From the sounds of it, many at the Metropolitan Business Association (MBA) Candidate’s Forum had already made up their minds about the upcoming Orange County mayoral election. But for those who hadn’t, the event offered a clear picture of three of the four candidates for Central Florida’s most powerful elected position. Former Orange County Commissioner Teresa Jacobs did not attend, and no representative from her campaign was there in time to offer a statement.
The candidates clarified their position on matters of importance to the LGBT community. But in these recessionary times of high unemployment and unprecedented home foreclosures, attention was also focused on economic matters.
With his book on government efficiency resting in his lap, upstart Matthew Falconer presented himself as the candidate of small business, with fresh ideas to revive the local economy. A confident Bill Segal touted his business and government experience, and described himself as “the person best qualified to lead this community.” And a relaxed and funny Linda Stewart promoted herself as the populist “can do” candidate. “I am one of you,” she said to applause. “You can trust me.”
Falconer, Segal and Stewart fielded questions submitted in advance by MBA and event co-sponsors Equality Florida, the Human Rights Campaign and The Center, as well as from the candidates themselves. After almost two hours at the microphone, each displayed differences in substance and style.
In his opening statement, Republican commercial real estate developer Falconer made no reference to his LGBT audience. Instead he focused on his book, Building a Better Local Government, claiming that it offers 157 different ideas for lowering taxes, improving services, creating jobs and reviving the local economy by supporting small business.
“I want you to understand that I have a plan,” he said.
Commissioner Segal, a Democrat, acknowledged the significance of the LGBT forum—“This is the perfect opportunity to talk to one of our leading constituencies”—and asked attendees to consider which candidate would best represent them.
It may have been a reference to the less polished Stewart, also a Democrat, whose folksy manner connected with many in the audience. After claiming initial responsibility for bringing the Burnham Institute to east Orlando’s Innovation Way, she said she would bring more jobs to the area.
“I’m an aggressive person in general,” the county commissioner said, “…but with a very kind heart.”
Many of the questions focused on jobs. Stewart spotlighted eco-friendly jobs and claimed that as a result of her efforts up to 30 green companies are considering locating in Orange County.
“This is growth that is not developer driven,” she said. “This will not be business as usual.”
Segal cautioned that some of these companies are green carpetbaggers “just seeking incentives” and talked about making Central Florida a center for simulation-modeling technology that could ad $10 billion of “real money” to the local economy.
Falconer boiled his strategy down: lower taxes to create more money for small businesses. “There are one million small businesses in Florida,” he said. “If each one hires just one new employee, we can eliminate unemployment in the state.”
He also announced that he will file suit on July 15 to stop $565 million in payments for Sunrail and new athletic and cultural venues. He will request an order that the money be diverted to teachers and public safety workers.
But the candidates also answered several questions addressing LGBT issues, and disclosed some personal experiences to the more than 100 in attendance at the forum.
Segal talked about his close friendship with a gay man while growing up. “My gaydar must have been better than his,” he said, “because I know he was gay before he did.”
Stewart speculated that she’s visited every gay bar in the city with friends and supporters, and shared that her family hosted a gay exchange student back when she was a student at Boone High School. “You didn’t come out back then,” she said.
Falconer talked about a married co-worker who came out late in life. “I saw the incredible pain he experienced,” Falconer shared.
All three said they would vote for county-wide non-discrimination protections. Segal said he would get it done within months of being elected, and Stewart called for protections now.
“Why promise to do it later?” she asked Segal, cautioning that the commission dynamic could change. “Let’s do it now.”
Each said they wanted to see Florida’s adoption ban repealed. Falconer said he is for “whatever is in the best interests of the children,” and admitted he wasn’t even aware of the ban until the forum.
Falconer also wanted to study ramifications of partner benefits and a domestic partner registry before adopting either in Orange County. Segal and Stewart support both.
“If Kissimmee can get it done, we can certainly get it done in Orange County,” said Segal.
“The time is now,” said Stewart.
Segal and Stewart also stated they voted against a constitutional ban on gay marriage in 2008. “I went door-to-door and did something about it, which is who I am,” said Stewart. Falconer did not recall his vote, but claimed he supports “taxpayers of all shapes and sizes.”
Contacted the day after the forum, Jacobs apologized for her absence and explained that a meeting in Polk County had run late and she was then caught in traffic.
“I wanted to be there, but I didn’t want to walk in at 8 or 8:30 either,” said Jacobs, who works part-time as a consultant for Tindale-Oliver & Assoc. “I have two kids in college and another in high school. I have to work. If I don’t win, I need a fall back plan.”
Jacobs offered to address any issues raised at the forum, and agreed to an interview with Watermark.
“I certainly wasn’t trying to dodge any questions,” she said.
See Shot on Site gallery of event.
What did you think of the MBA Candidate’s Forum? Let us know in the comments!
