4-way race for Kissimmee mayor seat focuses on traffic, downtown development, and 2 candidates' bad blood

Four candidates are running to become the next mayor of Kissimmee in a race focused on economic development and transportation but marred by allegations of harassment and questions over whether one candidate even lives in the town.

The four contenders will face off in August for an open seat, also referred to as council seat 5, with current mayor Olga Gonzalez leaving office because she has hit the limit of two consecutive four-year terms. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two will head to a runoff in November.

The field features political newcomer and business woman Olga Cariño; fellow entrepreneur Jackie Espinosa, who previously ran for Osceola County commissioner; former corrections officer and former state Rep. John Cortes; and current city commissioner and realtor Olga Castaño. Although the race is non-partisan, Cortes won his seat in the state house as a Democrat, Espinosa ran as a Democrat for county commissioner, Cariño says she has no party affiliation, and Castaño is a registered Republican.

Kissimmee is home to roughly 80,000 residents, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census. The mayor is recognized as the head of city government for all ceremonial and official purposes and presides over all city meetings, earning $32,000 and is paid a $1,200 bonus annually.



https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/08/03/4-way-race-for-kissimmee-mayor-seat-focuses-on-traffic-downtown-development-and-2-candidates-bad-blood/