- May 17, 2024
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Editor’s Note: As the March 10 municipal election draws closer, the West Orange Times & Observer is publishing profiles and Q&As from each of the candidates who are running for office in Windermere, Ocoee and Winter Garden.
In this edition, we introduce the candidates for the Windermere Town Council: Jim O’Brien, Molly Rose and Robert McKinley. Incumbent Mike Pirozzolo declined multiple requests seeking full participation in this Q&A.
OCCUPATION: More than 25 years in non-profit management, currently director of Workforce Development for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida.
FAMILY: Wife, Kristin; two children
RESIDENCY: Native Floridian; has lived in Windermere since 2008
AFFILIATIONS: Town Council liaison for administration; Parks & Recreation Committee; Long-Range Planning Committee; Orange County Community Action Board; Windermere Police Department Foundation Board of Directors
Why do you want to serve in the office for which you have qualified?
My family and I love living in Windermere, and I have been privileged to represent my neighbors on the Windermere Town Council. During the past four years, I have worked diligently to ensure fairness, accountability and transparency in all town endeavors. I have worked to rebuild our administrative staff and police department from the ground up, insisting that we hire only individuals who are committed to professionalism and service.
We have fostered an atmosphere that allows our volunteer committees to thrive and create great events, such as Family Food Trucks, Downtown Green Market, Run Among the Lakes 5K, Craft Beer Fest and Windermere Wine & Dine. Recreational and green space has increased with the opening of our newest park and pavilion, the 10-acre Windermere Recreation Area.
While we have experienced much success over the past few years, we have also experienced the incredible pain of losing one of our finest Windermere police officers, Robbie German. These experiences shape the manner in which I lead and I look forward to utilizing this experience as a foundation to provide leadership that continues to allow our town to thrive.
Why do you feel that you are the best-qualified candidate for this office?
I feel that I am a well-qualified candidate for Windermere Town Council. I have become a more effective representative over the past four years, serving on the council since 2011. I enjoy the process of a representative government and work hard to balance needed progress with a reverence to what makes our town such a unique and desirable place to raise a family. I bring a measured and balanced approach to our council; I carefully weigh your input and always strive to do what is best for our community. I actively seek a win-win solution whenever possible, but I will never compromise what makes our town a great place to live and play.
What do you feel are the most important issues now that need to be addressed?
• Garnering our share of federal, state and local funding to improve vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian safety in Windermere, including development and improvement of sidewalks to allow students to safely walk or bike to school.
• Continued improvement of water quality in the Butler Chain of Lakes through the reduction of storm water, nutrient and sediment and runoff.
• Continued state legislation that includes unfunded mandates, which limit Home Rule and negatively impact our budget.
• Proposed state legislation that could reduce or eliminate the Communications Tax, which funds the debt service for the downtown road improvements completed in 2005.
• The explosive development occurring to the southwest and north of Windermere that bring increased traffic through Windermere’s already-busy streets.
What are your goals if elected?
• The completion of amenities at Butler Bay Park, including waterfront fishing pier and sports area to complement the tennis courts, waterfront and new family-friendly pavilion.
• Long-range storm water improvements, which will reduce sediment runoff into the Butler Chain of Lakes.
• Continued efforts toward accreditation of our police department and ensuring that we have the highest-quality police officers and town personnel in all departments.
• Pursue federal and state funding opportunities to assist in implementing much-needed capital and infrastructure improvements.
• Beautify and improve the entry ways to our town, including sidewalk and pedestrian improvements.
OCCUPATION: Retired
FAMILY: Husband of 20 years, Robert Fleming; two children
RESIDENCY: Windermere resident since 1993
AFFILIATIONS: Town Council member (six years); Development Review Board (two years); Traffic Committee (two years)
Why do you want to serve in the office for which you have qualified?
I want to have some control over the growth and development of the town so we can maintain the unique small-town feeling while allowing for necessary upgrades and changes.
Why do you feel you are the best-qualified candidate for this office?
I have six years of experience on the council, which has allowed me to understand how the governing process works. During this time, I have been the council liaison with the town staff for budgeting and with the Development Review Board. I feel that I am unbiased and try to evaluate each issue in a fair manner, determining what is best for the overall town, not just the individual or company.
What do you feel are the most important issues now that need to be addressed?
Commercial growth, annexation, improved town facilities and traffic
What are your goals if elected?
Control of commercial growth to minimize traffic impacts and ensure the right mix of businesses that would be utilized by our residents. Approve annexation only if it is to the benefit of the town and meets the Comp Plan intent. Implementation of a program to improve our town facilities to provide a safe environment for our staff and residents, while controlling the size and cost.
OCCUPATION: Retired from U.S. Army in 1985; currently employed as controller for Boat RV Auto Storage of West Orange
FAMILY: Wife of 20 years, Kathy; one son, one daughter, three grandchildren
RESIDENCY: Windermere homeowner since November 2009; resident since September 2010
AFFILIATIONS: Coach, volunteer and commissioner for several youth sports programs; church elder
Why do you want to serve in the office for which you have qualified?
During the short time I have lived in Windermere, I have noticed several things that were not in keeping with the image that the town of Windermere should project. I will detail those issues below.
Why do you feel you are the best-qualified candidate for this office?
I am not running against the other candidates; I am vying for the position because I want to help make Windermere an even better community. I am dedicated to preserving Windermere as one of the best communities in Florida. I practice honesty and will make decisions based on the best interest of my community.
What are your goals if elected?
The most important issues that I feel need to be addressed are maintenance of parks, sidewalks and roads. Our sidewalks have been in terrible disrepair for several years now.
My goals, if elected, are to help guide our efforts to correct maintenance shortfalls and to help curtail some of the exceptions being granted to developers.
