On September 19th, the Tuscawilla Homeowners Association hosted its annual “Meet the Candidate Night” at the Tuscawilla Country Club. Residents from across Winter Springs gathered to hear from the candidates running for City Commission Seats One, Three, and Five in the upcoming November elections. This year’s event stood out not only for the variety of ideas but for the frustration and defensiveness of some incumbents in the face of growing criticism.
The city of Winter Springs is divided into five districts, but all citizens vote for every commission seat. This event revealed the stark contrast between new voices calling for change and incumbents defending their records. Here’s what we learned.
Paul Diaz (District 1)
Paul Diaz, a seasoned tax accountant, represents a refreshing alternative to the incumbent, emphasizing new leadership and financial transparency. Diaz described a city bogged down by outdated infrastructure, especially stormwater and wastewater systems, and a lack of forward-thinking leadership. He criticized the status quo, stating that Winter Springs has delayed action for too long, and fresh ideas are necessary to move the city forward.
Quote: “We’ve kicked the can down the road long enough. Change is here. It’s up to you to decide if we need that change.”
Matt Benton (District 1, Incumbent)
Incumbent Matt Benton’s defensive and combative tone stood out throughout the evening. Benton, a long-time resident, and business owner, spent much of his time fending off criticism about the city’s financial health and infrastructure issues. He framed himself as someone who has been under attack both personally and politically, accusing his opponent of spreading misinformation. His frustration with the current political climate was palpable, yet he repeatedly claimed that Winter Springs is not financially broke and that the city is on the right track.
Quote: “I’m sorry if this stings, but my opponent looks at the city’s most recent audit and claims we’re broke. Winter Springs is far from being broke”.
Benton’s frustration appeared to reflect a broader sentiment of incumbents feeling besieged by challengers who believe that the city’s leadership has failed to deliver on key issues like stormwater management, growth control, and infrastructure maintenance.
Sarah Baker (District 3)
Sarah Baker represents a fresh voice, advocating for transparent communication and accountability. She shared a personal story about her family’s experience with sewage overflow, which she framed as a symbol of the city’s deeper infrastructure problems. Baker believes that Winter Springs needs clear, effective leadership and a proactive approach to managing its budget and communicating with residents.
Quote: “I had over 12,000 gallons of raw sewage in my backyard. That made me realize how important it is to address infrastructure head-on”.
Karen Meyer (District 3)
Karen Meyer has been deeply involved in the community for over five years, regularly attending commission meetings. She offered a practical approach to fixing the city’s problems, emphasizing the need for a professional city manager and solutions for traffic, sewer systems, and flooding. Meyer’s calm demeanor and experience reflect her understanding of the city’s issues, but she also pointed out how the lack of leadership in the city’s management has stalled progress.
Quote: “The City of Winter Springs is confronted with major issues. We need to attack the issues and not attack each other”.
Brandon Morrissey (District 5)
Brandon Morrissey, a firefighter and EMT, painted a troubling picture of Winter Springs’ infrastructure, particularly its failing storm and wastewater systems. He was critical of the city’s allocation of resources, highlighting the wastefulness of spending on projects like pickleball courts while essential services like stormwater management remain inadequate. Morrissey represents a direct challenge to the current administration’s priorities, calling for safety and infrastructure improvements to take precedence.
Quote: “Our wastewater is failing, our storm infrastructure is failing, and we’re spending money on frivolous projects like pickleball. This is unacceptable”.
Rob Elliot (District 5, Incumbent)
Rob Elliot, the current District 5 Commissioner, focused on defending his record of leading infrastructure improvements, particularly related to potable water and wastewater issues. Elliot noted the city’s AAA bond rating and reassured residents that the city’s finances are stable. While Elliot presented himself as steady and experienced, his defense of the city’s status quo fell flat compared to the urgency voiced by challengers.
Quote: “Our potable water issue has been solved, and the city’s drinking water quality meets all state guidelines”.
Mark Caruso (District 5)
Mark Caruso’s law enforcement background played a central role in his presentation. Caruso described himself as someone who stands up to corruption and won’t be swayed by developers and special interests. His time as a whistleblower in law enforcement, along with his strong stance against political interference, resonates with voters who feel frustrated by the current state of local politics. He framed his candidacy as a fight for transparency and honesty, opposing those who use misinformation to maintain power.
Quote: “I retired as a law enforcement officer after serving the public. I’m here to fight for honesty in our city’s leadership and make sure we’re not influenced by developers and outside interests”.
Why This Event Matters:
This year’s Meet the Candidate Night revealed significant tension between the incumbents, who are defending their records, and the challengers, who are pushing for urgent changes in how Winter Springs is governed. It’s clear that this election could reshape the future of the city, and every vote counts in deciding whether Winter Springs will maintain its current path or embrace new leadership.
For more information on the upcoming election and to learn about the candidates, visit https://www.voteseminole.gov/current-candidates
More Questions? Contact the City Clerk’s Office at 407-327-5999 or cityclerkdepartment@winterspringsfl.org.
