These two candidates qualified out of 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 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.
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 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.
