The Heat is On

The heat is on, not just because we are enjoying summer temperatures in Central Florida. It is political season, with primaries scheduled for August 18th and the general election in November.

Also, if you grew up with soccer, the World Cup is coming to the U.S. very soon. Avalon Park Group is delivering on my earlier statement in this column: I am coming home to Central Florida.

That does not mean that I will sleep in these days. The usual early morning calls with APG’s offices in Switzerland, Malaysia, and other countries still happen, but APG’s entrepreneurial main focus will be in Central Florida. Coming home!

Something has changed for me when it comes to patriotism over the last six months. After living, learning, working, and playing in America for over 30 years, I took the step of becoming a naturalized American citizen. Many of the entrepreneurial activities I was able to pursue during the last 30 years, including developing Avalon Park, were only possible in this great country.

This year, Memorial Day was different, and the upcoming 4th of July will be as well. I am proud to be an American and will exercise my right to vote. Hopefully, you all will vote as well on August 18th. The Sun will have a special edition in July focused on the primaries. I am already looking forward to the large 4th of July festivities in Avalon Park.

Last week, I joined a meeting with Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero and the Sheriff’s Department. The meeting was held in the APG building on the 5th Floor. HOA leaders from Waterford Lakes, Eastwood, Stoneybrook, Avalon Park, Avalon Lakes, Timber Springs, and Spring Isle met with Orange County officials to discuss the state of security and policing, the lack of parks, and other community concerns.

Avalon Park is one of Orange County’s top property tax contributors, and I know the leaders want to hear from you. Today, this community newspaper reaches close to 100,000 readers. Can you help us put together a list for the elected officials and candidates in the upcoming elections? What is missing, and what needs the help of Orange County? What are your current concerns?

Over the last 30 years, one of my favorite questions to elected officials and candidates has often been: If you had three wishes, and money, politics, party lines, and all other considerations did not matter, what would those wishes be for your constituents?

May I ask you directly, loyal readers, to send us your top three wishes for the town of Avalon Park and East Orange County? The Sun will make sure Orange County leaders and candidates for office receive them and explain how they intend to deliver on them for you.

The upcoming election will be a game changer. The mayor and the majority of County Commission seats will be new. This probably only happens once in a lifetime.

Let us use this opportunity to elect experienced leaders for Orange County.