Orlando gears up for the City Commission District 1 election season.
Former Florida House Representative Tom Keen is officially running for the City Commission District 1 seat in Orlando. Keen, a 68-year-old Navy veteran, aims to address community concerns, including public safety and local resource development. Currently, the seat is open as the incumbent has not filed for reelection. With a grassroots campaign approach, Keen is also facing competition from realtor Kevin Kendrick. As he prepares for the election, Keen is focusing on his commitment to the citizens of Orlando.
Orlando, get ready for a thrilling election season as former Florida House Representative Tom Keen has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the City Commission District 1 seat. This 68-year-old Navy veteran is eager to make a mark in local governance and to serve the community that he’s passionate about.
Keen, who has had a varied career in public service, previously occupied a seat in the Florida House back in 2024 but lost to Republican State Representative Erika Booth in a nail-biter election. Keen managed to secure only 48% of the vote, while Booth pulled ahead with 52%. Talk about a close call!
The City Commission District 1 seat is currently held by Commissioner Jim Gray, who has been in the position since 2012. This makes for an open race as Gray has not yet filed paperwork to run for another term, which leaves the door wide open for challengers like Keen.
So far, Keen is not alone in his aspirations. There’s another candidate eyeing this pivotal District 1 seat – realtor Kevin Kendrick. But Keen believes he has a strong shot at securing the position, referring to it as a “very winnable seat.” Positioned to represent areas including Lee Vista, Lake Nona, and the Orlando International Airport, Keen aims to make sure that working families and small businesses in Orlando have their needs properly addressed.
Keen has also voiced his concerns regarding various issues faced in the district, such as delays in establishing essential community resources like a local library branch and the ongoing need for improved public safety resources. With a background that includes serving on the now-defunct Citizens Police Review Board and the mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council, he’s familiar with local governance challenges and is ready to tackle them head-on.
Having attempted to secure a City Commission seat back in 2017, where he garnered 32% of the vote, Keen is no stranger to the political scene. And although he faced hurdles during his last attempt at the state level, he’s determined more than ever to connect with voters, planning to implement a grassroots, door-knocking campaign strategy that previously brought him success.
Support for Keen’s campaign is rolling in from various elected officials—including state senators and county commissioners—demonstrating that he has made an impact within political circles. Yet, he’s not without his critics. Some activists, including Jen Cousins, an LGBTQ+ rights advocate, have voiced concerns over his legislative record and accessibility during his previous time in the Florida House. Notably, they pointed to his handling of sensitive issues, such as an anti-transgender bill that raised eyebrows among constituents.
As the political landscape unfolds, Keen is keen on ensuring that the citizens have a loud and clear voice, particularly against what he describes as developers’ overwhelming influence on city growth. The City Commission seats are nonpartisan, and commissioners serve four-year terms with a salary of around $76,292, making these positions not only influential but also crucial for community welfare.
With a competitive election on the horizon and a commitment to serving the community that fuels his passion, Tom Keen is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work, should he secure that coveted seat on the City Commission District 1. The stage is set, and Orlando is in for an exhilarating political showdown!
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