Buddy Dyer
Buddy Dyer is the current mayor of Orlando, Florida, and member of the United States Democratic Party.
"Buddy" Dyer began his political career after serving as an attorney and lawyer following his graduations from Brown University and the law school of the University of Florida. His first major political office was as a Florida state senator. He was first elected to be state senator in 1992 and was subsequently re-elected in 1996 and 2000. In addition, he served as state Senate Democratic leader for three years.
He was first elected mayor on February 25, 2003 in a special election after Glenda Hood was tapped to be Florida's Secretary of State.
Dyer is known for advocating a new performing arts center for Orlando, a new arena for the Orlando Magic. He has recently cooperated with Orange County, Florida Mayor Rich Crotty to propose a bill that would let tax money be used to fund an arena.
His stated goals are:
- To diversify the economy – shaping a high-tech future
- To revitalize downtown – including a downtown performing arts center
- To restore Parramore – developing plans to rebuild this proud neighborhood
- To fix transportation problems – lessening the commute for all Central Floridians
- To prioritize education -- making Orlando’s public schools the best they can be
He was re-elected in 2004 in a regular election, narrowly avoiding a runoff with challenger Ken Mulvaney. Mulvaney alleged fraud by Dyer. In investigation into the matter by the Florida Department of Law enforcement led a grand jury to bring charges against the mayor, his campain manager, and an election consultant for absentee ballot fraud. He was suspended by current Florida governor Jeb Bush in acordance to the Florida Constitution. Later, charges were dropped and he was reinstated as mayor.
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