Apopka's Moonshot: The candidates for city commission offer up their biggest ideas

In an age where online media often speaks louder than traditional forms of campaigning, The Apopka Voice has taken the reins of local democracy by hosting a digital forum for the 2024 Apopka City Commission candidates.

Here's how it works...

Each day this week, The Apopka Voice will ask the candidates one question pertaining to the biggest issues facing Apopka. All five candidates are given the opportunity to answer. The Apopka Voice will publish their responses each day.

Readers can compare and contrast each answer and decide which candidates best share their values and vision for Apopka. You can also ask questions under the article on our news site or Facebook page.

In an era where the online realm is increasingly the epicenter of civic engagement, this initiative seeks to bridge the gap between candidates and constituents, fostering an interactive and transparent dialogue that transcends the boundaries of traditional campaigning.

It's like a debate, town hall, and interview all wrapped into one.

The fourth question put before the candidates is about vision and big ideas for Apopka:

Here is what the candidates think about moonshots, vision and big ideas for Apopka's future:

Darryl Richardson, candidate for Seat #3:

"The idea of doing something in the city that could change the way the city functions/operates would typically be something everyone wants, however rarely gets the attention needed to implement initiatives such as these. I have spent my entire corporate life in the tech sector, I spent time as a Software Sales Engineer focused mainly on sales to SLED (State, Local, Higher Education) accounts. These accounts are specific to State Governments, and Local municipalities.  I have seen small towns in the state fall to cyber crime due to antiquated infrastructure and old technology. Ensuring the city is using the latest technology to protect our assets would be a game changer. For example, why do I still have to pay a 6.00 charge to pay my water bill online? Improving the efficiency of City infrastructure improves all functions of the city personnel and services. Converting the city into a Smart City to effectively analyze traffic patterns, Waste Management routes, and research energy efficient systems that would save the city money in the long run. Bridge the digital divide by ensuring the availability of affordable high-speed internet access to all residents. Foster digital literacy programs and initiatives to ensure that everyone has equal access to technology and online resources. The city might Establish innovation hubs and startup incubators to attract and support entrepreneurs. Encourage the growth of tech, biotech, and other innovative industries, fostering economic development and job creation. These are some of the ideas we might put some time and effort into."

Ryan Tucker, candidate for Seat #3:

"I agree that at some point soon we must move beyond boasting about low millage rates and heavy reserves, but I think there are some additional questions and thoughts that go into this, like: if our reserves are continuing to grow with our current millage rate then is an increase necessary? Maybe we need to simply right size our budget to plan for the investments that are needed for our city instead of continuing to grow our reserves. Continuing to slash our budget and be ultra conservative can eventually bite you in the butt if you are sacrificing necessities, such as infrastructure investments, and progress.

On the flip side, if a millage rate increase is deemed necessary for proposed improvements, then the vision behind the increase, and consistent follow up on the progress, are vital for the community to remain confident in the increase and maintain trust in those who proposed it and are managing it. If there is a millage rate increase that passes for proposed projects that ends up just sitting stagnant, like the current CRA funds, then the residents will lose faith in the leadership to follow through on what they propose. As I mentioned yesterday, the hiring of an Economic Development Director would help move the needle on this process.

My initial moonshot, and this is a quick hitter because the bones are already there and there is momentum around it, is 5th St. In contrast to the City Center, which at this point seems dead in the water, 5th St is moving in the right direction and can, and will, only get better with additional resourcing and support from the city. To the credit of city hall, the new parking area was much needed and looks great. Now, with the parking, let’s continue to push these businesses and this area and help the traction they have extend around the corner up Central and north towards Main.

A larger moonshot would be pouring more resources into the Northwest Recreation Complex. Every week we have residents of Apopka, and surrounding areas, that drive over towards Altamonte to utilize the Patriot Aquatics swimming facility. Why can we not explore something like this for Apopka that would be closer for our residents and attract more visitors to our recreation facility. Not to mention the use the high school would get out of it. Darter Aquatics has a much better ring to it. Also, what about an indoor basketball/volleyball facility? The Well Activity Center off Bradshaw is great but there are some usage limitations. This would give us the option for indoor Basketball and Volleyball leagues throughout the year as well as playing host to outside tournaments.

We haven’t talked about Wyld Oaks!

The opportunities are endless, and the future is bright, we just need to have the right mindset, and plan appropriately, to put resources behind our vision."

Commissioner Nick Nesta, incumbent candidate for Seat #4:

"This question relates back to a strategic plan that our City should be creating and implementing as soon as possible in 2024. The question should never be what is my or the Commissioner’s, "moonshot idea". The question should always be, what do the residents I serve want to see happen in the City of Apopka? What is the resident's “moonshot idea:"? From there we can articulate our goals into the strategic plan and it’s the Council's job to produce a plan for how to properly prepare and execute the residents goal(s). I am very active throughout our community and speak to many residents with varying backgrounds and their input remains a valuable resource. Residents deserve an ideal scenario of living in a modern day city with an up to date infrastructure topped with parks and entertainment. 

A central hub of retail, restaurants, cultural centers, improved public transportation and interconnectivity that promotes alternative modes of transportation that synchronizes with local businesses; these are the “moonshot ideas” our residents are wanting and deserve that are sorely lacking in Apopka at this time. It is the Council's job to listen to its electorate, create a plan and execute it as efficiently as possible. The reserves we currently have are robust and due to my diligence with the taxpayers dollars are now being invested earning a market conscience comparable return. The City taxpayers are now earning over $1,000,000 more per year on their dollar than before I was elected. As long as the Council stays strategic with the taxpayer's dollars, focusing not only on return on investment but return OF investment, we can deliver world-class results without raising taxes."

Eric Mock, candidate for Seat #4:

The term, moonshot, might denote something that seems impossible, but something we can aspire to.  Our country did achieve a moonshot back in 1969 when two astronauts walked on the moon after seven years of planning, testing, evaluating, succeeding and sometimes failing.  We did achieve the goal and the reason the goal was achieved,  they executed the plan.   I believe anything can be achieved.  It is up to us to choose whether we want to invest in the goal and execute !  

Apopka has what thousands are looking for, living in the sunshine state.   Apopka is strategically located in central Florida.  Lake Apopka, Wekiva Springs, completion of the 429, Kelly Park Interchange are just a few of the driving factors that have facilitated the growth of our city.  Apopka has open land.  Yes, it is being snatched up and one day,  Apopka will no longer be on the outskirts of Orlando.  When you have open land and are in close proximity to a growing metropolitan area, growth will happen.  Apopka’s responsibility, along with the Council, is to ensure the comprehensive plan is updated and addresses future land use designations along with allowable densities that provide for a pleasant home town feel.  

Back in 2015, numerous leaders of Apopka, spent countless hours developing a Vision Plan, Grow Apopka 2025.  In April of 2016, the City Council adopted the Vision Plan via resolution 2016-13.  We are just 2 years away from the ending vision date.  While some items have been achieved most have not.  One of my 1st year to-do items will be to resurrect the plan that was adopted.  Pull together similar public leaders represented on the first plan to review and facilitate executing a revised plan.  There are still individuals who are part of Apopka that were part of this original vision plan.   The Plan has action items along with timelines.  Of the action items there is one item completed at 100% and all the remaining items are in the 10-25% completion.  Five community forums  were held with hundreds of people in combined attendance.  As a commissioner, I will work to ensure that resolutions that are adopted, have the vision and leaders necessary to put plans into action.  Thomas Edison was right, 1“Vision without Execution is Hallucination.”  

I often hear people state, “why can’t we have something like Winter Garden and Plant Street in our downtown?”  I like what is on Plant Street.  I call it the old town feel architecture mixed with a twist of modern.  Walking Plant Street during any event, you feel an at home feel.  It took years to create this and Apopka can create something even better.   I say, “go better or don’t go.”  

Apopka’s next steps would be to determine what a future downtown would look like and where best to establish this new reimagined downtown.  Is there a way we can legally change the traffic pattern of 441 from Bradshaw through downtown ending somewhere in close proximity to 436/441, removing 441 as the main thorough-fair?  Should we make one-way traffic east/west on two streets allowing for a larger center of downtown ?  First step would be to create a visual of what that would look like.  UCF has incredible students working on their masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning program.  I’ve seen their work and it is amazing to visualize what can be. I’m sure UCF and these masters students would be happy to assist in creating a vision. If the current downtown is not viable to change the traffic pattern,  then where is the next best location ?  Working with City staff, local leaders, UCF and the Apopka public,  as commissioner, I’ll help execute a new reengaged plan.   

I believe reimagining a new downtown will provide additional revenue when we create a reason for customers to show up. 

Nadia Anderson, candidate for Seat #3:

"As commissioner, my vision for Apopka would be to create a live, work, play community. I'd focus on fostering a vibrant local economy, ensuring diverse affordable housing options, low taxes and investing in recreational and cultural amenities. By supporting businesses, promoting mixed-use developments, and enhancing public spaces, we can create a thriving community where residents can live comfortably, work close to home, and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. It requires collaboration with businesses, urban planners, and the community to strike a balance that promotes economic growth, higher paying local jobs which in return will allow our citizens to live the American dream while preserving the unique character of our town."

• For the first forum on the Apopka City Charter, go here.
• For the second forum on the Apopka City Center, go here.
• For the third forum on managing Apopka's  growth, go here.