Kissimmee City Commission seat 1: Jose Alvarez, Debra Rosado, Robert Secrest, and Dave Scherer

When it comes to experience, Scherer seems to have done it all. He’s gone from being a former chef at Walt Disney World to a Kissimmee volunteer firefighter. His years of community involvement with civic organizations and the number of professional designation and affiliations he owns, too many to list, shows he’s a man of the people and could step into a commission role with ease to serve city residents and make sound decisions.

The News-Gazette endorses Dave Scherer for City Commission seat 1.

Kissimmee City Commission seat 3: Mike DeLong, Jaime Matos, Hector Rodriguez, Sara Shaw, Druvonda Woods, Carmelo Garcia

Mike DeLong brings a lot of spirit and energy when talking about city business. But its his dedication working for the community through H.O.M.E. (Helping Others Make the Effort), which works with at-risk and homeless single moms, and the Kissimmee Area Ministerial Association, which runs the homeless mission in downtown Kissimmee, that gives him an edge. We believe this type of community involvement gives DeLong a unique perspective into the needs of all the residents here in Kissimmee.

The News-Gazette endorses Mike DeLong for City Commission seat 3.

Osceola County School Board School Board District 2: Raul Banasco, John Ramirez, and Kelvin Soto

Kelvin Soto, a product of the public school system, said he advocates working to reduce elementary school class sizes, funding foreign language classes in elementary and middle school and maintaining budgets for music and art programs. We think this is a plus for the School District. But we really admire the fact that he brings a wealth of education experience to the table. Soto holds an associate’s degree in management from San Diego Community College, a bachelor’s degree in business from National University, a master’s degree in public health epidemiology and a law degree from The University of California, Berkeley. While a graduate student, he taught statistics at San Diego State University. While studying law, he taught a course in law to high school teens and tutored and mentored students in their pursuit of learning and higher education. We believe that plethora of experience makes him a well-rounded School Board member candidate.

The News-Gazette endorses Kelvin Soto For School Board district 2.

School Board District 3: Cindy Hartig, Tim Weisheyer

Realtor Tim Weisheyer, a mentor to children in Osceola County who has led student and leadership conferences around the state of Florida has concerns that the past “dysfunction” of the School Board could hinder the district’s ability to attract quality candidates for a national superintendent. His concerns are valid. He believes the board has a negative image right now because of the “name calling” and we agree. While we do not deny that Hartig, the incumbent, wants the best for the district, we believe it is time for a change in leadership.

The News-Gazette endorses Tim Weisheyer for School Board district 3.