For the first time in two decades, the District 1 Orlando City Council race does not have an incumbent seeking re-election”but that's not the only historic note of interest in the race. Two openly gay candidates are among the four seeking to fill the vacancy left by Phil Diamond, who has resigned his position to run for Orlando Mayor.
Randy Ross and Chase Smith both threw their hats into the ring over the winter, and both have actively campaigned within the district that encompasses Medical City in Lake Nona, a facility many see as a jobs engine that is just revving up.
While both out candidates note their sexuality frankly, neither is focused on that aspect of who they are.
“I don't believe sexuality is an issue in this or any other race,” said Ross, 46. “We are faced with unique challenges in Orlando from high unemployment to an inadequate transit system. I am proud of being a gay man and proud that my campaign manager is a proud gay man. But I am solely focused on plans and issues that affect all residents of District 1, not just the LGBT community.”
Smith has a similar point of view when it comes to his campaign.
“I'm proud of who I am,” said Smith, 39, “but I see my candidacy in terms of being the only candidate in the race with the experience and best ideas necessary to see District 1 succeed and being the best equipped to serve the citizens.”
Also seeking the District 1 seat are Jim Gray and Steve Rayle. From a fundraising standpoint, Gray seems ahead of the pack, having raised nearly $65,000, according to the Orlando City Clerk's office. By comparison, Ross has raised just under $13,000 and Smith garnered just over $9,000. Rayle logged approximately $8,000, according to records dated March 9.
But despite the financial disparity, Ross and Chase both feel like their chances of landing the seat are strong.
Smith, who grew up in Wauchula, said his qualifications for the job include 20 years of experience in local government as well as his existing relationships with both the City of Orlando and Orange County.
“I’m very confident,” Smith said. “It is my hope that the voters of District 1 will acknowledge my years of experience, the relationships I have with city and county elected officials and staff and the fact that I have specific plans on how to address the issues and concerns of residents and the district without having to go through a huge learning curve to learn and understand the city.”
Ross also hopes that his understanding of the city will be taken into account by voters. He said his run was motivated by his feeling his voice was not being heard and has touted his “50 x 3″ Orlando Job Fair Plan, which would require the city to sponsor a job fair every 90 days for the next two years.
“I'm confident that I have run a campaign focused on issues that matter to Orlando, my district and that I've worked to include the voices of labor unions, community groups and business owners into my plans.”
The two men have had limited interaction”mostly at forums and community events while campaigning. Besides having the same sexual orientation, both candidates say they are very different regarding their plans for the city's future.
When asked what the most significant difference was between him and his opponent, Ross mentioned his transit and jobs plans.
“Also, my extensive marketing background and success in hosting job fairs and business,” he said. “I will use this experience to market Orlando as “open for business.'”
Smith cites his long-term commitment to District 1 as what sets him apart from Ross.
“I have made an investment in District one and purchased my home here,” Smith said. “Mr. Ross has never lived in District 1 and continues to live in District 4, where he can't even vote for himself. I attended every redistricting advisory board meeting held to argue to keep my neighborhood in District 1, as it has been for the past 20 years. Mr. Ross, to my knowledge, never attended any of those meetings.”
The election for Orlando City Council is Tuesday, April 3. If none of the four candidates receives a majority of the votes, the top two finishers will face off in a run-off election on May 1.
