Water, flooding and how the city would cope with a smaller property tax base are where the two candidates for Winter Springs' District 4 commission seat part ways, according to their answers in a voter guide published Tuesday.
Cade Resnick, who holds the seat, and challenger Kyle Stewart responded to questions from the News Collaborative of Central Florida, a group of local news outlets whose guide the Orlando Sentinel published Oct. 13. The race is on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Amendment 3
Stewart said he will "absolutely" vote yes on Amendment 3, the proposed state constitutional amendment cutting property taxes, arguing that home ownership builds wealth for families. He said the lost revenue should be made up through a more productive city government and better development, and he wants the city to adopt zero-based budgeting, with every department justifying every cost.
Resnick did not say how he would vote. He said the fees the city collects pay for its water, wastewater, stormwater and garbage systems, and that the money at risk sits in the general fund, which he said is mostly police and parks.
"Service reductions will occur with less revenue," he wrote, adding that the city would look for ways to do more with less or seek private partnerships, with residents given a say in any changes.
Water and flooding
Resnick, who wrote that he left office in 2018 and ran again in 2022, pointed to infrastructure as his record. He wants the city's planned wastewater treatment plants finished and kept on an annual maintenance plan to prevent spills and state environmental notices, and a standing stormwater plan backed by regular creek clearing and pond upkeep.
He said 12 more drainage projects are in various stages of preparation. For water bills, he proposed extending reclaimed water lines throughout Tuskawilla.
