Running with scissors: Randy Ross drops mayoral bid, runs for City Commissioner Patty Sheehan’s seat

Because some fights in mirrors are never over, local gadabout and sometimes challenger of the law (allegedly) Randy Ross has announced that, instead of running for Mayor of Orlando, something he hilariously announced earlier this year, that he is going to try to test his mettle against Orlando District 4 Commissioner Patty Sheehan. There are a lot of things we could say here about optics and forgiveness, bad choices and more bad choices, but for now, we’ll let Randy say his piece (along with his mom). His filing for the race is official, which should make all spectators feel a little more excited about the municipal circus awaiting us later this year. You get a front porch. And you get a front porch. And you get a front porch… to fade.

Video after the jump: 

Here’s his press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RANDY ROSS FILES TO RUN FOR ORLANDO CITY COUNCIL 4

July 11, 2015, (Orlando, FL) – Orlando marketing professional, activist, blogger and talk show host Randy Ross, has filed to run for Orlando City Council District 4 as announced today, July 11th, at the “Orange County Watch” meeting. “The incumbent’s nearly 16 years in office and yes vote on a nearly 18% property tax increase are simply unacceptable. Being a great place to live, work and play requires partnership and vision through cooperative engagement between citizens and the City. The citizens deserve an equal seat at the table. The people deserve proven non complacent leadership,” said Ross.

Ross, “I always said if I ran for office again I’d put my skeletons out front and center and I have. Now it’s time to focus on the future of Orlando in a realistic and thoughtful way. I may not have all the answers, but I know one thing that I can do that currently isn’t happening…I’ll listen.”

Ross’s career path has included over 25 years of marketing, advertising and public relations management for brands like GE Money Bank, The Army National Guard, Lowe’s, Walmart, Universal Orlando, Sam’s Club, JC Penney & multitude of others. Ross recently served in the role of Marketing & Public Relations Director of the Orlando Museum of Art in helping plan & execute their 90th anniversary celebration. Currently Ross is producing & hosting a local talk show “Front Porch Chat with Randy & Friends” which addresses issues from pop culture to politics. “While I explored other elected offices, I feel I will be a more effective conservative voice for the people of District 4 and the City overall,” said Ross.

Ross has proven history of engaging the community to address issues from wellness for children, helping the homeless, addressing the health and welfare of seniors as well as bringing awareness to the issue of domestic abuse.

Ross has been an extremely active community organizer working with a variety of organizations (past/present)

• Co-Chair: “Walk a mile in her shoes, Orlando” 2013 & 2014 benefiting Harbor House
• Marketing & Social Media Chair: “Pennies from Heaven” benefiting Howard Philips Center for Children
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s: “Mayor’s City Academy”
• Board member: Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
• Board member: The American Red Cross of Central Florida
• Board member: Community Health Centers of Central Florida
• Board member: Inner-City Games-Orlando
• Marketing Committee Chair: AIDS Walk Orlando, benefiting Hope & Help Center
• SHRM Society of Human Resource Professionals
• Marketing Committee: Headdress Ball Orlando, benefiting Hope & Help Center
• MHRA Media Human Resources Association
• Leadership Orlando Board Member: Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Class 53 Co-Chair Leadership Orlando: Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Class 49 Graduate Leadership Orlando: Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Walt Disney World Community Service Award Recipient, (1995 & 2000) Health & Human Services
• 40 under 40” Award: The Orlando Business Journal

Ross (49), originally from Indianapolis, IN, completed his Public Relations Internship at Walt Disney World in 1987, “I knew then I wanted to make Orlando my home and it’s been the best decision of my life. I truly love Orlando. But we deserve better more transparent NEW leadership.” Ross, a graduate of Ball State University and with a Certification (GSA) from George Washington University, permanently moved to Orlando in 1994 and downtown in 2003. Ross says, “I’ve always been a cheerleader for the City of Orlando. But in the last few years, I feel the resident’s best interests and voices are being ignored. We can’t afford 4 more years of failed leadership.”