Letter to District 4 Residents

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Candidate Thompson and her husband, David.

As we move closer to election day on August 24, my campaign to become our next Orange County Commissioner for District 4 is in full swing. We’ve picked up a lot of energy, volunteers and support throughout the community and I would like to take this time to personally thank each and every one of you reading this update and allowing my story to be a part of your day.

I am a lifelong Orange County resident. In fact, I attended and graduated from University High School during the very first years it was open. Since graduating from college and moving back to Central Florida, my husband and I have lived throughout many District 4 communities including Conway, Cypress Springs, and currently, Avalon Park. My mother has a home near UCF and a small family diner on Narcoossee Road where she spends most of her time.

My involvement in our community has been described as vast by those who know me. My husband, David, and I own our own business and publish a small community magazine. For the past four years, I have hosted a weekly small business networking workshop aiding small business owners in creating lasting business relationships. Literally more than 3,000 business professionals have attended our ‘Coffee Club’ over the years to network and grow. We specifically chose a business that would keep us active in our community and allow us to keep our fingers on the pulse of what is going on.

Relay for Life at Timber Creek has raised over $1 Million for the American Cancer Society since its inception.

From my business to my volunteer roles, I take my commitment to our community and its future needs seriously. I helped to start the East Orlando Relay for Life at Timber Creek High School nearly ten years ago and currently serve on the boards at Florida Hospital East Orlando and the Child Rescue Network among others. This past year I served as the Chair for both the Lake Nona Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in October . I have also been given the opportunity to promote the American Cancer Society at various community events and look forward to the day when we no longer need volunteers to spread the word because we’ve gotten rid of this terrible disease.

For my commitment to small business and my leadership with the 2003 East Orlando visioning study, the Orlando Business Journal recognized me as their 2005 Businesswoman of the Year under the age of 40. Although it was several years ago, I still remember the message of the day clearly –“…it’s not about what you have done, it’s about what you are going to do.” I take those words to heart.

Candidate Thompson finishing her first marathon, the 26.2 Mile 2009 Disney Marathon as part of Team Burnham.

In late July 2008, I was approached by a friend and business colleague about training for and running the 2009 Disney Marathon as part of Team Burnham in an effort to raise money for needed research dollars. Having never run before, I was ready for the challenge. More than a year and a half later, I can now say I’ve completed two marathons and six half marathons, including the 2010 Disney Goofy Challenge (a combination of a full marathon and half marathon, equaling 39.3 miles in two days). I am amazed at the resilience of the human mind and body, again reminded of the importance of not only setting goals and working towards them, but more importantly, perseverance.

Every day I use the same focus and determination that I have used over the past decade in serving my community in my efforts and activities related to my campaign to become our next District 4 Orange County Commissioner. My goal is to bring accessibility, transparency and leadership to the board of county commissioners and the residents of District 4. My grass roots campaign is aimed at getting people involved in the process and it is working. We all agree that these are challenging times and that never before has the need for change been so necessary and sought after.

I believe that together we can make a difference in our community and that the change we seek begins locally. Between now and election day, I plan to sit down with thousands of families and Orange County residents and business owners to hear about the kind of change we are seeking and how together we might make a difference in the future of our community.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to earn your vote August 24th. If you have an issue that is important to you or if there is anything you would like discuss, please contact me directly at 321-228-9686.

If you feel inclined to help my efforts with a financial contribution to my campaign, every dollar counts! Click here to contribute online.