2008 LWVOC Voter Guide

Due to the withdrawal of a candidate for Seat #4, there is No Election for candidates for Maitland City Council Seats #2 and #4 on January 29, 2008. Both Linda Frosch (Seat #2) and Phil Bonus (Seat #4) are unopposed in their respective races.

Office Profile:
Office Title: Maitland City Council Seat # 4
Term: 3 years
Salary: $3, 718

Candidate: Phil Bonus, Esq.

Educational Background: I received my B.A. from University of Florida in 1980 (Phi Beta Kappa) and received my J.D. from University of Florida in 1982.

Age: I was born October 27, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan and am 54 years of age.

Current Occupation: I practice law in my own firm and specialize in commercial litigation, business litigation and family law. I was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1982. I am a member of the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. I am an adjunct faculty member at Nova Southeastern University and teach business law and business ethics.

Civic Organizations: I am a regular volunteer at Daily Bread, and am active with the Orange County (Florida) Bar Association, Homeless Advocacy Project. This Project services the Coalition for the Homeless and roughly 20 other front line homeless critical need agencies. I am active with the Legal Aid Society. I served as President of the Dommerich Hills Homeowners' Association for two years. I am presently Chairman of the City of Maitland Planning and Zoning Commission and have served on several Advisory Boards for the City, including most recently the City of Maitland Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board, and the Mayor's Downtown Redevelopment Task Force. I am a former member of the City of Maitland Code Enforcement Board.

Why are you running for this office, and what qualities and skills do you bring to this position?
I am a leader, a learner and a listener. These are the qualities our community needs in it's leaders and I exemplify these qualities. I look forward to creating an inclusive atmosphere that will " Move Maitland Forward Together."

What are the top 3 priority issues facing your community, and what actions would you take to address them if elected to office?
I want to renew faith in government within our community. I will bring trust back to Maitland and pledge transparency in governance. Lack of good communication appears to be the basis for many of our problems within our city. I am an excellent communicator and will bring quality communication to interactions. Balancing our need for more dollars, while preserving our charm and stewarding our assets are immediate fiscal concerns. My expertise as a businessman, experience with city boards, chairing the Planning and Zoning Commission and my inclusive nature will help in this difficult process. Prioritizing is key to making good decisions and my profession allows me to prioritize daily. My skill set has prepared me to be a team participant for the City of Maitland.

Campaign Contact Information:

Website: www.philbonus.com
Email: phil@philbonus.com
Telephone: 407-694-8737