Three candidates are running this election to fill the Kissimmee City Commission Seat 1 that was previously held by Vice Mayor Olga Castano for the last four years. These candidates are residents and business owners who’ve contributed in the area and volunteered their time assisting the community with its many needs.
Castano is running for Seat 5 (mayor), so Seat 1 will feature a new face. Noel Ortiz, Jaime Reyes, and Lisandra Román are all Kissimmee residents and small business owners that recognize the growing need in the area. They’ve spent many years helping out the community and want to take it to the next step in office.
Reyes moved into the Kissimmee area from Puerto Rico in 2008, where he worked and attended college to gain his Bachelor’s in business administration. In 2018, he opened his family-owned business. He’s spent many years volunteering throughout the city and helping families in need dealing with homelessness, health conditions, and such. He said his reason for running for the position is to have a voice and be part of the solution for the community.
“I believe that we are either part of the solution or eventually will be part of the problem,” Reyes said.
Ortiz has been a real estate professional since 1996, and as a successful business owner, he said he wants to work on solving the major public policy issues that the city is facing due to the rapid growth and the increase in diversity. He wishes to establish an open-door policy and an amicable environment for the city’s residents.
Ortiz stated that his priorities focus on public safety, housing, and transportation. He wants to work towards growth for the fire and police stations, as well as working with the city to provide more affordable housing to accommodate the city’s population growth. His goal is to improve the quality of life for the residents in every aspect.
Román is the owner of popular local restaurant Lechonera El Jibarito in Kissimmee and is the founder of Mission de Jibarito, a faith-based charity, that has provided food and support to those in need. Her priorities are rooted in improving public safety and security by enhancing Police and Fire response times, investing in parks and greenspaces, addressing transportation issues by ensuring infrastructure is in place before new housing developments are approved.
“I envision a Kissimmee where every resident feels safe, supported, and inspired,” Román stated. “Together, we can create a vibrant, thriving community that serves as a beacon of light for all. My experience as a small business owner has given me a deep understanding of the obstacles local businesses face, and I am committed to making Kissimmee a more business-friendly environment."
The primary election will be Aug, 20 and the general election, if none of the three receives 50% of the vote in the primary, will be Nov. 5. For more information about these candidates, you can visit voteosceola.gov or through their Facebook campaign pages.
