2008 LWVOC Voter Guide
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Office Profile: Orange County Commissioner |
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Candidate: Rick Geller |
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Educational Background: I obtained a B.A. from Miami University
and a J.D., cum laude, from Temple University. I attended public
schools, as do my children, Hannah and Max. I graduated from Walnut
Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. |
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Age: 42 years old |
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Current Occupation: I am a business and commercial attorney
with Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell. If elected, I would be one
of only two attorneys on the Board of County Commissioners. My legal
background proved crucial in various battles I have waged on behalf
of neighborhoods. |
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Civic Organizations: My most important volunteer experiences
have included co-founding the Southern Dr. Phillips Homeowners Coalition
and the Southwest Orange County Crime Prevention Task Force. In
addition, I served as fundraising co-chair to build a new JCC community
center and preschool open to people of all faiths, as well as a
food pantry for those in short-term, urgent need. Groundbreaking
is slated for this Fall. This civic experience lends itself well
to the position I seek. |
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Why are you running for this office and what qualities and
skills do you bring to this position? As the Southern Dr. Phillips Homeowners Coalition's co-founder, I defended and protected neighborhoods from incompatible land uses, including International Drive-intensity. I persuaded Orange County to buy land for the Dr. Phillips Park. I worked with School District officials to build a new elementary school to relieve severe overcrowding. I proposed, helped create, and persuaded the County to adopt new landscaping and architectural standards north of Disney, which helped attract tens of millions of dollars in economic development. With Teresa Jacobs' strong support, we moved a road, planned for the Reedy Creek wetlands, to a less sensitive location. I have unique qualifications to serve our community. Hundreds of neighbors can attest to my depth of experience and track record achieving good things for the community. |
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What are the top three priority issues facing your community
and what actions would you take to address them? I will work with our new Sheriff to reallocate more deputies in marked cars into our neighborhoods, continuing my work as Southwest Orange County Crime Prevention Task Force co-chair. A basic level of neighborhood patrols can reduce hidden, double-taxation through HOA assessments for off-duty patrols. As the only candidate with children in public school, I will work with our school board, businesses, and civic groups to prepare our children for a diverse and changing job market. We must plan for tomorrow's schools in sensible locations. We need more intra-government and public/private partnerships to ensure the best education possible. We must plan for growth responsibly, with other regional agencies, and ensure consistency with existing neighborhoods. We must target traffic bottlenecks, including Turkey Lake/Sand Lake Roads. We must address regional water needs without damaging sensitive wetlands next to lakes and rivers. |
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What is your experience in working with large budgets, revenue
shortfalls and oversight? The County budget remains considerably stressed. The days when the County could spend $40 million to lure the Burnham Institute, $110 million to expand the jail, and $40 million for a new Sheriff's Office have ended. The County appropriately has instituted a hiring freeze and is delaying capital improvements until the economy rebounds and revenues increase. I am asking for and will appreciate your vote and support. |
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Campaign Contact Information: |
Rick Geller Campaign www.RickGeller.com |
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