2008 LWVOC Voter Guide

	Office Profile: Office Title: City of Orlando Commissioner District 2 Term: 4 years Salary: $47,944.00
	Candidate: David Blackwood
	Educational Background: Valencia Community College - Associates Degree University of Central Florida
	Age: 42
	Current Occupation: Property Manager & Purchasing Agent for Trinity Lutheran Downtown
	Civic Organizations: Currently - Dover Estates HOA-Board of Directors, Orlando Lutheran Academy Board of Directors, Thrivent Financial - Orange County Chapter Board, The Orlando Remembered Committee of the Historical Society of Central Florida, Trinity Lutheran Church Downtown I am a past board member and of the Orlando's Historic Preservation Board, The Conway Community Council and the Kiwanis Club of South Orlando
	Why are you running for this office, and what qualities and skills do you bring to this position? Often public office candidates are people who come from a government perspective and have not been involved at the grassroots / citizen level. I am running for city commissioner because I have a different perspective. I have lived in Orlando all my life and have a passion for this city and its people. When elected president of Dover Estates Home Owners' Association, I became concerned with the way our city government interacts with the citizens. My goal is to reclaim their rightful role in our city's government. Serving as a member and then Chairman of the City's Historic Preservation Board (HPB) heightened my interest in the history of our city, laying groundwork for good decisions concerning the future. Our city needs leaders motivated to serve the people, serve with integrity, and who have strong leadership skills. My successes as a neighborhood leader and citizen volunteer are evidence of my ability.
	What are the top 3 priority issues facing your community, and what actions would you take to address them if elected to office? Neighborhoods Creating safe and happy neighborhoods belongs to the residents themselves, however, the city needs to provide personnel and support programs such as Neighborhood Watch. We need to encourage the organization and participation in Home Owners Associations and provide funding and guidance to these groups. Systems need to be in place and monitored to assure that creditable concerns about city services, road repairs and traffic control are addressed. Crime Neighborhoods must provide safe environments for families and individuals. Present allocation of funds and personnel needs to be examined and prioritized. Law Enforcement personnel need to become an integral part of communities. Venues The Downtown Venues should have been approved by the citizens through a referendum. However, now that they are reality I will do everything in my power as a commissioner to ensure fiscal responsibility during the design and construction process and after they open.
	Campaign Contact Information:	Website: www.voteblackwood.com Email: dave@voteblackwood.com Telephone: 321-299-2428