Meet Orange County Commissioner, District 2, Candidates

Greg Jackson is a private attorney with experience as an Assistant Attorney General for the state of Florida. Patricia Rumph, a native of Orange County, is a senior probation officer who has worked for the state Department of Corrections for 26 years.

The two of them are running for one of the hotly contested seats on the Orange County Commission (District 2), which is being featured in this Orlando Community News’ Candidates Roundup series. We will talk about District 6 in the next part of this series. The goal is to acquaint or re-acquaint candidates to registered voters, now, early enough for voters to get to know the candidates before the 2014 elections.

The District 2 seat, representing most of Apopka, Lockhart, Eatonville and Pine Hills, is currently held by Fred Brummer. There are a total of five people running for the seat as of November 2013, according to the county Supervisor of Elections office. Aside from Jackson and Rumph, the other candidates are: Alvin Moore, Bryan Nelson and Bridgett Sykes.

Here are Jackson and Rumph’s responses to OCN’s questionnaire sent out to all of the hopefuls, in light of this article.

Why are you running for this public office?

Jackson: No response.

Rumph: I am running to better serve, protect, and represent the needs of the diverse population throughout District 2.

What background do you have to be considered for the office?

Jackson:  In addition to serving our country as a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve and Army National Guard, I am a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida, representing the interest of citizens and businesses. As a private attorney, I have also served as a small business advisor at the University of Central Florida, member of the Florida Bar’s Consumer Protection Law Committee and member of various county and city advisor boards, as well as secretary for the College Park Rotary.

Rumph: Twenty-six years with the State of Florida Department of Corrections, serving in areas of budgetary, human resources, administration and corrections.  My duties require participation with members of executive board of directors; interaction with governmental agencies; knowledge of government policies and rules and partnership with community agencies.

What political experience, service on community boards, etc. do you have?

Jackson: I am Vice President of the People of Lockhart Committee Association, Inc., former City of Orlando Certification Board and Appeals Board Member, former member of the City of Orlando Civic Facilities Board and Orange County MetroPlan Citizens Advisory Committee. I have also served as a Commissioner for the Florida Justice Commission.

Rumph: Serving on the advisory boards for Orange County Children and Family, Orange County Citizen’s Review Panel, Orange County Affordable Housing, Orange County Community Development, and Orange County Minority/Women Business Enterprise; along with serving as a volunteer for Orange County Jail and treasurer for Regency Park Homeowner Association.  Actively worked on campaigns for federal, state and local candidates, such as Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, City of Orlando Commissioner District 6 Samuel B. Ings and Orange County Commissioner District 6 Tiffany Moore Russell.

What are the three most important issues facing the district?

Jackson: 1) Economic development/job creation 2) Public Safety and 3) Education

Rumph: Public safety “crime”, economy and infrastructure.

How would you address those issues?

Jackson: Economic Development and Job Creation: Facilitate small business development and job creation by attracting companies to District 2. Public Safety: Work with public safety and community service organizations to build a stronger, safer community for families and seniors. Develop jobs and mentor programs for youth. Education: Exploring ways to educate a skilled workforce through vocational, technical and apprenticeship programs.

Rumph: Public Safety would be the first issue that I address: 1) focus
on crime prevention solutions; 2) promote and increase participation within communities
of neighborhood “watch” and 3)  increase of law enforcement presence, reducing response time in community.  The second issue to address is economic growth: Promote economic growth and development through business incentives, job creation initiatives, small-business growth opportunities, as well as encourage public-private partnership. Lastly, a healthy infrastructure contributes to safe, strong and prosperous communities and provides services that support economic growth.

Personal Background – List Hometown, Family, Education, Current Employment

Jackson: From Perry, FL and grew up in Tallahassee. Married to Bayyinah Tobey-Jackson, registered and licensed dietitian; three school-aged children: Kobe, Jordan and Kennedy. Education: Florida State University College of Law, Juris Doctor (Law Review Notes and Comments Editor); University of North Florida, Master of Health Administration; Florida A&M University, Bachelor of Science. Employment: Conroy Simberg, et al (Associate); Greg Jackson & Associates, LLC (Owner), Bobo, Ciotoli, Bocchino, et al.

Rumph: I am a native of Orange County and a product of the Orange County Public School system (a graduate of Boone High School, class of 1970). Received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.  Presently, I am a Correctional Probation Senior Officer with the State of Florida Department of Corrections.   My previous experience includes a bank computer operator and administrator at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle program.  I am a mother of four wonderful children, 3 sons, 1 daughter, and two granddaughters.

© Orlando Community News, 2013