Endorsements
apopka professional firefighters association local 5293
APOPKA Fla. – November 14, 2020 – Apopka Professional Firefighters Association Local 5293 is pleased to announce its first-ever endorsement: Diane Velazquez for Apopka City Council Seat 2 in the December 8 election.
“Diane Velazquez has a proven track record of supporting firefighter personnel and operations,” said Matt Gurgone, President of the Firefighters’ Union. “During her tenure as City Commissioner from 2014 to 2018, she supported the necessary operational expansions to provide the safety and service Apopka residents expect. Ms. Velazquez is a leader who cares deeply about Apopka’s citizens, as well as the City staff who serve and protect them. She is committed to making Apopka a better and safer place to live, work and raise a family.”
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Apopka Professional Firefighters Association Local 5293,” said Ms. Velazquez. “Through the shared experiences of the construction of Fire Station 5, attending City and community events, volunteering with local service organizations and construction of the Apopka 9/11 Memorial with Eagle Scout Christian Lamphere, I have come to know and respect Apopka’s firefighters. They consistently demonstrate their commitment to the community and I am grateful for their support.”
Apopka City Council Seat 2 was vacated when the sitting commissioner resigned in August.
creating a better future for the next generation
"I'm very proud to support Diane for in her race for Apopka City Council Seat 2. She and I have always been in agreement that our role as elected officials is to create a better future for the next generation - our children and grandchildren - right here in our own cities!"
-Maitland Mayor Dale McDonald
for the citizens and the well-being of apopka
“I will be endorsing Diane Velazquez for Commissioner seat 2. I've had the privilege to talk to Diane Velazquez over the election and got to know her a lot better and where she stands now. Some of the things Diane Velazquez stands for are, also the same things I stand for as for making Apopka more beautiful getting the new downtown center done make our streets and sidewalks safer more lighting and a balanced budget. I truly believe Diane Velazquez is for the citizens and the well-being for Apopka. If anyone would like to talk to me more about why I'm endorsing Diane Velazquez please fill free to private message me.”
-Gene Knight, former City Council Seat 2 Candidate
Professionalism. compassion. proven leader.
"I witnessed first-hand her professionalism and compassion towards the community and her deep and unwavering involvement with many community projects including assisting her husband Ed with caring for our great military veterans. She is a true friend and a proven leader to the Apopka Community, and I ask for your consideration in supporting Diane Velazquez once again on November 3rd, for Apopka City Council."
-Apopka Fire Chief (Ret.) Chuck Carnesale
commitment. leadership. compassion.
"Leadership is the action of leading and uniting a group of people. Diane has done that. She not only led but she united a divided community. She’s changed hearts by genuinely caring for the community and the residents of Apopka. She’s the ONLY Candidate that was not reelected that is STILL active and serving the Apopka community. That is LEADERSHIP and the right choice to move Apopka forward with proven Commitment, Leadership and Compassion."
-Carmen G. Ruiz
commitment. dedication. compassion.
"I am proud to endorse Diane because I’ve seen first-hand her passion and commitment to her community by serving with her on many volunteer service projects with the Kiwanis Club. Diane has shown true dedication to our monthly Terrific Kids program which recognizes students for good character and leadership in the classroom. I’ve witnessed Diane’s interaction with the children and how she encourages them to become the best version of themselves and treats each child as if they were special. It is because of her leadership and compassion for the children of Apopka that I encourage you to consider Diane for Apopka City Council."
-C. Todd Smith, Esq.
proven. knowledgeable. forward-thinking.
"I am an urban planner who’s worked throughout Florida for over 30-years. I endorse Diane because she is a proven, knowledgeable, forward-thinking leader. I’ve worked with Diane, she is a friend, and I trust her to work on behalf of all Apopkans."
-Bob Cambric