City of Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz (District 2), running for re-election on April 3, believes there is need to involve residents much more in city government and in the decision-making process. Ortiz, in a recent interview with West Orlando News said, his greatest accomplishment has been bringing the community together and giving diverse groups a seat at the table.
“My greatest accomplishment has been bringing the community together, which is most important,” he said. “…Unless you have the community working with you, you will not be able to accomplish anything.”
Ortiz said, lack of communication is the “greatest problem of all” and if residents are unaware of what the government is doing and leaders are not in tune with the community, then little can be accomplished which is beneficial to all.
Responding to the perception that a lot of what is happening in Orlando benefits only large companies, Ortiz said he doesn’t have a problem with big companies, but more must be done and ought to be done to help small businesses develop and grow.
“I don’t have a problem with big companies because they are the driving force in many ways, producing a lot of jobs, he said. “But let’s talk, let’s sit down at the table and devise a plan where everyone wins – big and small.”
Ortiz said he doesn’t think that small businesses are being squeezed out per se, but believes they are not getting all of the opportunities they ought to get.
Every commissioner has the obligation to get involved, take the initiative and render guidance to small businesses in their area. “This is what we do in my district,” he added.
