Central Florida 100: The election’s over, now let’s move forward

Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.

Lee Constantine, commissioner, Seminole County

Last week: GREEN WAVE: Undoubtedly, Florida experienced a red wave last Tuesday. However, lost in the hoopla was that our voters created another wave, the green wave. Eight counties had some form of referendum preserving land and/or protecting water on their ballot. All increased funding and all passed overwhelmingly — most with a greater percentage than Gov. DeSantis’ landslide. Whatever political party, whether native or transplant, all Floridians realized the importance of our environment. It’s in our DNA, our economic engine and the measuring stick of our quality of life. Governments throughout Florida should listen to their constituents and aggressively launch conservation programs ASAP.

Tom Dyer, attorney, founder of Watermark

Looking ahead: NOW DO INSURANCE: With a 60% voter mandate, and supermajorities in both state houses, Florida is Gov. Ron DeSantis’ fiefdom. With that power, he must now tackle our toughest problem. Floridians pay three times what other Americans pay for homeowners insurance, an average of $4,200 per year that is breaking the backs of Republicans and Democrats alike. Even before Ian, rates were increasing at a frightening and unsustainable 30% per year. It’s a complex situation that can’t be blamed on President Joe Biden or woke liberals. If DeSantis fails Floridians on this issue, he doesn’t deserve to be considered for national office.

John L. Evans Jr., Vice chairman, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

Last week: THE GREATEST: According to Lake Nona’s Human Performance Institute, where my colleagues teach emotional and mental resilience, there are four types of human energy: physical, mental, emotional and purpose beyond self. It’s the last dimension where our newly re-elected governor is starting to soar. I have had the privilege of introducing him a number of times. His delivery Tuesday night in Tampa was a tour de force. The man is on a mission way bigger than he. And he knows it. Move over, Teddy Roosevelt.

Francisco Gonzalez, host, Agents of Innovation podcast

Last week: GAME CHANGER: Candidate quality matters. Trump no longer does. Ron DeSantis has emerged as a game changer. In four years, he went from winning Florida by 30,000 votes to winning by a 1.5 million vote margin. He won Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. He put together coalitions that Republicans have only dreamed about, winning the Hispanic vote (and not just the Cuban vote). How did he win big? He not only talked about freedom, he showed us what it looks like. People want to be free. They need a great messenger and a candidate who carries no personal baggage.

Looking ahead: WARM FAREWELLS: Central Florida can happily say goodbye to two people who are no longer going to be a part of the Florida Legislature: Anthony Sabatini and Carlos Guillermo Smith. They are polar opposites when it comes to what they believe and the policies they espouse. But they are one and the same when it comes to the attention-getting tactics and publicity they crave, at all costs. Looking ahead, men and women (and people who choose their own pronouns) should conduct themselves with more respectful conduct as public officials and focus on good governance. Being a blowhard will get you sent home.

Jeff Hayward, president and CEO, Heart of Florida United Way

Last week: THANK YOU: Recently, I was humbled to be recognized as an Orlando Business Journal 2022 Power Player. While I’m honored, this distinction truly belongs to the team who works tirelessly, every day, on the front lines to help Central Floridians in need. Together, we are stronger, shine brighter and are able to accomplish so much more than we ever could individually. Thank you to everyone who is part of the dynamic, compassionate and hard-working team at Heart of Florida United Way who chooses to Live United every day. And a special thanks to our incredible board of directors for their unwavering support in all we do.

Looking ahead: THE GIVING SPIRIT: The holiday season — and more specifically Thanksgiving — is quickly approaching. For many of us, this will be a time of joy spent with loved ones. For many others, the holidays are one of the most difficult times of the year, but we can help. As the spirit of giving fills our hearts this season, I urge you to consider joining Heart of Florida United Way as a volunteer or donor for our Annual Thanksgiving Project, where we will assemble and distribute 4,000 meal kits to families in need right here in Central Florida. Information on upcoming volunteer activities, and how to donate, can be found at www.HFUW.org.

Ken LaRoe, Founder, Climate First Bank

Last week: BLAME BIG BUSINESS: While some people may have voted thinking politicians caused the current state of inflation, we should be looking at greedy mega-corporations that have monopolies in their markets. An analysis by the Economic Policy Institute makes it clear: Corporate profits drove the majority of inflation from the start of the pandemic through the end of 2021. If people want to take potshots at Democrats for causing inflation, perhaps redirecting their ire to the true cause of the issue would be a better use of their time.

Looking ahead: HERE COMES THE SUN: As nonprofits and churches look at their budgets for next year, they should seriously consider taking advantage of solar credits in the Inflation Reduction Act. For any solar system installed after Jan. 1, 2023, nonprofits and churches will get a check in the mail for 30% of what it cost to install the system, including installation and dealer fees. With specialized lenders that will fund 100% of the installation, that’s basically free money back in their pockets with the added benefit of helping the environment. It’s a win-win scenario for nonprofits and the planet — who wouldn’t take advantage of that?

A.J. Marsden, assistant professor, Beacon College

Last week: SAVE THE SEA COWS: November is Manatee Awareness Month, and Sunshine State residents need awareness about our sea cows now more than ever. Last year, Florida logged a record 1,101 manatee deaths. This year, Florida has suffered at least 726. Most died from starvation as algae blooms have destroyed their primary source of food. That’s why Bear Warriors United, an environmental group, filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the state is violating the Endangered Species Act by allowing septic tanks and sewage-treatment plants to discharge nitrogen into the lagoons where manatees congregate. If this is true, we must hold those responsible accountable for causing the deaths of so many innocent mammals.

Alex Martins, chair, UCF Board of Trustees; CEO, Orlando Magic

Last week: KNIGHT NEWS: UCF and Dr. Phillips Charities are excited to welcome one of our nation’s leading philanthropists. Jonathan Tisch, chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels & Co. and a national pioneer and leader in corporate citizenship, will discuss “Crossroads: The Intersection of Business and Philanthropy” at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. The conversation, free and open to the public with advance registration at foundation.ucf.edu/crossroads, will explore how successful businesses and entrepreneurs can improve their communities. I applaud Dr. Phillips Charities for their longstanding partnership with UCF and their outstanding work in addressing our community’s critical needs.

Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida

Last week: HIRE A VET! Both of my parents served during World War II, so Veterans Day is especially meaningful. November is chock full of events that support American veterans. One is the statewide Paychecks for Patriots, a jobs initiative that connects businesses with former military members in search of work. CareerSource CF places a high priority on serving vets through a dedicated team and an annual appreciation breakfast. On Fridays, veteran employees also wear red shirts taking part in Remember Everyone Deployed (RED) — a national movement to support active-duty military deployed around the world. Veterans have unique skills and attributes that make them valuable employees; a way to thank them is to hire them!

Looking ahead: LONG, LONG COVID: The term long-COVID often refers to the lingering health effects of the coronavirus, but I think it also accurately describes the post-pandemic impact on businesses’ productivity. It’s not just that workers aren’t returning to their jobs due to fear of illness, but also lingering supply chain issues remain a challenge. Apple reported that new iPhones will be scarce as holiday gifts due to new COVID outbreaks in China. Businesses that have instituted hybrid or return-to-office mandates are seeing workers call out sick more frequently, impacting workload for the remaining workers. I think the term “new normal” post-COVID will continue to evolve.

Beverly Paulk, founding member, Central Florida Foundation and The Orlando Philharmonic

Looking ahead: SNEAKY SHOE CHANGES: Women’s footwear has undergone a huge, wonderful change throughout Europe, and it’s heading here. On a long-delayed vacation to several European countries, sneakers were everywhere, but not the sports shoe. Sneakers were tailored, gorgeous, fun or elegant, worn with business suits, dressy outfits, casual, smart casual and even wedding parties for bridesmaids and brides. Large cities had about 25% flat/short, chunky-heel boots or military style mixed in. Villages all had sneakers. Socks were the norm with some patterned hose. Traditional shoes — simply gone. In Central Florida, we will keep our sandals and soon add stylish sneakers for happier feet.

Jim Philips, retired longtime radio talk-show host

Last week: NOT A PENNY MORE: Just who were the political rocket scientists who thought it was a bright idea to ask voters for a sales tax increase to fund “transportation needs.” The proposal was long on blather and short on specifics. What a great deal — ask Orange County voters to shell out another penny on the dollar as they already face financial strain and the possibility of a recession next year. It was a loser from the get-go to film the mayors riding bikes and taking a bus ride. Why? Because everyone knows that the mayors don’t ride bikes or buses to get to work. Did Mayor Jerry Demings ride a two wheeler to the Rotary Club to pitch the idea? Have you ever seen the mayor of Orlando leave an event? I have, and he doesn’t do it on a Huffy. The blue lights come on and he gets an escort while the rest of us get nowhere fast. You want more buses, bikes lanes, flying cars and jetpacks? Just a hint. know your audience before the curtain goes up.

Looking ahead: IT’S RON’S PARTY NOW: Ron DeSantis has every right to bask in the limelight after he battered Charlie Crist at the polls. It’s also worth noting that after DeSantis won Miami-Dade County (once reliably Democratic) that Florida is now officially a red state. What’s the old line? “I don’t belong to an organized political party…I’m a Democrat.” However, there may be a glimmer of hope for Democrats if they stop pulling the trigger on their circular firing squad. Premiums for property insurance are bound to skyrocket even more following Ian and Nicole. A Republican governor and Republican-dominated Legislature have done little to ease the financial pain. No one relishes more economic instability, but if Democrats can’t use an “insurance hammer” to pound votes away from the GOP, then they deserve to lose — again.

Gloria Pickar, president emerita, League of Women Voters of Orange County

Last week: GEN Z TO D.C.: Maxwell Frost, 25, will be the youngest member of Congress and the first Gen Z representative. He won 59% of the vote to claim the District 10 seat relinquished by Val Demings. He said he decided to be an organizer and community activist because he didn’t want to be shot at school after a gunman killed 20 children and seven adults in Newtown, Conn. He became an organizing director of March for Our Lives for gun reform. His issues align with young voters — gun violence, climate change and abortion rights. Gen Z will be in the “room where it happens.”

Looking ahead: PENNY TAX AXED: The Orange County penny sales tax for transportation was voted down by 58.5% of voters. In the end, enough voters couldn’t be convinced to support a new tax with inflation on their minds. Voters are just too worried about money to give up another penny. It seems unlikely that even a half penny would have been acceptable. Supporters of raising sales tax to 7.5% looked forward to dedicated funding to ease traffic congestion; expand more frequent, reliable and efficient mass transit; and improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety. All of this is still needed now, but how?

Larry Pino, attorney and entrepreneur

Last week: RON DE-SANCTIMONIOUS: Well, he’s back. Stumping for Pennsylvania Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz, former President Donald Trump unleashed his iconic rhetorical style of branding his opponents with pet names as he readies himself for the ’24 presidential race. My initial reaction was to laugh: first, because it was all too familiar; second, because I didn’t realize the former president actually knew what the word meant; and third, because it was surprisingly accurate. But that reaction was quickly followed by the realization that the venom, which has tainted the polemics of this year’s election, will be with us for another two more years. When can Americans return to the heartbeat of who we really are?

Looking ahead: CHIEF TWIT: After Elon Musk took over Twitter for $44 billion, he realized the company was losing $4 million a day — $1.4 billion annually — and something had to be done. He fired the company’s top executives and slashed the workforce by 50%. What he didn’t do is set up a committee or hire a consultant to study the situation for 30, 60 or 90 days. He is, after all, Elon. He may be quirky, but he is also brilliant. And after PayPal, Tesla and SpaceX, I intend to watch Elon with notepad in hand. For students of business, Musk’s journey as Chief Twit will no doubt be a master class in entrepreneurship.

Stephanie Porta, former co-executive director, Florida Rising

Last week: THE RENT IS TOO HIGH: More people in Orange County voted for rent stabilization, a potentially unenforceable issue with more than $2 million spent against it, than any of the constitutional amendments. It also received more votes than Charlie Crist or Val Demings and more than twice the votes for the mayor of Orange County in his re-election in August. Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, who risked her re-election voting for rent stabilization, won handily after Realtors spent $55,000 against her. This is a powerful message that local mayors need to tune in to the people more than corporations. Choosing rich donors over working class tenants has never been and will never be a winning strategy.

Joanie Schirm, GEC founding president; World Cup Orlando 1994 Committee chairman

Last week: CONGRATS, GOVERNOR: Congratulations on your victory, largely based not on your policy solutions but on millions of dollars from lobbyists, PACs and outside dark money. Of course, this is our norm since our system can’t jettison Citizens United. After seeing your advertisement insinuating God has called you as our “fighter” for our future, may I remind you that only an ungodly leader wishes for battle. The loving God calls us to unification, multiplying our love for one another, not dividing us. May you surprise us and change your ways, welcoming strangers in need, as God calls us all to do, instead of tricking desperate migrants.

Looking ahead: NO MORE DENIAL: Many Florida voters sat home and sulked, perhaps because few perfect candidates were running. Elections have consequences. Twenty years ago, when Florida’s hanging-chad election and a U.S. Supreme Court decision led to George W. Bush’s presidential election versus Al Gore, our world missed a chance to follow a leader who predicted our current climate crisis. Imagine had Gore prevailed as president and led global efforts to take the difficult but required steps to address climate change damage caused by fossil fuels. The UN now predicts a looming “climate hell” if we don’t immediately take action. Watch for leaders who aren’t deniers and act fast without delay.

Nicole Wilson, Orange County commissioner, District 1

Last week: REMEMBER OCOEE: Last week, our community remembered the Ocoee Massacre of 1920. The Ocoee Massacre has been described as the single bloodiest day in modern American political history. The violence perpetrated on Black residents in Ocoee was an effort to suppress their votes and preserve white supremacy. We must honor the victims of this horrible event by remembering them not just at community events but by protecting voters from suppression and intimidation in every election and at every polling place.

Looking ahead: A BRIGHTER FUTURE: Regardless of political affiliation, this election was emotionally draining for many people. Our democracy is by the people and for the people, yet insidious conspiracies recently found a foothold in the process, giving some folks a reason to stay home on Election Day. We have to reclaim our democracy and begin to rebuild a civil political arena. Make a pledge with me to forge a future in which we can disagree about policy without disparaging the democratic process or destroying our opponents.

Michael Zais, political blogger for thedrunkenrepublican.com

Last week: LOOK ELSEWHERE, DEMS: Nationally, Republicans may have been left at the political altar by the red wave that stood them up, but not in Florida. It was a red tsunami, in fact, that drove Gov. DeSantis’ re-election by drubbing political chameleon and has-been Charlie Crist by nearly 20 points — a far cry from DeSantis’ 2018 victory over Andrew Gillum by less than a point. In historic fashion, DeSantis won Hispanic-heavy Miami-Dade County handily. Marco Rubio similarly embarrassed Val Demings in defense of his Senate seat. The state of Florida has indisputably completed its transformation from purple to solidly red. My message to the Democratic Party? Spend your money elsewhere.

Looking ahead: FLORIDA’S THE MODEL: It feels like light years since the entire country was shaking their heads in collective disgust at Florida’s performance in counting votes — hanging chads and all — in the Bush v. Gore 2000 presidential election. Well, we’ve come a long way, baby! Florida has now become the standard in not only accurate and efficient vote counting, but proudly sports election laws that fully embrace the “easy to vote, hard to cheat” mantra. Contrast this with many other states whose apparent vote-counting incompetencies have morphed “Election Day” into election week or month. This does nothing but erode Americans’ confidence in election integrity and transparency.