Commissioner-Elect Alexander Smith: "As a team we will move this city forward"

Decision Apopka 2018

It was just another bizarre day in Apopka politics.

On Monday morning, after five days of contemplation, Suzanne Kidd, the leading vote-getter in the Apopka City Commission Seat #1 general election, withdrew from the April 10th runoff against Alexander Smith, leaving Smith as Commissioner-Elect of Seat #1.

Smith will join Mayor-Elect Bryan Nelson at the April 24th swearing-in ceremony where he will succeed six-term Commissioner Billie Dean as the Seat #1 City Commissioner.

Kidd responded to The Apopka Voice but did not have a statement to publish at this time.

Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles confirmed that the Seat #1 runoff was canceled. He also confirmed that never in Orange County (Municipal) history has a candidate withdrew from a runoff.

Smith made the official announcement before family, friends, and supporters at a 6:30 event yesterday at Kit Land Nelson Park.

"I would like to thank all of the other candidates for (Apopka City Commission) Seat #1," Smith said. "We were very cordial and respectful throughout the election process. Now as we begin a new journey, we want to do what the citizens would like to see done and make Apopka all that it can be and all that it should be."

He also made it clear that a campaign ending does not end the involvement of his supporters.

"Now that we're here, I don't need you to leave me. I need your support as I serve as your city commissioner. Teamwork leads to success, and that's why we're here today. As a team, we'll move this city forward."

He also touched on two issues he focused on during his campaign - growth and South Apopka.

We know we're growing and growth cannot be stopped," he said. But it can be managed It's a balance the growth of our city and infrastructure. And we have city residents who live in Apopka but are not citizens of Apopka. They too want to be a part of the process of choosing its leaders and we're going to move forward in that process as well."

The runoff for the Apopka City Commission Seat #2 between Commissioner Diane Velazquez, and Alice Nolan is still scheduled for April 10th, and mail-in ballots are being mailed today by the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office, according to Cowles.