MEET THE CANDIDATES: Sunshine Linda-Marie Grund, Orange County Supervisor of Elections

SUNSHINE LINDA-MARIE GRUND

Age: 40

Residence: Orlando/Lake Nona

Family: Husband of 18 years; four children (we are an adoptive family)

Education: University of Central Florida: Master’s degree in nonprofit management and bachelor’s degree in psychology; certificate in nonprofit management

Profession: Consulting in for-profit and nonprofit management. Real-estate broker and business owner at Sweet Dreams Realty. 

Qualifications: Active with Orange County Additions Volunteer Program, previous Parent-Teacher Association board member, previous board member with Community Based Care of Central Florida and Legal Aid Society, previous member and president with the Association of Fundraising Professionals at UCF.

Why are you running for Orange County Supervisor of Elections?

A strong motivation for running for Supervisor of Elections in Orange County is the vision for equality in elections. The decision to run wasn’t a whim but a culmination of years dedicated to equality and integrity in our democratic process. Nearly a decade ago, an inquisitive comment at a Boy Scout fundraiser from our previous supervisor, Bill Cowles, sparked the idea. We both studied at the same graduate college (UCF), so carrying forward our alma mater’s legacy of leadership and service would be an honor. And as those around me like to say: “Why not you?!” And/or maybe that’s what I try to tell them. In all seriousness, I am running because to whom much is given, much is required. 

Discuss your previous experience and how it has prepared you to serve in this role.

I have been given an abundant amount of experience to steadily prepare to serve as your next elected Supervisor of Elections. My journey through nonprofit and for-profit management have uniquely prepared a skillset pivotal for this role. Through the years, I have navigated challenges, managed diverse teams and advocated fiercely for fairness. Not to date myself, but I met with both Gov. (Jeb) Bush and (Charlie) Crist as they signed legislation impacting children. I trekked the road to Tallahassee for years advocating and training others to do the same; to be a voice for the voiceless. Then, in the education system. Most recently, in politics. Listening and then acting is where my expertise shines. The combination of project management, campaigns and continuous community involvement have prepared me to effectively serve as our next Supervisor of Elections. Administrative and election experience have especially prepared me to serve in this role. Management through the years have varied in appearance and arenas, but one thing has remained consistent: my duty to serve those entrusted in my care with integrity. 

What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as Supervisor of Elections?

Through the years, I have been blessed with an abundant amount of guides building a strong foundation of values and morals. While serving in the Army National Guard, there were/are seven core Army values. They are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. These values have and continue to shape me. Working as a child advocate volunteer and professional provided clear boundaries around appropriate conduct in the community. As a real-estate broker, I abide by the code of ethics when doing business. Some of these principles are honesty and fairness, competency and integrity, maintaining high personal and professional standards, constant improvement, and community support and awareness. The ethics and values instilled through the years will be brought to the table with my service as the next Supervisor of Elections and used as a cornerstone of our operations. Trust will be a word synonymous with our office.   

What are the key differences between you and your opponents?

There is a crystal clear distinction between this campaign/candidacy and the others at the heart. The focus on restoring the integrity of democracy and reducing the influence of money in politics continues to drive the goal to serve everyone equally in our community. This is especially important as the elected official hired to supervise elections. It is important the integrity of this office is completely unbiased from any outside influences. Protecting our votes/voice is where I shine. I am the only candidate trusting only the voters, so not accepting campaign contributions. This responsibility requires full dedication. I am also the only one whose background is focused on the job at hand. 

What are the three most pressing issues facing voters and the SOE office in Orange County?

Fulfilling our mission indeed addresses the most pressing issues faced by voters of integrity, confidence and participation. The issues are actually solved if we are fulfilling our mission, and that is ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, enhancing public confidence and encouraging citizen participation. Being a ward of the state of Florida as a child for (more than) a decade, before aging out and starting my own family, gave insight to various communities. 

Orange County is full of varying communities, and we must address their unique issues as they arise. I have lived in households with carpenters, social workers, stay-at-home moms, waitresses, firefighters, pastors, truck drivers, executives, gardeners, students and software engineers. The issue our office must continuously address is if we are in tune with the issues facing our voters, and, if not, how do we get there? 

Evaluate the job Glen Gilzean has done as current Supervisor of Elections.

Thankful for Mr. Glen Gilzean and his willingness to step up with short notice to serve as supervisor. Important to note: He was appointed by our governor and not elected by our citizens. Those are our top officials in Orange County. There have been some issues regarding processing petitions and paperwork, so identifying shortfalls with solutions is critical moving forward. It is always important that proper protocols are in place to ensure accuracy for everyone. Continuous professional development with ongoing training helps ensure election staff stay up to date on best practices, legal requirements and new technologies in election administration. The office is not about one person but a team dedicated to serving citizens through the election process. Obviously, leadership reflects those at the top.

If elected, what will be your strategy to encourage voter turnout and participation?

Ultimately, serving as Supervisor of Elections means championing the fundamental right of every citizen to have their voice heard in the democratic process. Several strategies can be implemented to improve voter turnout and participation. These include comprehensive voter education campaigns, school and outreach programs, social media digital outreach, community events and workshops, partnerships with businesses and civic organizations, promotions of early-voting options, targeted outreach to underrepresented groups, and feedback from voters and stakeholders. Implementing these strategies will empower voters with knowledge, enhance voter turnout, and foster a more engaged and informed electorate in our community. Our vote is our voice. 

Discuss candidate Dan Helm’s lawsuit against Cynthia Harris and its anticipated ramifications on this election.

The current lawsuit is about proper paperwork being filed. It goes back to the policies and procedures being implemented properly. The anticipated ramifications are unknown at this time, because it is set for trial. Will say to the voter to continue the current course before you. Let your vote/voice be heard. You have a ballot full of qualified candidates to choose from. Of course, I am going to say no matter what the lawsuit outcome is, I am the best qualified candidate to represent you as your Supervisor of Elections today, tomorrow and always! 

How do you ensure voters of all political affiliations that you will fulfill the role of Supervisor of Elections fairly and without bias?

Trust. It is one word, and yet it holds so much power. It is how we ensure voters know without a shadow of doubt that their vote/voice is being honored. It is how I live and how I will serve. Most people do not like it when people tell them what to do, so know with confidence as your leader I will walk how I talk. Financial or verbal endorsements are not solicited or exchanged. The power of elections belongs to the people equally. Truly believe in the beauty of the ballot box and the sacred space it provides. I will ensure fair and unbiased elections-by example.