A. Economic development helps to create higher-paying wages and better jobs if managed responsibly. I would work together with major employers and the tourism/hospitality industry to come up with a plan to boost revenues, increase wages, develop new housing availability, and integrate better transportation solutions. District 5 needs better representation who can deliver the results to improve quality of life, raise the standard of living throughout District 5 and tap into the economic potential.
B. Transportation and infrastructure improvements in the City of Orlando, as well as Orange County and Central Florida. This would include investments in commuter rail, LYNX, and a focus on East-West connections and options for the workers to be more efficient.
C. Climate and environmental, creating stronger climate and environmental equity policies, “Green” development and projects, energy conservation, etc.
What else do you want to bring to District 5 and to the city of Orlando?
I aim to integrate the past, present, and the future into District 5. With four decades of experience, ongoing projects, and a forward-looking vision, I seek to reinvigorate community-city connections and foster an environment where citizens not only survive but thrive.
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