Realtor organization endorses Apopka candidates

Decision Apopka 2018

Nelson, Kidd, and Velazquez get the ORRA approval

The Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA) endorsed three candidates in the Apopka municipal elections this week - Orange County Commissioner Bryan Nelson, running for Apopka Mayor, Suzanne Kidd, running for the Apopka City Commission Seat #1, and Commissioner Diane Velazquez, the incumbent running for Seat #2.

All three candidates will also receive a donation of $1,000 from the organization's political action committee.

In its news release, ORRA stated:

The REALTOR® organization recommends candidates who are sensitive to issues related to real estate, homeownership, and private property rights.

ORRA considers each candidate based on his or her past voting record and/or sensitivity to real estate issues. Candidates are invited to participate in a screening process by the ORRA Candidate Screening Subcommittee, which then makes candidate recommendations to the ORRA Board of Directors for final approval.

ORRA supported candidates who accept political action committee (PAC) funds are eligible to receive contributions from the REALTORS® Political Action Committee for use in their campaign.

The Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, recognized as one of the most innovative local real estate associations in the country, represents more than 14,000 real estate professionals throughout Central Florida.

Nelson referenced a shared vision of Apopka between himself and ORRA.

Orange County Commissioner Bryan Nelson

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of The Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association for Apopka Mayor. We have a shared vision for ensuring we grow Apopka in the right way.

The Association, recognized as one of the most innovative local real estate associations in the country, represents more than 14,000 real estate professionals throughout Central Florida. They recommend candidates who are sensitive to issues related to real estate, homeownership, and private property rights.

As your next Mayor, I will work to ensure Apopka continues to be a family-friendly community."

Despite being an Orlando-based Association, Kidd pointed out the ties it has to Apopka.

Suzanne Kidd

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA) for Seat 1 on our City Council. Real estate sales is one of the backbone industries in Apopka, employing more than a thousand of our residents. The residential housing market is a prime driver of Apopka's economy and a significant contributor to Apopka's tax base. The ORRA supports candidates for office who can demonstrate a deep knowledge of the City, its needs, its aspirations, and how its policies and decisions impact the success of the local real estate market. I am pleased their interview board decided that I am the right candidate for Seat #1 to understand their issues and the significant role they play in Apopka's continued forward progress."

Velazquez made a connection to ORRA and growth in Apopka.

Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez

"It has been a custom and practice of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA), to abide by a strict code of professional standards and ethics that should be mirrored by many others. ORRA has a reputation that other companies strive for. ORRA’s reputation is honesty, reliability, and transparency. For this reason, I am extremely honored on receiving their endorsement for Apopka City Council Seat # 2 from an organization that represents more than 14,000 real estate professionals throughout Central Florida.

Thank you, Orlando Regional Realtor Association for your endorsement!

As I have stated many times before, Apopka is a growing community. Its location makes it a favorable and attractive place for family’s that want to settle here. Not only are families setting roots in Apopka, but businesses are following the growth trend. This trend will affect Apopka and Central Florida as a whole for many years to come. Professional real estate people are going to be part of this growth. I believe that ORRA agents will work with local government, businesses and the community in obtaining an alliance and achieving this mutual rewarding goal, sensible growth."