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Demings Makes Her Campaign for Orange County Mayor Official


January 9, 2014 | WMFE - Orange County mayoral candidate Val Demings is pledging to improve businesses and education if she's elected. The former Orlando police chief delivered the first speech of her campaign at Lake Eola Park on Thursday afternoon.

[Photo: Demings says as mayor she wants to transform Orange County into a national leader.]

Demings was surrounded by supporters, including her husband Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, as she launched her mayoral campaign at Lake Eola Park. 

"Businesses can't prosper. Our children can't learn. Our community can't grow if our government doesn't work for us." 

Demings emphasized transportation and public safety and spoke of her record as Orlando's first black female police chief. She said she cut violent crime by 40 percent. 

Demings also thanked her family including her mother, who worked as a maid, and her father, a janitor. She said their hard work inspires her to strive for a better Orange County.

She faces a well-funded incumbent in Teresa Jacobs. Jacobs already has announced she'll run for re-election. 

 

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