In our beloved City of Ocoee, Florida, residents deserve elected leaders who listen to their constituents, respect their concerns, communicate openly, and make decisions based on what is in the best interests of the community.

Unfortunately, many residents have become increasingly concerned that the current Mayor and City Commissioners are falling short of these responsibilities. There is a growing sense of disconnect, frustration, and loss of confidence in the City's leadership and its willingness to genuinely listen to the people it was elected to serve.

As residents and taxpayers of Ocoee, we have witnessed decisions that have raised serious questions about transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and responsiveness to public concerns. Residents should be able to ask difficult questions, disagree with City leadership, and express criticism without being demeaned, chastised, interrupted, or dismissed.

The Increase in Fire Assessment Fees

One of the most significant concerns is the substantial increase in the City's fire assessment fees and the financial burden that these increases place on Ocoee residents and property owners.

For many families, homeowners, and businesses already dealing with rising property taxes, insurance costs, utilities, and the overall cost of living, additional increases in mandatory City fees represent a significant financial burden.

Residents have a right to ask:

1. Why was the increase necessary?
2. How was the amount determined?
3. What alternatives were considered?
4. What efforts were made to reduce spending before increasing the burden on taxpayers?
5. How will the additional revenue be spent?
6. Was the public adequately informed and given meaningful opportunities to express its concerns?
7. Are taxpayers receiving measurable improvements in services that justify the additional cost?

Government should not simply look for additional ways to collect money from its residents without first demonstrating that existing taxpayer dollars are being spent efficiently, responsibly, and transparently.

A Growing Concern About Public Engagement:

The fire assessment increase is only one example of the broader concerns being expressed by residents.

Too often, residents feel that public input is treated as an inconvenience rather than an essential part of representative government. Citizens should not have to agree with elected officials in order to be heard.

Our elected officials were entrusted with public office by the citizens of Ocoee. That responsibility requires them to listen—even when the message is uncomfortable, critical, or contrary to their position.

Disagreement is not disrespect. Asking questions is not disruption. Criticism of government is not a reason to silence the public.

Residents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect when participating in their own government.

Transparency and Accountability:

We are also concerned about a perceived lack of transparency and communication regarding important City decisions, expenditures, contracts, fees, employee compensation, and other matters affecting Ocoee taxpayers.

When taxpayers are asked to pay more, they deserve clear answers about why the money is needed, how much will be collected, where it will go, and whether less costly alternatives were considered.

When residents raise legitimate questions, they deserve meaningful answers—not dismissal.

When elected officials make decisions affecting thousands of residents, the public deserves transparency throughout the process.

We Have Lost Confidence:

This petition is not about political party affiliation, personal attacks, or disagreement over a single issue.

It is about public trust and accountability.

We believe the Mayor and City Commissioners hold positions of public trust and have an obligation to represent the interests of the residents who elected them.

When residents increasingly believe that their concerns are being ignored, that communication is inadequate, that transparency is lacking, and that financial decisions are placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers, they have every right to express their dissatisfaction and loss of confidence.

Our Request:

We respectfully call upon the Mayor and City Commissioners to:

1. Listen respectfully to residents, including those who disagree with City leadership.
2. Improve transparency concerning City finances, contracts, fees, compensation, and major policy decisions.
3. Provide meaningful opportunities for public input before significant decisions are made.
4. Clearly explain and justify increases in taxes, assessments, and fees, including the fire assessment.
5. Demonstrate that existing taxpayer funds are being spent efficiently and responsibly before placing additional financial burdens on residents.
6. Improve communication and responsiveness to constituents.
7. Treat residents with dignity and respect during public meetings and interactions with City government.
8. Accept accountability for decisions made on behalf of the citizens of Ocoee.
9. And, most importantly, seriously consider voluntarily resigning from office.

Our Message to Ocoee's Leadership

We elected you to represent us—not to dismiss us.

We elected you to listen—not simply to speak.

We elected you to protect the interests of Ocoee residents—not to place unnecessary financial burdens on them.

We elected you to be accountable—not insulated from criticism.

And we elected you to serve the people of Ocoee.

This petition gives residents a peaceful and lawful opportunity to make their voices heard and express their loss of confidence in the current leadership of the City of Ocoee.

If you believe Ocoee deserves leadership that listens, communicates openly, respects its residents, exercises fiscal responsibility, and remains accountable to the taxpayers, please sign this petition.

Together, we can send a clear message:

Ocoee deserves leaders who listen. Ocoee deserves transparency. Ocoee deserves accountability. Ocoee deserves respect.

Sign the petition and let your voice be heard.