Wednesday night at Osceola Heritage Park, there were signs that the local election cycle is returning to normal.
After a 2020 campaign cycle that nearly all involved would just as soon forget -- including those who won election -- thanks to COVID-19, candidates, the public and The Osceola Chamber were able to gather again and hold the Osceola Hob Nob.
For the first time since 2018, the public were invited to the Chamber-hosted event and meet with candidates running for offices like Kissimmee City Commission, St. Cloud City Council, the Osceola County Commission, the Osceola County School Board, and Circuit 9 judge seats. Even for those who didn't participate, candidates were invited to pre-record a brief statement, to help event attendees become better acquainted with their platforms and positions, and those videos played through the event as attendees enjoyed light hoer d'erves and a cash bar.
“The Osceola Chamber was pleased to host our Hob Nob for the community. As the saying goes, ‘Elections have consequences,’ and businesses of all sizes are feeling great pressure today and for the foreseeable future due, in large part, to decisions made by elected officials. Attendees were able to engage candidates, vote in our straw poll, and build their network. The event showcased candidates across the spectrum on the Osceola ballot and highlighted how ‘Business Works Better Together.’”
After hearing from or meeting with candidates, attendees were then able to vote in the traditional straw poll conducted by the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections. At the end of the night, the results were announced; here's a rundown of the straw poll as voted on by the hundreds of attendees:
U.S. House District 9: Darren Soto
Florida Senate District 25: Victor Torres
Florida House District 35: Fred Hawkins
District 45: Carolina Amesty
District 46: Kristen Arrington
District 47: Paula Stark
Osceola County Commission District 2: Vivana Janer
District 4: Cheryl Grieb
Osceola School Board District 1: Teresa Castillo
District 4: Heather Kahoun
District 5: Erika Booth
Kissimmee City Commission Seat 2: Angela Eady
Seat 4: Jim Fisher
St. Cloud City Council Seat 4: Ken Gilbert
Seat 5: Christine Ladas-Drake
Judge, Circuit 9, Group 9: Fay Olga Pappas
Group 14: John Beamer
Group 44: Vincent Chiu
