The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando hosted a doozy of a Mayoral Debate Wednesday, delivering what will be billed as the best of the debates and forums for this year’s mayoral race.
In attendance were Mike Cantone, Commissioner Phil Diamond, incumbent Mayor Buddy Dyer and the perennial Ken Mulvaney, at La Casa de Puerto Rico on Orlando’s East Side.
It was a show stopper.
A confident and assured, Cantone came out swinging, laying to rest all hints of invincibility once held by Dyer, as he mesmerized a packed house with a clarity and assertiveness, presenting a clear choice in next month’s election.
An aloof and removed Buddy Dyer never had a chance.
Sticking to his elitist airs, Dyer seemed annoyed as Cantone laid waste his tired big business vision of a ‘world class city’ that has proven to exclude small businesses and neighborhoods and benefiting a few, in what has come to be known as the “Buddy System.”
Cantone spelled out his vision for the City, anchored on empowering communities, while indicting the “hole in Orlando’s leadership and its failure to connect with all citizens.”
Both Cantone and Diamond challenged Dyer on the cost of the Amway Center and its inaccessibility to city residents, due to the high cost of events and parking.
Diamond desperately tried to differentiate himself as the clear alternative to Dyer, but seemed to be Cantone’s biggest cheer leader, agreeing with every point that he made. His bright spot was calling the mayor to the carpet on the operating cost of the state-of-the art sports facility. He had a memo from the city stating that the Amway Center is operating at a loss, something Dyer disputed.
Mulvaney seemed to stumble from the get go and never appeared to be totally comfortable. He even slipped and said, “you people” at one point, which elicited a few grumbles from the crowd. He meant no ill-will or harm, but it proved that Mulvaney failed to understand or empathize with his audience.
Undoubtedly, Cantone’s confidence, sharpness and sensitivity on the issues affecting all Orlando residents, struck a chord with the crowd as he repeatedly drew applause. He has carved out a progressive niche for himself and appears to be the voice of the voter who wants new leadership.
Dyer, while expected to win re-election, will emerge bruised and bloody.
Posted by, “Sources” lol
Has anyone outside of the West Orlando news had anything positive to say about Cantone and his lack of vision and COMPETENT ideas? Seems like a little more of a 1-on-1 relationship here.