Olszewski, VanderLey prepare for Round 2

WINTER GARDEN  “The Orange County Commission District 1 race is shaping up to be one of hottest campaigns this year. Join us for a fact-finding, platform-defining debate and make sure you know the facts prior to the primary election.”

This message in the West Orange Chamber of Commerce's invitation to its debate luncheon May 11 at Tanner Hall promises another potentially heated debate between the frontrunners, Winter Garden District 3 Commissioner Bobby Olszewski and Oakland businesswoman Betsy VanderLey, a former Orange County Planning & Zoning Commission chairwoman.

Each candidate had a different approach in the first debate, which BusinessForce hosted April 8 in the Orlando Museum of Art. Olszewski consistently cited his record as Winter Garden commissioner and attacked the records of VanderLey and current District 1 Orange County Commissioner S. Scott Boyd, whereas VanderLey defended her record and spoke to issues such as school overcrowding, green spaces and bringing high-tech jobs to the district.

Both candidates said they were pleased with that debate and had received positive feedback from supporters. Based on 30-second, rapid-fire answers within that half-hour debate, rarely could either expound on specific policy ideas for West Orange County. For the Chamber to deliver on its description, candidates will need ample time in this second debate to define their platforms and present their facts, opinions and ideas.

Contact Zak Kerr at [email protected].