Commissioner Moore: My goals for the second term

My Goals for The Second Term

Last week I was sworn in for my second term on the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. I’d like to share with you an excerpt from my speech.

I must say the workload of an Orange County Commissioner is daunting. I have faced so-called brick walls, mind-numbing bureaucracy, lack of funding, and even my own inability to find a suitable solution.

The county has faced a housing crisis, global pandemic, dangerous roadways, hurricanes, inflation, staffing shortages, deep divides in politics – and endless complaints to pick up storm debris. Nevertheless, I’m proud of what the county and I have accomplished.

Orange County Commissioner District 2 Christine Moore

*        Approval of multiple affordable housing projects

*        New neighborhoods which follow Wekiva open space standards

*        Investment in saving natural land

*        Budgeting without raising the millage rate

*        Upgrades to Magnolia Park, Kelly, Riverside, and Trimble parks

*        1,600 homeowners voting to convert to sewer 

 While the list is impressive, let’s not kid ourselves, it is never enough. All the commissioners have experienced sharing an accomplishment on social media only to have folks give them ten more things to work on.

It is during challenges, I reflect on the story of Gideon from the Book of Judges.

In this story, the Midianites brutally conquered the Jewish people.  The Midianites ruined crops and killed livestock, in essence destroying their entire economy. After seven years of suffering, God came to Gideon and told him it was time to restore the nation. 

And I love Gideon’s response,

“Pardon me, my lord,” “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

I can relate to Gideon’s thinking. 

I’m a domestic abuse survivor, single mom, caregiver, and grandmother. While I graduated from the University of Michigan – Go Blue, my degree is in music education and flute performance. I’ve never studied government or political science. And no woman has ever been elected from District 2, let alone a Yankee. 

I do have one skill like Gideon - I love to organize people. Gideon organized an army of 32,000, but God said that was too many. God wanted fewer committed warriors. So, He led Gideon through a process of reducing the large army to a mere 300. Gideon then led a surprise attack against the Midianites by simply blowing trumpets and waving torches. The Midianites became confused and were soundly defeated. 

Now, on a side note, if I ever talk to Gideon – I would suggest his warriors play piccolos rather than trumpets. We play much louder! I’m a flute player, for those who don't remember. 

And finally, as to my second-term goals, I hope to build the Neighborhood Leader Program and area organizations to accomplish much more at the neighborhood and community levels. While we need to maintain and upgrade infrastructure, improve blighted areas, and encourage businesses and property owners to take greater pride in their properties, we also need to strengthen the county's social fabric. Strong collaboration and engagement will aid in withstanding the onslaught of division we see at the national level. Cohesive neighborhoods help during natural disasters, tragedies, and the like. Government can never do it all. 

I believe Orange County’s best days are ahead. I hope you will join me.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve for four more years.