Cordero, Makowski seek to replace Thompson in Orange County District 4

The race to replace term-limited Orange County District 4 Commissioner Jennifer Thompson pits her former long-time aide Susan Makowski against political newcomer Maribel Gomez Cordero.

The two emerged as the top vote-getters from a field of five candidates in the Aug. 28 primary.

Controlling growth and improving traffic flow are among the top issues in the district, where voters who identify as Hispanic account for 40 percent of the 143,000 registered voters, slightly outnumbering registered voters who identify as white.

The district spans much of south Orange County, including Orlando International Airport, neighborhoods surrounding the Orange County landfill and the fast-growing communities of Avalon Park and Lake Nona.

The winner of the commission seat earns a four-year term which pays $81,000 a year. to bridge the gap by having patrol deputies in high growth areas throughout the district.”

She said she will advocate for more street lighting and pedestrian safety initiatives, especially near school zones.

“My goal is that every neighborhood and business in District 4 will have the opportunity to join a neighborhood watch and help serve as the eyes and ears of our community so that together we may make our communities safer,” Makowski said.

Though a registered Republican, Makowski boasts endorsements in the nonpartisan race from prominent local Democrats, including former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin, County Commissioner Victoria Siplin and Orange County Clerk of Court Tiffany Moore Russell.

Cordero has been endorsed by Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz.

Makowski touted her edge in experience working for the county, which faces turnover in the mayor’s office and half of the six commissions seats, and is also replacing a slew of department heads.

“As the only candidate with any experience in local government, I know what to do, have the relationships and skills to make things happen and can hit the ground running from day one,” she said.

Cordero, an Orange County resident for 20 years, has served on government advisory boards, including the 2016 Orange County Charter Review Commission.

She has served on the Charter Review Commission.

Makowski has raised $152,885, nearly 13 times more than Cordero, who has taken in $11,858, according to campaign finance reports filed through the end of September.

As the campaign heads into the final stretch, Makowski has $36,178 left in her campaign fund while Cordero has $897 remaining as of Oct. 12.