We Are Winter Garden
Vote 2024
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Candidates
Candidate for Orange County Commissioner, Austin Arthur is an entrepreneur, an employer, a community advocate, and a former firefighter/paramedic. He and his brother founded Gymnastics USA, Florida’s largest gymnastics center, and also run Stars and Stripes Marketing Services, a full-stack marketing firm. Austin serves on multiple boards and charities, including Winter Garden Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board, West Orange Habitat for Humanity, Challenge 22 to End Veteran Suicide, Central Florida YMCA, West Orange Scholarship Foundation, Eight Waves Children and Family Services, and others. Austin and his wife live in Winter Garden and have three young children.
As a successful entrepreneur who has created hundreds of jobs in Orange County, Austin will be the common sense, pro-jobs, pro-economic growth commissioner who will also prioritize safe neighborhoods, infrastructure and preserving our natural environment. Austin is running for District 1 Orange County Commissioner which represents the west side of Orange County.
Iliana Jones for Winter Garden Commissioner
Iliana Ramos Jones is the Co-Owner and Chief Financial Officer of Empire Finish Systems, LLC, a Winter Garden, FL based company. As a graduate of the University of South Florida, Iliana obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Iliana, is very active within our community. She has been a member of her church Mosaic since 2008. She believes that being a good neighbor starts with helping others. Illiana’s passion has been focused on building community and helping under privileged families and children. She has been a long time supporter of Habitat for Humanity, Bloom and Grow and Legacy of Hope, a shelter for abused and abandoned children Honduras. Having been born in another country, Iliana believes there is no other country on earth like the U.S. and she is eternally grateful to be an American citizen. She moved to this country as a child and became a citizen in 1992. She can relate to the needs of underprivileged people, which is why she is so passionate about helping those in need.
As a successful business owner Iliana and her two brothers and business partners have created hundreds of jobs throughout Florida . As a commissioner, Iliana will put the needs of citizens first, prioritize safety, guard against dense and unwanted development, and help strengthen the hyperlocal economy by being pro-business. Above all, she will protect Winter Garden’s family oriented and small-town charm.
Bowen Kou arrived in America at the age of 19, equipped with nothing but the clothes on his back and a dream. His academic journey led him to Michigan State University. During a summer break, Kou returned to China to visit his family, bringing along an American Bible as a gift for his Christian grandmother. This act, however, resulted in both Kou and his grandmother's arrest, leading to a harrowing two-week jail stay before their release on bail.
Facing persecution, Kou was advised by his parents to leave China permanently, with their parting words, "Do Not Return," leaving a profound impact on him. He has since not returned to China, viewing his residence in America as a necessary sacrifice for his freedom.
Kou's entrepreneurial journey in America started with buying and selling textbooks, a venture he later sold to purchase his first grocery store, initially employing three people. Over time, Kou expanded his business, now owning nine grocery stores and providing livelihoods for more than 500 families. Bowen Kou's story is a testament to the opportunities and freedoms offered by America, showcasing his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Meet Ron
In Winter Garden's 2nd District, Ron serves as a committed Commissioner and the "voice of the people," with three years of unwavering service and a 100% attendance / voting record. A US Navy veteran, his leadership has spurred prosperity, introducing new services and events, fostering community unity without raising city taxes. Ron champions a unified vision for Winter Garden, striving for a legacy that bridges differences. As the only official with perfect attendance and decision-making participation, he ensures comprehensive issue understanding and engages directly with communities, saving neighbors nearly $4,000,000.
Ron's fiscal prudence is notable, managing over $200M in city budgets while maintaining one of the lowest millage rates in Orange County, thus avoiding tax increases and long-term debt. His people-centric leadership involves direct resident interactions, emphasizing the importance of community feedback in city planning.
Looking forward, Ron aims to broaden his outreach, improve park services, complete Tucker Ranch Wellness Park, and advocate for sensible development and community engagement. Settled in Winter Garden since 2017, Ron's diverse background and commitment to community service reflect his inclusive leadership style. His bid for a second, final term underscores his dedication to Winter Garden's growth, supported by a firm belief in term limits, and a commitment to being an independent voice, providing oversight and accountability, ensuring the community's voice remains at the forefront of city governance.
No culture wars. No extremism. Just a united community working together.
