2014 WOPA Endorsements

The West Orange Political Alliance, Inc. (WOPA), is the leading voice of support for candidates and issues that positively affect growth and economic development in west Orange County.In addition to general election candidate endorsements, WOPA, has been monitoring proposed amendments to the Orange County charter, most of which,were initiated and placed on the ballot by the Commission. These items were discussed and given public input for the past several months. These are Questions A, B & D. Another question, C was not put on the ballot by the commission and after careful deliberation,W.O.P.A. adamantly urges voters to vote NO on Question C.

Question C would make county elections partisan and lead to the kind of partisan bickering & gridlock that has made Washington, D.C. & Tallahassee such a mess. Non-partisan elections were voted into law by the citizens of Orange county 24 years ago & have served the citizens well by helping keep party politics from interfering with the work & decision of the County Commission. Our current system of non-partisan elections gives all voters, including independent voters, who make up one-third of the local electorate, the opportunity to vote in every election for Mayor & County Commission. Question C would take away independent voters' right to vote in important local primary elections.

W.O.P.A. does ask for voters to vote YES on Questions A, B and Dwhich pertains to timing and content on petition initiatives and changing the Constitutional Officers terms to non-partisan elections. For specific language, visit see sample ballots.

W.O.P.A. is pleased that our primary endorsed candidates have made it to the general election. The candidates earning full support in the General Election are: Bryan Nelson Orange County Commission District 2; Eddie Fernandez, Orange County Clerk of Courts; Orange County Public School Board District 3, Linda Kobert; Tina Caraballo, Orange County Judge Group 10; Florida Senate District 12, Geraldine Thompson; and Eric Eisnaugle, Florida House of Representatives District 44.

“The W.O.P.A. board takes our role of seeking out the best, business friendly candidates very seriously,” said Randy June, WOPA Chairman, “and we are happy to see that the people in west Orange County respect our process and views on the best candidates and amendments.”

The primary election was very successful for our endorsed candidates and they includeOrange County Commissioner Jennifer Thompson – District 4, Ninth Judicial Circuit Court candidates Judge Margaret Schreiber, Group 12; Judge Elaine Barbour, Group 18; Kevin Weiss, Group 30; Diana Tennis, Group 32; Judge Heather Pinder Rodriguez, Group 33; Judge Janet Thorpe, Group 35; and Judge Scott Polodna, Group 37. Mayor Jacobs,also endorsed by W.O.P.A. was unopposed in her re-election.

Get out and Vote on Tuesday, November 4th, at the polls or by early voting which begins Saturday, October 25 and closes Saturday, November 1. For details on voting times and locations, early voting and absentee ballot requests, please visitOrange County Supervisor of Elections

The West Orange Political Alliance, Inc.is a non-profit, non-partisan organization formed to provide an active political voice in the interests of West Orange County. WOPA is governed by a set of by-laws approved by Florida’s Division of Elections.

2014 ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS AND WINS

Orange County

  • Teresa Jacobs - Mayor
  • Bryan Nelson – Commissioner District 2
  • Jennifer Thompson – Commissioner District 4
  • Tina Caraballo – Judge Group 10

Orange County Public School Board

  • Linda Kobert - District 3

Florida House of Representatives District 44

  • Eric Eisnaugle

Florida Senate District 12

  • Geraldine Thompson

Florida 9th Judicial Circuit Court

  • Judge Margaret Schreiber – Group 12
  • ​Elaine Barbour – Group 18
  • Kevin Weiss – Group 30
  • Diana Tennis – Group 32
  • Judge Heather Pinder Rodriguez – Group 33
  • Judge Janet Thorpe – Group 35
  • Judge Scott Polodna – Group 37

Proposed Amendments to Orange County Charter

  • Question A - Yes
  • Question B- Yes
  • Question C- No
  • Question D - Yes

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