My Pledge
Dear Winter Park Neighbor,
Hello! My name is Kris Cruzada. I am running for Winter Park City Commission Seat 3.
Over the past months, I have come to realize the depth of Winter Park’s commitment to nurturing its small-town charm. From the beginning, Winter Park’s goal has been to be the premier urban village of the region, and I believe, as a city, we have attained that goal.
I wonder -- if Loring Chase and Oliver Chapman could see Winter Park today, what would they think?
For insight into what they might think, we should look at A, 67; B, 86; and 3, 220. Not Bingo, but the Map Book and Pages of the Town of Winter Park that Chase and Chapman recorded in Orange County Land Records in the 1880s. These Town Plats are available online to everyone at the Orange County Comptroller’s Website. That Town Maps from the late 1800s reference streets and landmarks so familiar to us today is a remarkable testament, not only to Chase and Chapman, but also to those who came after and added to the vision while honoring the past.
While street names like North Park Avenue and South Park Avenue still appear on the maps, the map cannot depict the energy of the hustle and bustle of our modern town. We now enjoy business districts, churches, museums, and golf courses that were not originally platted.
So how did Winter Park get here? The people who came to Winter Park built upon the strong foundation Chase and Chapman laid for us. They created the tree canopy that shades our lawns and streets. Because someone thought of it and others believed in it, today you and I enjoy it.
Another example is the Sidewalk Art Festival. For over 60 years, Winter Parkers have enjoyed the work of internationally acclaimed artists. Someone thought of it, others believed in it, and today we enjoy it.
As I launch my bid to serve as your city commissioner, I am pledged to continue this work . . .
By protecting our physical assets and our quality of life through compliance with our municipal codes, Comprehensive Plan, future land use designations and zoning classifications;
By achieving city goals for environmental protection, sustainability and zero carbon emissions;
By maintaining or increasing reserves while keeping tax rates low, trimming costs and finding new sources of revenue;
By supporting our arts and culture through community partnerships.
I believe my background and professional experience have prepared me well to serve as your city commissioner. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be out campaigning. I hope to meet you. I hope to earn your support and I hope to earn your vote.
Sincerely,
Kris Cruzada
Candidate for Winter Park Commission, Seat 3
