Orlando is changing. As we prepare to head into a new year, our population continues to grow, buildings continue to boom and our city is on the horizon of a new direction. Citizens are no longer willing to accept the status quo and are beginning to challenge long-sitting authority in Orlando. Whether it be Occupy Orlando who sparked a gut check in all of us a year ago, or whether it be the 50,000 people who signed the first citizen initiative to make the ballot (only to be squashed later by our County Commission followed by silence from City Hall), people are not only awake, they are active in the City Beautiful. Indeed, these are exciting times in Orlando.
Recently, I was appointed City Editor of West Orlando News Online (WONO) and do not accept the position lightly. I hope to make the pages of WONO reflect your story – our collective narrative – more clearly and more personally. There is a great responsibility to our entire community. And I believe we will succeed in continuing to be a unique, independent, and yes unapologetically progressive, voice for Orlando and its diverse people.
Journalism has long been part of my history. I wrote and served as an editor for my high school newspaper, The Gavel, following in the footsteps of my older brother Nick who also was Editor-in-Chief of the paper. I would serve as an editor every year, and was even published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch growing up. Being part of a nationally-recognized and award-winning newspaper is a defining experience in life and I hope to bring that pure spirit of youth, idealism and teamwork to the pages of WONO.
Through my education at Saint Louis University, I had the privilege of learning through the Jesuit tradition, whose values and mission have been instilled in me. A key component of this education is heavily based in social justice issues, which readers will also see as a continuing theme. I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science and International Studies, with minors in Theology and French as well as a certificate in Urban Social Analysis. This rigorous and balanced education provides preparation to succeed at any challenge and we all know there are many here in Orlando. I hope to bring the proven spirit of justice and knowledge to the pages of WONO.
Finally, I ran for Mayor of Orlando to propose new policies at a time where it is clear that we are headed in the wrong direction. If you think Orlando could be so much more, that our livelihoods, our dreams, and our future here could be better, then you should understand why I ran to transform City Hall. I always believe we can succeed together. I learned more than I could have imagined. I met some of the most amazing people and I heard some of the most devastating stories. I continue to be more inspired, energized and ready to serve our community every single day because of our community. It is diverse, beautiful and talented.
My goal is to bring the true spirit of people of Orlando to the pages of WONO. You are our inspiration. We are your voice. This is our community.
