By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
Christine Moore has never been one to sit quietly on the sidelines.
Whether it was advocating for schools, fighting for infrastructure dollars, or leading at the county level, she has built a career out of turning persistence into policy. After years of shaping decisions that touched nearly every corner of Northwest Orange County, Moore is bringing that experience to Apopka — launching a campaign for mayor with a promise to restore civility, strengthen collaboration, and build a city that matches its potential.
Related: Moore files to run for Mayor of Apopka.
Related: Moore: "Apopka deserves a smarter, transparent budget process"
Related: Moore maintains fundraising lead over Nelson.
As the District 2 Orange County Commissioner, Moore knows the neighborhoods, the challenges, and the opportunities that define Apopka.
"I've been involved with an $8 billion budget," Moore said. "Every department works through their budgets with me, and if something comes up, it comes to me. The only difference is that I didn't hire the staff — but I still carry the responsibility."
Her two terms on the county commission, coupled with eight years on the Orange County School Board, give her what she calls a "full view" of government operations and a clear understanding of what it takes to get things done in a city that has struggled to balance growth, infrastructure, and community needs.
Moore filing to run for Apopka Mayor.
"I had to fight for my district, advocate and push," Moore said. "Here, Apopka would benefit from that kind of know-how from day one. I'd be over the whole City, but I still have to work collaboratively with the council. I want to empower them — they're a valuable part of the team."
Leadership in action
Moore’s timing is significant. Apopka is wrestling with downtown development, public engagement, and state laws that limit local control. Senate Bill 180, which she calls "bad governance," has already changed how cities can manage growth and infrastructure.
"You can't expect the state to get down to the stormwater drain in a neighborhood. That's the City's job. That's the County's job," Moore said. "It's going to be very difficult to govern under SB-180 if it stays the way it is now, but we can lobby, and citizens need to be involved. Letters, advocacy — it matters."
For Moore, leadership isn't about waiting for someone else to solve problems — it's about showing up, learning the system, and translating experience into tangible results for residents.
"If someone's angry because the drain in front of their house is flooding, we'll have our top staff in the room. We'll show them what's being done. But there are lines — you can't make it personal, you can't call someone names. Stick to the issue."
That philosophy balances responsiveness with respect, and she believes it’s essential for restoring trust in local government.
Preparation, transparency, and empowerment
Moore emphasizes preparation and transparency in decision-making.
"How constantly does Mayor (Bryan) Nelson spring something on the commissioners for a final vote that they never even heard about till Friday afternoon before a Wednesday meeting? Moore asks. "If you're gonna do big things, there should be a workshop process that starts at least a month out. None of this should be a surprise. We respect one another, we respect the public, and good people who work together can have honest disagreements about policy, and the majority rules. It's not sneaking things in."
She wants to extend that approach to Apopka’s city government, beginning with more citizen engagement.
"I would start more committees, more boards. I'm used to that at the county, I'm used to that at the school board, and it works because their sounding boards are a place for citizens to get involved, give their opinion, and impact the process," she said. "We need a parks and recreation citizen board, a historic preservation board, and an infrastructure board. All commissioners should appoint members, not just the mayor. That's how you empower residents."
Downtown revitalization and economic vision
Moore is critical of past strategies to build the downtown and Apopka City Center.
"Apopka has been buying land, taking it off the tax rolls, and hoping development will happen," she said. "The CRA dollars weren't being utilized well at all. The values had not gone up. We weren't doing the right things here. What did everybody else do? They invested in infrastructure. Sidewalks, streetlights, curbs, driveway aprons. A couple of months later, houses are painted, lots are sold, and someone's building a house. That's how you get development."
Her vision is rooted in preparation first, and development second. She points to Winter Garden and Ocoee, cities that invested in infrastructure, trails, and amenities before expecting private investment. Moore wants that approach for Apopka: clean up, upgrade, and incentivize growth while preserving neighborhoods and encouraging environmental stewardship.
One example is her idea for a downtown K–8 charter school focused on environmental science.
"Apopka is an environmental treasure. We could be preparing the next generation of environmental leaders while bringing life back to the city center," she says.
She also wants to see economic development as a vehicle for both growth and character.
"We don't just want warehouses holding boxes. We want manufacturing jobs. We want incubators for local businesses. Small boutiques, dress shops, candle makers — these businesses thrive with the right support, and they create a downtown people want to visit," she said.
She points to DeLand, which incubated small businesses in temporary spaces before building a thriving downtown market.
"In six months, we could have it. Maybe it starts Friday night, Saturday weekends. We have the talent, the people, the assets. If we do this right, Apopka will be a place we're all proud of," she said.
A different approach to the budget process
Moore approaches budgeting with transparency and participation.
"The budget shouldn't look like a checkbook register. It should reflect priorities and values. Commissioners should be advocates for the community, not rubber-stampers," she said.
Her plan involves an earlier start to the process, workshops, public input, and close attention to city services, infrastructure, and quality-of-life improvements.
Vision beyond city limits
Moore’s years in county government give her an advantage in leveraging external resources for Apopka. She knows the legislative process, transportation agencies, and funding channels that often trip up smaller cities. From recreational grants to trail improvements, these connections could bring immediate benefits.
She also has aspirational plans, including a children's museum, enhanced downtown aesthetics, and better programming in parks and recreational areas.
"We can fix the streets, the infrastructure, and then dream big," she says. "Apopka deserves both."
Infrastructure, civility, and community
Moore ties her vision to core principles: clean neighborhoods, invested infrastructure, and engaged citizens.
"What is missing that's in the farmers market but not downtown? She asks. "Shopping. Goods. Displayed merchandise. Vintage shops. Candle makers. Dress shops. People love that. We could incubate local businesses in downtown sheds and create a destination," she said.
A mayor for a city ready to grow
Moore’s campaign emphasizes a balance of experience, planning, and citizen involvement. From advocating for trails and infrastructure to promoting downtown revitalization and establishing an environmental-focused school, she sees Apopka’s potential as a mix of practical preparation and ambitious vision.
"If they give me a chance, I intend to make Apopka better," she said. "I don't have to do everything myself. We have to empower others, give them vision, parameters, and let them go. That's how you build a city. We have the talent, we have the assets, we have the people. If we do this right, Apopka will be a place we're all proud of. It's time to lead with experience, listen to the community, and empower others to carry the work forward. That’s how you turn potential into pride."
