On March 17, decorated military veteran and aerospace businessman Tom Keen became the first candidate to enter the race for Orlando City Commissioner District 1.
“We need a city commissioner who shows up,” Keen said at his filing.
Keen showed up for 21 years as a Naval Flight Officer, where he gained his first technical oversight and budgeting experience. Serving our country also sparked another passion within him, a commitment to public service.
“I believe in supporting our neighborhoods by developing meaningful relationships,” said Keen. “This takes investing time to build relationships between City officials and our community. When a city is growing as quickly as Orlando is, citizenship and involvement become even more important.”
District 1 has the fastest growing population in the City of Orlando. New residential and commercial projects are expected to drive tax revenue, but Keen says growth must come with welldeveloped plans to stop increases in crime and congestion.
“As the Commissioner for this district, I would work tirelessly to maintain the highest quality of public services. My priorities are safe, livable neighborhoods with excellent fire and police protection. We can grow responsibly while maintaining our quality of life for our existing residents”
Tom and his wife of 28 years, Laura Keen, have two grown children and live in the Laureate Park neighborhood of Lake Nona.
District 1, the largest geographically in the city, is located in southeast Orlando. It includes the Orlando International Airport, neighborhoods north along Semoran Blvd., Lake Nona to the south, Vista Lakes and other east Orlando neighborhoods, as well as the Southport neighborhood west of the airport. Keen says he supports and will advocate for public schools and accessible public parks for all residents.
Keen has been active in veteran service organizations and has served on the Mayor’s Veteran Advisory Council. He has also participated in both Leadership Orlando and the Mayor’s City Academy. He began building networks through his profession, managing business development in the high-tech training and simulation sector.
So far, Keen’s support has reflected the non-partisan District 1 race, with donors from the Democratic and Republican voter rolls. At his Kick Off event held last week at local venue Graffiti Junktion he noted the importance of representing all residents, regardless of party.
“Tom Keen walks neighborhoods with us, he engages voters,” says Anthony Wishart with the Lake Nona Democrats. “It’s a non-partisan office but our group supports him because he works hard to help others.”
For three weeks, Keen was the only candidate, but he has since been joined by incumbent Jim Gray.
“Improving our existing neighborhoods, making them better for families and residents, that is my passion,” said Keen. “I am present in the District 1 community. I am listening to residents and can better represent them in city government.”
City of Orlando voters in the district will decide on November 7.
For more information about Keen, visit www.TomKeenForOrlando.com.
