Runoff: Lynum “Legacy” of Poverty & Parramore Destruction Rejected by Voters

Voters are ready for change in Orlando’s District 5. There was big news in yesterday’s Orlando City Council election as Regina Hill came within just 37 votes of Juan Lynum in a three-candidate race including well-respected Cynthia Harris. Juan Lynum decided to campaign solely on the “legacy” of his mother, outgoing and controversial City Commissioner Daisy Lynum, while Harris and Hill campaigned on representing their community and bringing change to City Hall. Since no candidate broke 50% the race is now headed to a runoff on May 6th.

But in terms of CHANGE versus “more of the same,” 61% of voters made it clear they were voting for CHANGE while only 39% voted for more Lynum. Regina Hill finished with 37.3% of the vote and Juan Lynum finished with 39.2%, while Cynthia Harris brought in 23.5%. And Hill definitely worked the district, pounding the pavement and knocking on doors every chance she got.

“Last night democracy won,” proclaimed Regina Hill. “The PEOPLE’s voices were resounding that they’re ready for new leadership. I’ll continue to be on the ground speaking to the residents and business owners of district 5 to let them know I will advocate on their behalf as we revitalize and restore D5.”

The vote is an overwhelming rejection of the “Lynum Legacy” of gentrification, poverty, crime and unemployment, especially considering that Juan Lynum campaigned solely on continuing the work of his mother. Guess the voters really didn’t like hearing that, huh?

It is also an overwhelming rejection of Buddy Dyer’s destructive policies toward Parramore and District 5. And that means more trouble ahead for City Hall — and Dyer knows it.

Voters in Orlando’s District 5 are finally waking up! Voters are no longer sitting back and simply accepting the abuse aimed at them from Mayor Dyer and the City Council. They are saying very clearly that they will no longer stand for the exploitation and neglect they experienced for the last 16 years under a Lynum. Over 60% of the electorate yesterday rejected the ongoing gentrification and the failed leadership of Daisy Lynum. The district wants change as much as it needs change.

As candidate Cynthia Harris said during the campaign, “Millions of dollars have come into this community, but yet we have nothing to show for it. Our homes are deplorable, and our businesses are uninviting.”

Daisy Lynum has been one of the most controversial and destructive City Commissioners during her 16-year reign and has proven to be a complete puppet of Mayor Buddy Dyer in his destruction of historic Parramore. Just a few memories of her “legacy” include how Daisy lied at City Council, how Daisy Broke the Law, and how Daisy said get the minorities out of Parramore. 

The tides are turning. The real question now becomes turnout, which is always tricky in a runoff election. Orlando’s District 5 votes again on May 6th.