Janette Martinez is challenging incumbent Kissimmee City Commissioner Jim Fisher for seat 4.
Jim Fisher
“I would like to continue the good work that the current commission has undertaken and are moving forward,” the incumbent said. “We have worked well together. And I want to continue to work with the current commission.
“The most pressing issue for the commission is how to help transients and the homeless. We are working toward providing housing and mental health services to make Kissimmee a better place to live.
We’re still recovering from the pandemic. What would a complete recovery look like as it pertains to Kissimmee?
We would all have better mental health, lower unemployment, all or our children would be in school and learning to be values citizens and a strong economy. We must not let our guard down.
What has been successful in bringing new business to Kissimmee, and what more (or new) can be done?
Proper economic development measures in our Medical Arts District, the QTI initiatives and advancing our efforts at the airport. We should continue to support the Kissimmee UCF incubator program to bring in new ideas and businesses.
Affordable housing and homelessness have long been issues in the city, which has addressed them in the past. What are the best ways to continue that push?
Advancing the Beaumont property will be a fresh new start. Building on the SHIP, HOME and CDBG grants will further our efforts, along with working with Habitat for Humanity partners.
What should the leading consideration be when the city considers vendors and other business contracts?
Whenever possible, we should utilize our local talented vendors. They must however be the most qualified and fulfill all the necessary qualifications to perform along with the most cost-effective methods.
What boards or local organizations have you sat on or joined that would enhance your abilities on the commission?
Serving on the Commission already helps, a Board member of Kissimmee Valley Livestock and Show, MetroPlan board member, Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Tri-County League of Cities, Member of Orange Blossom Lodge No. 80, F & AM, to name a few.
This position calls for experience, knowledge and the ability to work with those that may have different goals and objectives. Compromising is a desired ability. I am a Solid Citizen with Common Sense.
Janette Martinez
Janette Martinez, 39, is a property manager who ran for County Commission in 2020.
“I decided to run because of being handson with the community. I understand the needs, I understand how it’s affecting us. And I say ‘us’ because I’m part of that group that’s been affected,” she said. “Myself sitting on that seat is as good as every other constituent — I just want to be their voice.
“I think that a fresh pair of eyes coming in, sitting down and voting responsibly will benefit the city of Kissimmee. When I talk to constituents, they bring up traffic, homelessness, the rent issues, and a lot of the things are at a state level that the city can’t really do. But we have contacts that we can reach out to and be the voice so that these things moving into the right direction.”
We’re still recovering from the pandemic. What would a complete recovery look like as it pertains to Kissimmee?
We are never going to go back to pretending that pandemics cannot happen. We need to collaborate with our county in making sure that we will address any emergency situation when it comes to health and the well-being of our community. We need to consistently have housing efforts and services for our residents so that if there are emergencies, especially when it comes to health and jobs, our laws will be able to assist and help in every way. This includes funding opportunities for housing and basic emergency needs.
What has been successful in bringing new business to Kissimmee, and what more (or new) can be done?
Kissimmee has been a little behind with collaborating and working well with businesses that are looking to come here. We need to work together with small businesses that are currently here, addressing the issues they have when it pertains to getting the simplest things, like permits and licensing to be sure they can operate successfully. We want to bring more jobs and opportunities and bring back better wages.
Affordable housing and homelessness have long been issues in the city, which has addressed them in the past. What are the best ways to continue that push?
Some efforts address these issues, but I see a disconnect between the city and the county. I would like to collaborate with the county and nonprofits such as Counsel On Aging, Salvation Army and others to work together to bring the services needed, not only for our homeless population but for those who can potentially fall into homelessness. I also want to work diligently with state and county politicians and my board to make sure that we work with our nonprofits that could provide different services. This will not only be of great help to our constituents but also save a tremendous amount of money for the City and the County.
What should the leading consideration be when the city considers vendors and other business contracts?
As we grow, and have seen large amounts of new companies and vendors that can offer great services, we need to be sure that we attract the correct type. That way we can pick the best vendors that not only can provide affordability and helping save tax dollars and provide the best services that we are looking for in the city.
What boards or local organizations have you sat on or joined that would enhance your abilities on the commission?
I have volunteered as a SAC Chair, PTA President, Past President and Treasurer of the Hispanic Caucus, Homeless Committee of Osceola County, and many of our local Churches and nonprofits in Osceola. Working and participating with all these organizations have given me a firsthand look at our needs, and this will help me be a better commissioner as I understand what my community needs. This given me an insight into what needs to change but also motivation towards my community more than ever.
I have been here long enough to see that change is needed. Kissimmee is my home, and I will work hard to keep it that way. Together we can make these changes.
