Realtors endorse two Apopka candidates in upcoming elections

The Orlando Regional Realtors Association (ORRA) announced its endorsements for the upcoming 2018 elections, and two Apopka residents were included on the list.

Fred Brummer, a candidate for the District 2 Orange County Commission, and Melissa Byrd, a candidate for the Orange County Public School Board District #7 both received ORRA's approval. Both District 2 and District 7 include parts of Apopka.

Fred Brummer

Brummer served as the State Representative in District 38 from 1998 to 2006 and was on the District 2 Orange County Commission from 2006 until 2014. He was pleased with ORRA's endorsement because of their ties to District 2 businesses.

"As the owner of a small business, endorsement by the Orlando Region Realtors Association is especially meaningful to me because the Association includes many small businesses active in District 2 of Orange County," said Brummer. "It is an honor to be selected for endorsement by ORRA."

Byrd, a teacher in Orange and Seminole County since 1996 and a first-time candidate, was also honored by the endorsement and wants to collaborate with ORRA in the future if elected.

Melissa Byrd

"The Realtors understand that great schools are a centerpiece for a great community," she said. "I am looking forward to working with them to ensure Northwest Orange County is a great place to raise a family."

According to ORRA's news release, the REALTOR® organization recommends candidates who are sensitive to issues related to real estate, homeownership, and private property rights. In addition, the association considers support of issue campaigns that address the rights of the property owners and/or improves the quality of life within the region.

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.

Both Brummer and Byrd received $1,000 contributions from ORRA's Political Action Committee.

ORRA also announced its support for the Orange County School Board Ad Valorem Millage Election. ORRA recommends voting “YES” on this four-year local referendum that renews the current one mill ad valorem millage used by the school board for essential operating expenses in areas such as arts, athletics, and student activities.

ORRA also supported the following candidates for the 2018 primary election:

U.S. House of Representatives:

District 7 – Stephanie Murphy

District 9 – Darren Soto

District 10 – Val Demings

Florida House of Representatives

District 50 – Rene “Coach” Plasencia

Orange County

Sheriff – John Mina

Mayor – Jerry Demings

District 2 – Fred Brummer

District 3 – REALTOR® Eric Rollings

District 4 – Susan Makowski

District 6 – Victoria Siplin

School Board Chairman – Teresa Jacobs

School Board District 1 – Angie Gallo

School Board District 3 – Linda Kobert

School Board District 6 – Karen Castor Dentel

School Board District 7 – Melissa Byrd