News Summary
The District 3 Candidate Forum in Orlando gathered six hopefuls for the city council seat, discussing vital issues such as infrastructure, safety, and sustainability. Sponsored by local organizations, the event allowed candidates to address pre-submitted questions, promoting a more focused dialogue on their visions and proposals. Notable discussions included campaign financing transparency and the necessity of community engagement in local governance. With the election approaching, candidates expressed their motivations for seeking public office and connected with residents on pressing neighborhood topics.
Orlando – The District 3 Candidate Forum took place on Saturday at the fellowship hall of Audubon Park Church, bringing together six candidates vying for the city council seat. Sponsored by Orlando YIMBY, Sunrise Orlando, Orlando Bike Coalition, and Audubon Park Church, the event focused on pressing community issues such as infrastructure, walkability, and sustainability.
The forum attracted a diverse audience of neighbors, advocates, and intrigued voters, who filled the hall to capacity. Unlike traditional debate formats, the forum allowed candidates to respond to pre-submitted questions for one minute each, providing a platform for presenting their viewpoints without the interruptions common in debates.
Key issues highlighted during the forum included the need for infrastructure improvements, enhanced safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and the importance of sustainability and climate resilience. Candidates found common ground on the necessity of employing nature-based solutions to address urban growth challenges.
The atmosphere shifted notably when the discussion turned to the topic of campaign contributions from businesses and corporations. Samuel Chambers brought attention to the potential influence of corporate donations on political decisions, a sentiment echoed by Jason Albu, who emphasized his commitment to maintaining integrity in his voting practices. Roger Chapin urged voters to examine public records to gain insight into campaign funding sources, while Kimberly Kiss clarified that her financial support primarily stems from small local businesses and her personal network. Both Chris Durant and Mira Tanna stated their decisions to forgo business or corporate contributions altogether.
Each candidate expressed personal motivations for seeking the District 3 office. Jason Albu articulated a vision of fostering a future where his children would choose to remain in Orlando. Samuel Chambers pointed to his previous experience in elected office and his active participation in community engagement efforts. Roger Chapin referenced past attempts to secure a city commissioner position 23 years ago, emphasizing his long-standing interest in local governance. At just 24 years old, Chris Durant highlighted his desire to give back to the community and his potential to become the youngest city commissioner if elected.
Kimberly Kiss, a lawyer and mother, voiced her readiness to advocate effectively for Orlando’s future. Mira Tanna, drawing from her immigrant background and daily commuting experiences, underscored the urgent need for transportation reforms and nature-focused city planning initiatives.
The candidates’ varied backgrounds and perspectives contributed to a rich discussion at the forum. However, the differences in their approaches became increasingly apparent as they addressed campaign financing and their affiliations with larger political figures, revealing partisan distinctions in their positions.
Scheduled for November 4, 2025, the election for the City Council District 3 seat will be closely watched by community members. Should a runoff be necessary, it will take place on December 9, 2025. Voters are reminded that the registration deadline is October 6, 2025, and the deadline for requesting mail-in ballots is October 23, 2025. The entire forum is available for viewing on YouTube, allowing voters to familiarize themselves further with the candidates’ positions.
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Additional Resources
- Bungalower: District 3 Candidate Forum
- Wikipedia: City council
- Florida Politics: Roger Chapin Enters Race for Orlando City Council
- Google Search: Orlando City Council
- Orlando Weekly: A Tale of Two Candidates
- Google Scholar: Orlando City Council Candidates
- Click Orlando: Meet the Candidates for Orange County Commission
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Local Government
- Florida Politics: Roger Chapin Takes Big Fundraising Lead
- Google News: Orlando District 3 Election
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
