Two Republicans and three Democrats are running in the Aug. 18 primary for the right to face off in the Nov. 3 general election take over the seat of three-term Commissioner Cheryl Grieb, who is not running for re-election.
The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race were asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates' answers were fact checked and only edited for space considerations.
Donald Shroyer (Republican)
Age: 56
Residence: St. Cloud
Political background: St. Cloud City Council 2011-18, Deputy Mayor in 2013
Local board/agency background: Council on Aging board of directors, Water Co-Op of Central Florida board of directors; Former Florida League of Cities; St. Cloud Main Street board of directors, Museum of Military History board of directors, Resolutions committee to National Educators Association, currently Opportunity Center of Osceola board of directors.
Why do you deserve to be elected by the Commission by those in District 4 in this race? I bring a unique combination of experience, relationships, and a proven record of delivering results for Osceola County. I am the only candidate in this race who has previously served as an elected official. That experience has given me firsthand knowledge of how government works, how decisions are made, and how to effectively advocate for our community's needs. As a lifelong member of the Osceola County community, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing District 4 because I have lived them. My commitment is not a political ambition, but to serving the people and protecting the future of our county.
I have established strong working relationships in Tallahassee and throughout Florida government. Those connections matter because they help ensure that Osceola County has a seat at the table when important decisions are being made. Most importantly, I have a proven track record of securing appropriations and bringing resources back to our community. Results matter, and my experience demonstrates that I can successfully advocate for District 4 and deliver the funding needed for infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and quality-of-life improvements.
What do you feel are Osceola County’s three most pressing problems and give a brief explanation of how you’d advocate they’d be solved:
Rapid population growth: For a fast-growing community like St. Cloud or other parts of Osceola County, our biggest tools are infrastructure concurrency, impact fees, strategic zoning, and phased development approvals. These allow us to maintain quality of life while still accommodating population growth. Infrastructure is a must and needs to remain our top priority.
Massive traffic congestion: Often our biggest gains come from synchronizing signals on major corridors; Building additional east-west and north-south connections to reduce reliance on a few major roads; Coordinating development approvals with transportation capacity; Securing state and federal transportation funding; Expanding regional transit connections.
Flooding and storm water run-off: Stormwater management requires a proactive approach. We must invest in modern drainage infrastructure, protect wetlands, require responsible development practices, and maintain our stormwater systems to ensure existing residents are not burdened by the impacts of rapid growth. By planning and securing state and federal funding, we can improve public safety, protect property values, and build a more resilient community.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue?
Our crisis starts with housing but it affects every aspect of daily life — insurance costs, utility bills, transportation, childcare. According to polling, many working families can no longer afford to live in the communities they serve.
My approach focuses on improving infrastructure and reducing the hidden costs that drive up living expenses. We must encourage the development of workforce and attainable housing for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and young families. Local governments should streamline permitting, reduce unnecessary regulatory delays, and partner with the private sector for affordability while maintaining community standards.
Second, we need to invest in infrastructure before growth occurs. When roads, utilities, and public services lag development, taxpayers end up paying more in the long run. Smart growth planning helps keep costs down and protects quality of life.
Third, we must advocate at the state level for solutions to rising property insurance costs, which have become one of the biggest housing expense drivers in Osceola County. Homeowners and renters alike are feeling the impact of these increases.
Finally, economic development must focus on attracting high-wage jobs and supporting local businesses. Affordability is not only about lowering costs, but also about creating opportunities for residents to earn higher incomes and build financial security. My goal is to ensure that people who work in our community can also afford to live in our community.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: Yes.
I support less taxes and less government. I believe property taxes make homeowners continue paying the government every year, just to keep property they already purchased.
Property values have risen dramatically across Osceola County, causing tax bills to increase even when residents' incomes have not. Eliminating property taxes could help seniors, retirees, and long-time residents stay in their homes. Lowering or eliminating property taxes could reduce monthly housing costs and make Osceola more affordable for families. Osceola County already benefits from having no state income tax. Eliminating property taxes could make the state even more attractive to retirees, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to relocate.
Nelly Hernandez (Republican)
Age: 39
Residence: Osceola County
Political background: First-time candidacy
Local board/agency background: N/A
Why do you deserve to be elected by the Commission by those in District 4 in this race?
I believe I am qualified for this office because of my experience as a business owner, community advocate, and someone who has worked closely with residents on real local issues. My background has taught me the importance of listening, being responsible with budgets, finding practical solutions, and making decisions that put the community first.
What do you feel are Osceola County’s three most pressing problems and give a brief explanation of how you’d advocate they’d be solved:
Infrastructure and mismanaged growth. Osceola County’s growth has outpaced our roads, drainage, and public services, and residents are the ones paying the price through traffic, flooding concerns, and strained services. I would advocate for common-sense growth management, including a temporary pause on major new residential land-use changes so infrastructure can catch up. New development should be compatible with the area, pay its fair share, and be approved only when roads, drainage, public safety, and services can support it.
Wasteful spending and lack of accountability. Residents deserve to know that every tax dollar is being used wisely. Too much money has been spent on projects and programs that do not directly improve the daily lives of Osceola families. I would advocate for stronger oversight, better transparency, and a careful review of county spending so dollars are redirected toward core needs like roads, drainage, public safety, and services residents actually use.
Rising property taxes and affordability for homeowners. Families should not feel like they are being taxed out of the homes they worked hard to buy. I would advocate for reducing the tax burden on homesteaded homeowners and protecting the American dream of homeownership.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue?
Housing affordability is one of the biggest issues facing Florida families, and in Osceola County, it is tied to rising property taxes, insurance costs, and mismanaged growth. My solution is to protect homesteaded homeowners from being taxed out of their homes, review county spending before asking residents to pay more, and make sure growth is responsible and supported by proper roads, drainage, schools, and public safety. We need to make government spend smarter, reduce the burden on families, and protect the American dream of homeownership.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: Yes.
Homeowners need real relief. Property taxes continue to climb, and many families are feeling the pressure even after doing everything right.
This amendment is a step toward making Florida more affordable. I also believe local governments must be prepared to tighten budgets, cut waste, and focus on the services residents truly need.
Jose Gonzalez
Age: 47
Residence: Kissimmee
Political background: Community advocate, first-time candidacy
Local board/agency background: Involvement with Help Now, the Osceola Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA, The Mercy Foundation, Building Tiny Hearts, Mission El Jibarito and other non-profits
Why do you deserve to be elected by those in District 4 in this race?
I am not running to be another politician. I am running as a resident, small business owner, husband, father, grandfather, and community advocate who understands the everyday struggles families are facing. For more than 15 years, I have been actively helping people, supporting community efforts, and working with residents from different backgrounds. I am not someone who just appeared during election season. I love Osceola County, and I want to serve with honor, integrity, and dedication. District 4 needs a commissioner who will listen to residents, protect taxpayers, support small businesses, address affordability, improve infrastructure, and make sure growth is responsible. I will bring common sense, hard work, and a people-first approach.
What do you feel are Osceola County’s three most pressing problems and give a brief explanation of how you’d advocate they’d be solved.
Affordability and housing costs: Local families in Osceola are being squeezed by rising rent, home prices, insurance, groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses. Many working families are doing everything right and still struggling to keep up. I will advocate for responsible policies that support attainable housing, workforce housing, and homeownership opportunities. The county must work with cities, builders, nonprofits, state partners, and community organizations to increase housing options while protecting neighborhoods and making sure infrastructure keeps up with growth. Affordability is not just about housing. It is about helping families stay in Osceola County without being priced out of the community they helped build.
Traffic, roads, and infrastructure: Growth has moved faster than our roads, intersections, public transit, and infrastructure. I will advocate for better planning, faster road improvements, safer intersections, improved traffic signal timing, and stronger coordination with FDOT, MetroPlan Orlando, LYNX, the cities, and regional partners. Development should not be approved without a clear plan for roads, drainage, public safety, schools, and infrastructure. Growth must pay its fair share, and residents should not be left sitting in traffic because the government failed to plan ahead.
Economic opportunity and better jobs: Osceola County must focus on bringing better-paying jobs, supporting small businesses, and expanding economic opportunities for residents. Too many people live here but leave the county every day for better employment. As a small business owner, I understand how hard it is to build, operate, and grow a business. I will advocate for policies that support local businesses, workforce training, entrepreneurship, tourism, technology, trades, and partnerships that connect residents to real career opportunities. Economic development should not only benefit large projects. It should also benefit working families, small businesses, and residents.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue?
My focus would be on practical, local action. Osceola County needs more attainable housing options, stronger partnerships with cities and nonprofits, responsible development, and better planning so housing is connected to roads, jobs, schools, public safety, and services.
We also need to protect existing residents from being pushed out. That means supporting homeownership opportunities, workforce housing, rental stability programs where appropriate, and partnerships that help residents stay housed. Affordability cannot be solved by one government alone. It will take the county, cities, state agencies, builders, nonprofits, employers, and community partners working together. My focus will be on solutions that help working families stay in Osceola County and build a future here.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: No vote given
I believe this decision belongs to the voters. I am not going to tell residents how to vote on a constitutional amendment. I encourage every voter to do their own research, read the full language, ask questions, and understand both the benefits and the consequences before making a decision. I understand that homeowners need relief. Families are feeling pressure from housing costs, insurance, utilities, groceries, and everyday expenses. At the same time, there is no such thing as “free” government services. When revenue is removed from one place, it usually has to be replaced somewhere else, reduced from services, or shifted in another way.
Property tax revenue helps support essential services such as public safety, fire rescue, roads, parks, public works, emergency response, and basic local government operations. My concern is making sure residents understand the full impact of any major tax change before they vote.
Mary Downey (Democrat)
Age: 44
Residence: Kissimmee
Political background: First-time candidacy
Local board/agency background: Leadership Osceola and Leadership Orlando; Osceola Chamber board; Florida Semiconductor Engine Prosperity Advisory Board; Affordable Housing Advisory Committees; Osceola County Budget Committee; Helping Others Make the Effort (HOME); A Place for Grace
Why do you deserve to be elected by the Commission by those in District 4 in this race? For the last 20 years, I have served alongside public and private partnerships in Osceola County and the State of Florida to provide quality care and housing to those experiencing poverty and homelessness. As the founder and CEO of Hope Partnership I’ve had the honor of working with these families and individuals and have helped them secure affordable housing, healthcare, and support services since 2008. This experience has helped me build a resume that reflects the skills needed for this position. Building relationships, strong business acumen, strategic leadership, and compassionate care are what make me deserving of this office.
What do you feel are Osceola County’s three most pressing problems and give a brief explanation of how you’d advocate they’d be solved:
Roads/Infrastructure: Balancing the needs of the fastest growing county in Florida with the protection of our natural resources is difficult. We must make careful choices that help alleviate the traffic congestion without increasing damage to our precious wildlife and land. We need to make sure we have infrastructure in place before we continue to develop and slow our rapid growth in a way that helps us both welcome new neighbors without destroying the community we have all worked so hard to build together.
Affordable Housing: We increase the supply of affordable housing by continuing to encourage private investment, while ensuring we explore all opportunities created through federal and state legislation for more opportunities around low-income tax credits and encourage initiatives that provide for the full housing continuum.
Sustainable Job Growth: One of the best things about Osceola County right now is our Osceola Prosper program providing financial support for any high school graduate in Osceola County to attend Valencia College. As a first-generation college graduate I value the opportunity for our students to get the education they need to succeed. With funding opportunities available more and more students will be able to explore future careers. I would continue to fight for this as a County Commissioner, as well as continue to strengthen partnerships and collaboration through organizations like the School District of Osceola County and CareerSource of Central Florida.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue?
For the last 20 years I have fought for those who need access to safe and affordable housing in Osceola County and I’m committed to continuing to focus on making sure our community is a safe place for all. Thrive Studios by Hope Partnership, a hotel conversion project into affordable housing, recently opened and I continue to advocate for other nonprofits, affordable housing developers, and private organizations that invest in affordable housing. We increase the supply of affordable housing by continuing to encourage private investment, while ensuring we explore all opportunities created through federal and state legislation, including the most recent changes to Live Local that allow for easier development for affordable housing by religious organizations and faith-based organizations.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: No.
We simply do not have enough information about how eliminating the property tax will affect our communities. It was passed through the legislature very quickly and without much data on its effects. An issue of this magnitude should have been given more time and attention and should have been done in a way that the public could understand. Even the website where citizens can estimate their own savings does not display correct information. When our public safety personnel tell us that this will stop us from being able to provide necessary services for public safety, we must listen to them.
Rafael Lebron (Democrat)
Age: 55
Residence: Kissimmee
Political background: First-time candidacy
Local board/agency background: Kissimmee Board of Adjustment
Why do you deserve to be elected by the Commission by those in District 4 in this race?
My business and education background give me the tools required to represent our citizens as a commissioner, from understanding budgets to building strong relationships and creating consensus amongst teams. With over 20 years of leadership experience and as director of business development at Lebron Law, PLLC, I understand how to deliver results. I will prioritize affordable housing to keep families in District 4, ensure competitive wages for our workers, invest in youth and education to build our future, address traffic and congestion challenges, and support our most vulnerable seniors and veterans. I am excited to work tirelessly, and I'm committed to bringing full transparency and dedicated focus to this role to ensure our future is bright.
What do you feel are Osceola County’s three most pressing problems and give a brief explanation of how you’d advocate they’d be solved:
Smart growth and infrastructure. Our county is growing faster than our infrastructure can handle. I will push for a transportation strategic plan and bring back local concurrency through an interlocal agreement with the school district and both cities. I will prioritize improving existing roadways, invest in transit, and streamline permitting to cut red tape, all while protecting our conservation lands like Split Oak Forest and limiting urban sprawl. Perpetual deed protections must be respected. In my first board meeting, I will move to reconsider and reinstate the land deed protections and demand that CFX and Tavistock pursue an alternative route. I will also propose a charter change requiring a voter referendum before any public conservation land can be repurposed. Let the voters decide.
Economic development and job creation. Wages aren't keeping pace with our cost of living. I will champion trade and skilled workforce education in our K-12 schools to create a pipeline of good paying jobs. As part of a small business family in downtown Kissimmee since 2015, I know the struggles our local businesses face firsthand, and I will make sure key stakeholders have a seat at the table on policy decisions.
Public safety and community well-being. I will ensure our first responders have the resources and support they need, and I am proud to be endorsed by the Kissimmee Professional Firefighters Local 4208. I will hold quarterly town halls in my district so residents are truly heard, with a special focus on our most vulnerable seniors, veterans, and youth.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue?
We must increase the supply of true workforce and affordable housing through smart growth planning, incentivize responsible development, streamline the permitting process to lower building costs, and encourage home ownership. Just as important, we need to raise affordability from the other direction by investing in trade education and skilled jobs that create upward economic mobility for working families.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: Undecided, I am still doing my research.
