Commissioner Kyle Becker surprised the Apopka City Council at its June 21st meeting with his announcement that he would not run for re-election to Seat #3. In a brief statement, Becker gave his reasons for not seeking another term.
"Today I announce my intentions not to seek re-election in the upcoming 2024 Apopka municipal election, as such please treat this letter as my confirmation my term will end at the installment of the next duly elected Commissioner of Seat 3.
The timing of this letter is my attempt to ensure my actions and assertive nature of rhetoric over the remainder of my term is not misconstrued as politically motivated, a personal vendetta or otherwise misguided intent going into critical meetings regarding our budget and other important business impacting the great men and women out in the field who make this city run daily.
I’ve served in this position knowing my opinions, my approach and my votes would not be viewed favorably by all people, all the time. I welcome constructive criticism; I can tolerate unconstructive criticism and even disrespect of my name as it relates to the position in which I serve. However, I have simply asked the public and my colleagues to afford me the opportunity to provide my side of the issue or question at hand based on my interpretation of fact in the best interest of our residents and employees.
It is with humbling honor that I again thank the people of Apopka for the opportunity and privilege to serve.
With this eventual outcome, the honor of serving as Vice Mayor will go to our most senior Commissioner, Commissioner Diane Velazquez. I have full confidence she will continue to serve and fight for the people and the front-line employees of Apopka with dignity, and the respect they deserve."
Becker shocked Apopka in 2016 with an upset victory over 40-year incumbent Commissioner Bill Arrowsmith. Becker received 2,689 votes (54.93%) in the Seat #4 runoff.
In 2020, Becker defended Seat #4 against his challenger Lorena Potter in a pandemic-marred election cycle. Becker received 4,590 votes (61.65%).
In 2022, Becker narrowly lost his mayoral bid to Mayor Bryan Nelson. Becker received 3,119 votes (46.13%), falling just 524 votes short.
Becker returned to the City Council in a special election victory in August 2022 over Lynetta Johnson to fill Doug Bankson's vacated Seat #3. Becker received 5,008 votes (58.25%).
Becker's term ends in April 2024, after the Seat #3 election concludes in March 2024.
Commissioner Diane Velazquez, who is the Seat #2 commissioner, will become vice mayor after Becker's departure in April 2024.
This is a developing story and will be updated in future editions of The Apopka Voice.
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MamaMia
What's up? Why are you announcing this now? The election is not until 2024. I have heard this before, and you jumped right back in, after others decided they wanted to run. Your letter sounded like you were resigning, as you read it. You should have resigned right then, not at the end of your term. Yes, go ahead and hand the vice mayor title over to Commissioner Velazquez, at the next council meeting, make it official then, and Apopka will be better off.
Friday, June 23, 2023 Report this
wheresthepopcorn
This is what is best for him and his family. Good for you Mr. Becker.
Friday, June 23, 2023 Report this
MDuran
I am extremely disappointed with commissioner Beckers announcement. He has proven to be a strong advocate for the Apopka community and also for our men and women on the front lines that risk their lives daily. It continues to be a sad era in the city of Apopka when so many employees have stated working under fear of retaliation, criticism and even threats. These tactics have plagued our first responders for many years and now has seeped into our commission.
We all can agree to disagree on many topics. One topic I think we can ALL agree on is that no person should be in fear of threats nor retaliation. Once again, the city is worse off today than it was nearly a year ago.
Friday, June 23, 2023 Report this
whackamole
@MDuran Agreed and I don't see it getting any better.
Friday, June 23, 2023 Report this
MamaMia
I am seeing some names posted here......names, that I have never seen on this website before, not that it matters to me, who they are. Anyway, there is something going on, and I don't know what, but there is definitely something more to this Becker story, as to why he is announcing his non- re- election, and announcing it now. Of course, we all know he could run for mayor again, but the question is why did he decide this now, and announce now. Again I ask who was these "so- called" veiled threats from, that Becker spoke of? Is this the reason? Reggie, you left this part out of the article, but Becker mentioned this. We the citizens, want to know just what is going on here!
Friday, June 23, 2023 Report this
wheresthepopcorn
As a wife and mother, I think Becker is doing the right thing but I think it should be immediate. Don't wait or you will go crazy.
Friday, June 23, 2023 Report this
QuilterBee
I am saddened to hear of Commissioner Becker's decision not to run again. He is a man of honor and integrity and has always held the best interests of the citizens of Apopka foremost in all his actions. I hope that he can help hold Mayor Nelson accountable for the myriad of issues he needs to answer for before his term ends.
Saturday, June 24, 2023 Report this
MamaMia
QuilterBee, Reread Becker's 2nd paragraph of his farewell letter, although read too early, it is a disclaimer. The translation is: I don't want anyone to think this is politically motivated, a personal vendetta, or misguided attempt in important meetings,
but my assertive nature of rhetoric over the remainer of my term, in budget meetings, and other important business meetings, and in other critical meetings....blah, blah, blah,....is I am going to try my darnest to be Mayor Nelson's worst nightmare! I don't have the power to do the things I want, so I am going to cause big chaos on the council, show off, be a total jerk, probably throw out more F-U's, and get myself back into the political spotlight. I have already announced my aggressive assertive nature of rhetoric, so be fore- warned people! So actually what is new here other than his non-re-election announcement? Yawn......
Saturday, June 24, 2023 Report this