The race for City Commission Seat 3 took center stage during the February 7 edition of Winter Park Chamber’s Good Morning Winter Park discussion series. Incumbent Kris Crusada and challenger Justin Vermuth participated in a candidate forum where they expressed different views on spending and budgetary issues.
Seat 4 candidate Warren Lindsey was on hand but did not participate as he will not face a challenger. Lindsey already won the seat after incumbent Todd Weaver announced last year that he would not seek another term. Cruzada and Vermuth were each allowed 90 seconds to respond to questions approved by the Chamber’s government affairs committee and received a 60-second closing statement.
They seemed to agree on issues that included city commission’s role in supporting economic development. Vermuth said the city should avoid anything that would negatively impact business development and residents while Cruzada believes the city should work with businesses to “right-size” developments in cases where residents express concerns. They also believe in promoting Park Avenue in the face of retail and lifestyle competition from neighboring cities. Cruzada wants to attract businesses that advance the downtown branding and Vermuth advocates for special events that boost revenue and visitation.
On the subject of raising the millage rate to support the city’s capital improvement plan: Cruzada said he would not support an increase and that opportunities exist to trim costs within the plan. He added that additional tax dollars resulting from the CRA extension will help offset the costs of infrastructure improvements. Vermuth said he would never support an increase and suggested a tax cut in the face of three consecutive years of General Fund growth. He also said cuts can be made to the city budget without impacting resident services.
The candidates weighed-in on the controversial gas-powered leaf blower ban and stated their intent to vote in favor of repealing the ordinance in the March election. Vermuth cited the financial impacts on lawn companies switching to the more expensive, less efficient electric models, and labeled the ban as an example of government overreach. Cruzada said he did not agree with an outright ban of something that could be purchased legally.
The candidates expressed opposing views on items that began with city support for the arts. Vermuth admitted he was not familiar with many local arts organizations, but said commission should approach the arts from a fiscal standpoint. “We can’t be hasty with the way we spend money,” he said. “I think we need to evaluate each of those programs, both as a group and individually, to see which ones make sense to support.”
Cruzada, whose daughter attended the Rollins Community School of Music, pointed to the positive impact of cultural events on local economies and the educational benefits of youth arts programs. “Part of investing in art is also investing in our community,” he said. He also suggested searching for funding sources beyond city dollars and used the county’s Tourist Development Tax funding of the Winter Park Playhouse purchase and refurbishment as an example.
On the subject of creating a more diverse housing stock: Vermuth did not offer a plan but said he believes city commission should explore attainable housing options. Cruzada suggested incentivizing the addition of affordable housing in areas that need redevelopment, and said new housing options may be found at properties recently annexed by the CRA expansion.
The Q&A ended with a request to define courageous leadership. Cruzada said it meant engaging with residents who oppose the city’s position and cited the opposition to the Winter Park Commons project as an example. Changes to the west-side condo proposal were made after residents disagreed with its design, but many insisted single-family homes should be built instead of a multi-family development. “That type of information is important for us as elected officials,” he said. “That’s where good decisions are made; when there’s a consensus of the community.”
Vermuth defined courageous leadership as pushing back and asking hard questions, suggesting a more critical approach to the city budget and the 10-year pro forma, which is used to project long-term financial strategies. “If you don’t talk about the things that are wrong or the things we can do better,” he said, “how will we ever do better?”
In closing statements, Vermuth encouraged voters to make informed decisions and do their research on the race and the candidates. “You can look at the way they voted on issues that are important to you and your family,” he said, “and then decide if you should reelect that candidate.”
Cruzada used his time to reiterate a pledge he made during his 2022 campaign that included protecting residents’ quality of life, advancing sustainability initiatives, keeping the millage rate low, and supporting the arts. He also pointed to the city’s $21 million in emergency budget reserves, low millage rate, and balanced budget. “Look at the surrounding community,” he said. “We are succeeding.”
The entire Good Morning Winter Park candidate forum is archived on the Chamber’s Facebook page. The election is on March 11 and additional candidate information and financial reports can be accessed on the Election Info page of the city website. Click here to access vote-by-mail and polling place information on the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website.
