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Apopka designates mayor’s office as MetroPlan representative; commissioners to serve as alternates
Summary
After a heated exchange about removing a sitting commissioner from MetroPlan Orlando, the commission voted to list all commissioners as alternates while the mayor serves as the city's primary MetroPlan representative.
Staff presented a recommended appointment to MetroPlan Orlando and proposed naming Mayor Nick Nesta as the city’s representative with Vice Mayor Diane Velasquez as alternate. The recommendation prompted strong debate: Commissioner Anderson and several residents argued she should be allowed to finish her current year on the MetroPlan seat, while other commissioners said the mayor should be the primary representative to match neighboring jurisdictions’ practice.
Following motions and amendments, the commission adopted a motion to designate all commissioners as alternates for the MetroPlan seat so the mayor can serve as the primary representative while multiple commissioners retain the ability to attend and advocate. Commissioner Anderson described the move as a "straight attack" on her in remarks to the dais; other commissioners urged rotation and alternates to ensure equitable advocacy. The commission carried the motion to list all commissioners as alternates by unanimous vote.
