Four candidates, including incumbent Carlos Alvarez lll, are running for Kissimmee City Commission Seat 3. Alvarez faces challengers Rubin Anderson, Wade Choate, and Nichole Wagoner de Arguello, all who’ve spent time advocating for and working with the community.
Alvarez, in running for and winning the seat in 2020, said he became involved in grassroots efforts to improve the quality of life for Kissimmee residents as well as being a leading voice in areas such as Washington D.C., where he advocated in support of economic, environmental, and social justice policies.
”It’s a home…you need to make sure it’s safe.” Alvarez said. “I just want to be that commissioner and sit down in the people’s chair, I care about the people.”
Arguello said she felt called to exercise her civic duty at a higher level after witnessing the changing environment of the city. A finance and accounting professional, she said she wishes to continue her work as a representative of the people of Kissimmee by focusing on redevelopment plans that benefit residents, focus on public safety, and prioritize the quality of life within the city.
“I only want the best for our community.” Arguello said “It really boils down to the basics - ensure that the quality of life of [the] city’s residents is not infringed upon no matter the economic circumstances, while focusing on how we can add to the peace, happiness, and wellness of our residents.”
Anderson, a lifelong Kissimmee resident, said his priorities would be to use his talents to work with the city to ensure safety for the community, making the city desirable and welcoming through green spaces and natural landscaping, and increasing opportunities for those such as the city’s first responders to pursue higher education.
“I have a story to tell the people of Kissimmee, I know their voices need to be heard,” Anderson stated. “My heart is here, and I feel my talents should be used here in my hometown.” Anderson’s ECC (Education, Community, and Collaboration) is a drive to provide education to the people, making sure that the community is taken care of, and making sure to collaborate with others in the county to help out with the city’s needs, according to his campaign website (www. racampaign.weebly.com.)
Choate has lived in the Kissimmee area for over 32 years. Since holding a managerial position since the age of 15, he’s gained leadership and corporate training that has helped him in many professional areas in his life. He touts being an original worker on and in Lake Nona VA Medical Center before building and opening his own business and investing in residential homes.
“There were no sidewalks and very few paved roads back then,” Choate stated. “I never gave up and was determined to make this area better than I found it.”
Choate said his priorities will be focused on, but not be limited to, affordable housing, supporting first responders, preserving the city’s natural resources, and working towards better infrastructure.
The primary election will be Aug. 20; should no candidate receive 50% of the vote, the top two vote getters will meet in the general election Nov. 5.
