3-minute read
Lakeland residents filled the Coleman-Bush building on Thursday night to hear from City Commission and mayoral candidates at a forum hosted by the Lakeland branch of the NAACP, the League of Women Voters of Polk County and the Polk County Voters League.
Candidates from both races fielded questions about housing affordability, infrastructure and Lakeland Electric, outlining their plans for Lakeland for the first time this election season.
Why this matters
Lakeland voters will choose a new mayor and two commissioners on Nov. 4. Those elected will play a key role in shaping how the city manages growth, housing and essential services in the years to come.
Mayoral race
Four mayoral candidates shared differing strategies for addressing the city’s rapid growth while ensuring that housing remains accessible and affordable.
Sara Roberts McCarley, the only mayoral contender with City Hall experience, noted that the city has added 800 affordable units since 2019 and argued that a strong local economy is a key factor in ensuring that Lakeland residents can afford housing.
Cedric Valrie, a professor at Southeastern University, said his campaign is “policy, people and purse.” He called for bringing residents, developers and city officials together to find housing solutions, and stressed the need to redirect current resources to better serve “everyday Lakelanders.”
Kaitlin Gracie Kramer said luxury housing is outpacing workforce housing. Kramer proposed building more multi-family complexes and expanding public transit options to decrease road congestion in the face of growth.
Kay Klymko addressed affordable housing concerns by advocating for incentives for developers to build “small house communities.” She emphasized infill development and warned against urban sprawl.
Transportation and infrastructure upgrades drew broad attention.
McCarley highlighted her work expanding The Squeeze, the free shuttle-based microtransit system operated by Citrus Connection. She said she plans to continue expanding public transit in Lakeland and emphasized that infrastructure projects should align with long-term development goals.
Valrie vowed to end the South Florida Avenue “road diet” and collaborate with state and federal partners to improve transportation in Lakeland.
Kramer called for “responsible growth” with an emphasis on expanded transit options and improved roads.
Klymko said she plans to continue supporting Citrus Connection, while also leading the city to be more conscious of Lakeland’s water supply.
All four candidates rejected any move to sell Lakeland Electric, calling the public utility a key city asset.
City Commission
The second half of the night featured the four candidates vying for two commission seats:
- Dennis Odisho and Ashley Troutman are competing for the District C seat in southwest Lakeland, currently held by McCarley.
- Kim Marie Noble is challenging incumbent Mike Musick for the District D seat in southeast Lakeland.
Lakeland residents can vote for both seats, regardless of where they live.
All four candidates once again agreed that balancing affordable housing and rapid growth is one of Lakeland’s biggest challenges.
Odisho, who works in the construction industry, pushed for private-public partnerships and alternative construction methods.
Troutman urged leveraging the tech community to bring high-paying jobs along with responsible residential growth.
Noble suggested converting underused buildings, such as hotels, into affordable housing.
Musick highlighted strengthening neighborhood associations and continuing the city’s efforts to create affordable housing.
Like the mayoral candidates, the aspiring commissioners oppose selling Lakeland Electric, and called for more investment in fire, police and emergency services.
Troutman floated the idea of the “15-minute city” model in some parts of Lakeland — an urban planning concept where residents can access most daily necessities like housing, food, healthcare, education, and leisure within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes.
Odisho stressed protecting Lakeland’s charm and character.
In District D, Musick said he wants to focus on small business support and Noble aims to involve students and younger residents in future city planning.
Forum videos are courtesy of The Polk County Voters League.
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