With the current Kissimmee Mayor Olga Gonzalez reaching her term limit, the seat is up for grabs with five candidates running this election. Vice-Mayor Olga Castano, who’d held Seat 1, will be going up against Olga A. Cariño, John Cortes, and Jackie Espinosa. These candidates are those who have served in Kissimmee— and Tallahassee—and all show extreme passion for continuing their work on behalf of the people who live there.
Cariño has lived in Kissimmee since 2000 and earned Master’s degrees in psychology and counseling and behavioral analysis. Since then, she’s worked in mental health, coached youth sports and now owns a downtown cafe.
She said she wishes to build bridges that would unify the many diverse communities within the city, work hand and hand with the people to better security and infrastructure, and create a better process and more opportunities for new businesses to thrive.
“This is the correct time to give to this city. I want to bring unity to the city,” said Cariño, who noted “experience and passion for helping and serving others” is what motivates her to run for this office at this time.
Castano, who did not respond to message for a phone interview, is Kissimmee’s Vice Mayor and is giving up her Seat 1 to run for mayor. Per her campaign website (www. olgalcastano.com), she is a real estate professional who has sat on a number of community boards, and looks to bring focus to affordable housing, improving transportation and roads, empowering families with growth opportunities, and forming community committees to work with government authorities.
Cortes, Kissimmee’s District 43 state representative from 2014-20, said he saw the need for change in his community during his time as president for the Kissimmee Crime Watch from 2000-08. He initially ran for Mayor in 2006 and 2008, pursuing his desire to serve and make a difference for the community.
“We need to help the people out here in Kissimmee.” Cortes said, wanting to focus on public transportation, historic restoration, and assisted living to better help out the city’s senior population and inspire others to achieve anything they want when they set their minds to it.
Espinosa, owner and operator of a number of Kissimmee businesses, made Florida her home in 1991, and since then said she has gained experience in business development and understanding community skills and knowledge, allowing her the opportunity to better represent the people of Kissimmee.
“Our community has grown, as well as the culture,” Espinosa said, “I believe that I have the experience and the history of success.”
Espinosa said she will focus on public safety, affordable housing programs for underprivileged sectors such as the seniors, and developing a stronger support system for small businesses to thrive as well as creating friendlier street spaces. As a leader, she prioritizes open communication, making sure everyone is heard, and focusing on what benefits the greater good.
Residents can learn information about these candidates through voteosceola.gov. The primary election concludes Aug. 20 when the polls close at 7 p.m., and the general election will be Nov. 5.
