Suzanne Kidd starts campaign with huge fundraising month

The VOICE of Apopka Politics

Takes the lead in Seat #1 cash on hand

Apopka resident and City Commission Seat #1 candidate Suzanne Kidd started her first month on the campaign trail with a successful fundraising month. Kidd raised $5,050, which eclipsed her Seat#1 opponents but also outdid mayoral candidates Joe Kilsheimer (Apopka Mayor) and Bryan Nelson (Orange County Commissioner).

Suzanne Kidd raised $5,050 in her first month on the campaign trail.

"I am thrilled that so many friends and supporters came out to both my Announcement event and my Campaign Kickoff party," Kidd said. "With thousands of Apopka voters to reach out to, I am grateful for everyone who has already donated. There is a lot of excitement for my campaign because residents already know me as someone who shows up and listens to them. Attending every meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission is a priority for me because it's so important to understand where Apopka is headed and what our City's needs are. And during my six days of attendance at budget meetings this summer I saw a clear picture of what Apopka needs to do to be competitive and to keep our forward progress going. So, the strong early support makes me realize that Apopka residents really want a strong advocate and champion of Apopka on their City Council. I am truly grateful."

Kidd had 17 individuals and one business donate between $20 and $1,000. 13 out of her 18 donors are from Apopka. She spent $1,523.03 on her campaign, which leaves Kidd with $3,526.97 - the most of any Seat #1 candidate.

Kilsheimer raised $3,850 in September, which increased his total contributions to $37,025. He has spent $13,031.40, which leaves $23,993.60 in his campaign account. His donations ranged from $100 to $1,000. Five of his donors were individuals, while three were businesses, but all eight were from outside of Apopka - which means that 63 out of 67 donors to the Kilsheimer campaign are from outside Apopka.

Nelson raised $2,100 in September, which brings his total fundraising tally up to $44,385. He has spent $20,110.10 on his campaign effort, which means he has $24,274.90 on hand. In September, Nelson had five donors (four of them from Apopka) that gave contributions ranging from $100-$750.

"We continue to get enthusiastic support from the Apopka community," Nelson said. "We are thrilled by the momentum that our campaign has maintained, and the vast majority of our contributions continue to be from the citizens of Apopka."

In the Seat #1 City Commission race, Alexander Smith raised $450, which included three individual donors and one business giving him contributions ranging from $50 to $200. Smith has raised a total of $6,271.15 and spent $3,891.40 on his bid to succeed Commissioner Billie Dean for the seat, which leaves him with $2,379.75 on hand.

"The month of September was an awesome month where the focus was on people rather than politics," said Smith. "Irma was a blessing: all citizens came together to aid one another with humanitarian acts of love and kindness. We opened our doors for those that needed a safe place as the hurricane passed through. We went to the aid of family, neighbors, and others after the storm to assist with whatever needs they had. For some, it was shelter, because they were without power. For others, it was a hot meal or water, or resources on how to recover. What I saw was a strong bond of togetherness among all the citizens of Apopka in the time of need. This is what makes Apopka the ideal place to live, work and raise a family."

Knight did not report any fundraising amount in September, which leaves him with $903.59 on hand.

In the Seat #2 race, Commissioner Diane Velazquez announced her intention to run for re-election in March, but has not formally started her campaign, and has not raised any funds towards her bid for a second term. No one, however, has filed a challenge to her seat as of October 10th.