The Orlando Sentinel endorses District 6 commissioner Bakari Burns 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.
Ballots are set in Orlando ahead of November contests for mayor, commissioners
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: Re-elect Bakari Burns
Bakari Burns beat considerable odds in winning his first City Council race in 2019, surging ahead of an opponent with far more resources and name recognition. Since then, he’s poured considerable energy into serving the constituents of District 6, which spans some of Orlando’s most economically depressed areas as well as some of its most historic neighborhoods.
In some areas, he admits he hasn’t made as much headway as he would have liked. This district’s needs are massive and progress can be frustratingly incremental. Much of Burns’ energy went toward ensuring that District 6 had adequate resources to meet the demands of a pandemic, a challenge which Burns — the CEO of a nonprofit health provider — was uniquely equipped to meet. Even as a newcomer, Burns wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, including demands that Orlando do a better job of spending the federal aid that rained down on local cities over the past few years. He’s also done a good job of collaborating with the leaders in his district to identify small-scale improvements, such as technology outposts, that can make a big difference in the lives of his constituents.
His opponent, Rufus Hawkins, has good intentions and insight on some of the challenges facing District 6. But he doesn’t come close to making the case for displacing Burns. This one is an easy call.
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.
