Mayra Uribe points to eight-year record in closing argument for Orange County mayor

Mayra Uribe.

Every candidate can tell you what they support.

The real question is: Who has already demonstrated that they will fight for it?

For more details on Mayra Uribe's campaign, visit her website.

All four of us will talk about affordable housing, transportation, public safety, working families, job creation, and government accountability. Those are important priorities, and we were fair enough to acknowledge the areas where the candidates agree.

But this comparison is not based only on what candidates are promising during election season. It is based on records, votes, leadership and a demonstrated willingness to stand up when doing so was not politically convenient.

For eight years, I have had the honor of serving the people of Orange County—and the receipts are there.

PUBLIC SAFETY

I have consistently supported Orange County’s first responders and the resources needed to keep our communities safe. My record has earned the support of the Orange County Fraternal Order of Police, the Orange County Professional Firefighters and the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

I have opposed unnecessary tax increases and wasteful government spending. I stood against the proposed stormwater fee—what many residents called the “rain tax”—and pushed the county to pause and reconsider placing another financial burden on homeowners.

AFFORDABLE AND ATTAINABLE HOUSING

I supported action to protect families facing rapidly increasing rents and housing costs. During the housing emergency, I supported allowing Orange County voters to decide the rent-stabilization question for themselves.

I have also supported policies focused on attainable housing, homelessness, medical-debt relief and keeping working families from being priced out of Orange County.

MEDICAL-DEBT RELIEF

Orange County approved up to $4.5 million in federal funding for medical-debt relief, helping qualifying residents escape debt that can follow families for years.

That action is documented in the Orange County Board of County Commissioners’ August 13, 2024 agenda and funding agreement.

PROTECTING OUR RURAL BOUNDARY

I voted to protect Orange County’s rural boundary, preserve green space and slow irresponsible sprawl. I have participated directly in county discussions concerning rural enclaves, annexation, Vision 2050 and the future growth of Orange County.

SMART TRANSPORTATION AND REAL SOLUTIONS

I have fought for STAR—Sunshine Corridor transportation solutions—along with better roads, improved transit and responsible long-term regional planning.

I serve as Chair of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council for Florida and participate in the Florida 2055 Transportation Plan Steering Committee. My transportation leadership reaches beyond one district and involves planning that affects all 67 Florida counties in coordination with FDOT and federal transportation partners.

SUPPORTING WORKING FAMILIES

I have backed veterans, seniors, teachers, first responders and everyday working families. My work has focused on practical local needs—food distributions, transportation, housing, medical debt and access to county services—not just election-year talking points.

ETHICS, TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

I have repeatedly called for audits, accountability and open government—even when the questions made powerful organizations uncomfortable.

I pushed for greater accountability from organizations receiving county funding, questioned how public money was being spent and supported changes to ensure commissioners were not being charged from their discretionary budgets to provide food to families during community food distributions.

I also called for scrutiny of United Way’s handling of publicly funded services and COVID-related funding. Asking questions about taxpayer money should never be treated as a political inconvenience. It is part of the job.

MAKING TOURISM PAY ITS FAIR SHARE

Orange County is home to one of the most powerful tourism economies in the world. I have questioned why residents continue carrying so much of the burden while enormous amounts of Tourist Development Tax revenue are directed toward tourism advertising and industry priorities.

I have challenged questionable tourism spending, pushed for audits and argued that more of the economic benefit generated by tourism must reach the residents and workers who keep Orange County running.

COMMUNITY FIRST

For eight years, I have demonstrated that I am willing to challenge corporations, vendors, powerful organizations and government itself when Orange County residents are not being treated fairly.

That is what “People Over Position” means.

This comparison does not claim that the other candidates do not care about Orange County. It does not claim that they do not want jobs or better opportunities for working families. That is why they received checkmarks where their stated positions supported them.

But campaign promises are easy.

The difference is having a public record that residents can examine.

Anyone can promise to fight for Orange County. I have a record of doing it.

Before voting, look beyond the advertisements. Look at the votes. Look at the public meetings. Look at the campaign money. Look at who benefits—and who has consistently been willing to ask the difficult questions.

Follow the money. Then follow your own voice.

I humbly ask for your vote for Orange County Mayor.

Election Day: Tuesday, August 18

Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Need a ride to vote? Call 407-721-3433

People Over Position.

Key Points:

• Uribe cites endorsements from law enforcement and firefighter organizations as evidence of her support for first responders.
• She points to her opposition to the proposed stormwater fee and other government spending as examples of fiscal restraint.
• Uribe highlights her support for housing initiatives and up to $4.5 million in federal funding for medical-debt relief.
• She emphasizes her votes to protect Orange County’s rural boundary and her participation in regional transportation planning.
• Uribe argues that her calls for audits and scrutiny of tourism and nonprofit spending demonstrate a commitment to government accountability.

Note: This is a paid political advertisement from the Mayra Uribe campaign.