The Orlando Sentinel endorses District 4 commissioner Patty Sheehan for re-election.
Over repeated elections, Orlando voters have nearly always opted to stick with the status quo. In some cities, that can signal stagnation. In others, it’s a vote of confidence that voters like the direction their city is headed and want to stay the course.
Patty Sheehan, Orlando’s longest tenured commissioner, draws 2 opponents
Orlando voters have a lot to like. The city’s fiscal position is strong. Its investment in community building and infrastructure has paid off in many ways, and signs of innovation can be seen across the city — from the redevelopment of historic neighborhoods (including the fast-moving Packing District taking shape to the west of College Park) to new policing initiatives that use the latest public-safety research. There are big challenges ahead — including Orlando’s position at the epicenter of Central Florida’s affordable housing crisis — but it’s clear that city leaders aren’t resting on their laurels.
In this fall’s elections, Tony Ortiz in District 2 will be reelected without opposition. Mayor Buddy Dyer has three challengers; Patty Sheehan (District 4) drew two and Bakari Burns (District 6) has one. We will issue an endorsement for mayor at a later date.
Our pick for Orlando City Council District 4: Patty Sheehan
Many of Patty Sheehan’s constituents feel they know her personally. She’s one of the most accessible and visible Orlando commissioners, and if re-elected, she’ll hit the rare 25-year mark in the same elected office. But Sheehan has fought complacency at every turn — at times, combatively, but usually constructively.
Her adamant advocacy has been a constant driver behind District 4’s ongoing renaissance, and at times, has led to tension when other district representatives protested that it was drawing more than its share of resources. But the downtown-anchored district has repaid those efforts with a burgeoning tax base that can help boost other parts of the city, and Sheehan’s steady leadership could be a real benefit for the downtown area as it seeks to adjust to post-COVID reality.
Most importantly, Sheehan’s concern for her district looks beyond the prosperous neighborhoods and shiny redevelopment. She recognizes the visible signs of homelessness and desperation in the people sleeping in underpasses and the threat that increased crime poses to this area. She has worked to draw residents of the district into the debate, posting updated crime statistics and invitations to engage on her city website.
Her challengers, conservative talk-radio host Randy Ross and businesswoman Katie Koch, are both clearly passionate about Orlando’s future. Koch in particular should remain involved in local politics; she has solid ideas for changes and has clearly taken steps to prepare herself for leadership, while Ross has earned a reputation as a bomb-thrower whose presence on the council would likely prove more disruptive than constructive. The bottom line, however, is that neither can match Sheehan’s deep knowledge and history of advocacy. While her sometimes-brash approach has ruffled more than a few feathers, the impact of her service cannot be overstated.
She’s earned re-election.
We will be posting our endorsements in local races over the next week. However, we urge voters to not rely solely on our opinions in deciding how to cast a vote. Voters should check the candidates’ campaign websites and social media accounts (if they don’t have either, that should be a red flag). Ask friends and neighbors what they think. Google the candidates and go to the city’s website to see who’s giving money to their campaigns. In addition, we’ve recorded our interviews and posted them in full at OrlandoSentinel.com/opinion.
Election endorsements are the opinion of the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, which consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Insight Editor Jay Reddick and Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson. Sentinel Columnist Scott Maxwell participates in interviews and deliberations. Send emails to insight@orlandosentinel.com.
