Commissioner Sam Ings with Mayor Buddy Dyer at a local ribbon cutting in Washinton Shores
Sam Ings has mastered the art of running for office.
His current re-election effort for Orlando’s District 6, makes this his fourth campaign in less than two years.
The former OPD police captain, and incumbent is better financed, better known and well ahead of his opponent, Marcus Robinson a FedEx driver.
Sandra Lewis, a close friend and campaign manager, calls Ings, a proven leader with the ability to unite all aspects of District 6.
“He’s the type of leader that District 6 has needed for years. He’s well respected and appreciated by both Washington Shores and Metrowest”, said Lewis.
Indeed.
If nothing else, Mr. Ings has certainly restored dignity to a district that has been much maligned, and considered long overlooked, especially during the Ernest Page years.
Ernest Page, the previous District 6 Commissioner, was forced from office by former Governor Jeb Bush, following his felony conviction for misuse of his office.
A quiet and reserved man, Sam Ings is no stranger to victory. Or defeat.
Last year, when the City of Orlando wanted to prevent feeding the homeless at its parks, notably Lake Eola, Ings voted against the measure. Convinced that the details could be worked out, Ings encouraged the city not to be seen as calloused and indifferent to human suffering.
Many in Orlando remember Ings being passed over for OPD chief. He handled it well, and now consistently receives the endorsement of the Orlando Chapter Fraternal Order of Police, the police union.
In a mayoral race against Buddy Dyer, Ings lost against the better financed campaign of Dyer, who was later temporarily removed from office due to questionable campaign activity.
On January 29, 2008 Sam Ings, will be running for re-election, as will Buddy Dyer.
Sam always wins.
Running for the same seat 4 times in less than 2 years has not deterred Commissioner Ings from serving his district well.
The recent events leading up to the Community Venues vote earlier this year, Commissioner Ings was to many, the voice of his constituency, noting that the district did not trust the City of Orlando, or the Orlando Magic to make good on its promises.
His organization of and participation in community forums, to assess the needs of the public were well documented and well attended.
Telling the Orlando Sentinel, “The people needed this. We have to be forthright in our plans to do these projects,” Ings said. “They don’t want to be left out, and we can’t leave them out.”
Alzo Reddick, former State Representative for District 39 said recently, “I think Commissioner Ings has earned a return to the City Chambers. He has been very visible and very effective”.
Visibility is certainly a strong point. Earlier this fall, Commissioner Ings was present at the first ever Pink Guitar Smash held at Universal Studios, to raise awareness about breast cancer and draw attention to the deadly gaps in Florida’s health care system that cause poor women to die from the disease more often.
Always drawing upon his background in law enforcement, Commissioner Ings believes strongly in repairing relations with law enforcement and his district
Previously, Sam Ings was president of the Florida Chapter of NOBLE, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, an organization that promotes community sensitivity among other things.
At their annual event this fall, Ings encouraged black elected officials at the city, county and state level of government to make their efforts comprehensive of behalf of their constituents, and to eliminate enclaves to enhance unity and strength.
Whether its establishing a new computing center or participating in a toy giveaway at the Dr. James R. Smith Center located at 1723 Bruton Blvd. Orlando, many in District 6 are pleased to see the quiet, gentle man pursuing issues and matters that are relevant to the district.
While no one expects Ings to lose this race he is certainly not taking it for granted. Throughout District 6, re-elect Sam Ings signs are everywhere, and the candidate has been going door -to door, as well as showing up at community events and churches.
Local attorney Juan Lynum has this to say about Ings, “Sam has represented his district extremely well.”
“He’s articulate and effective and understands the needs of the community. But, most importantly, Sam Ings understands the need for partnership and communication and its overall impact on leadership, and this will have a profound effect on District 6”, said Lynum.
With his successful re-election a little more than a month away, Sam Ings will finally have four campaigns and 4 elections behind him, making him the best known and most respected leadership District 6 has ever had.
