On Friday, June 17, 2005, I filed with the City Clerk to run for the Orlando City Council - District 3. This is a big step in my life and that of my family...one that has been more than 50 years in the making.

Having been born and raised here in District 3, I learned from my parents, George & Vicki Stuart, the importance of giving back to our community. I attended public schools (Princeton Elementary, Lee Junior High, and Edgewater High) as well as the University of Florida, where I graduated in 1975 with a B.S. in Advertising & Communications. After returning home, I worked in my family's business until 1990 when I began another career. Since 1995, I have been the Executive Director of the Christian Service Center for Central Florida, Inc., a non-profit agency in Orlando serving the hopeless and helpless of our community. During this time, we have built coalitions of concerned citizens from all over this community to address the issues surrounding homelessness, poverty, affordable housing, education, transportation, senior adults, and much more.

I joined the College Park Rotary Club as a charter member in 1988 and served in many capacities during my tenure, most recently as President (2004-05). While serving College Park through the Rotary Club, our club was able to give thousands of dollars in scholarships to our local schools (Lee Middle School, St. Charles School, Bishop Moore High School, and Edgewater High School) as well as deliver Meals on Wheels each Friday morning. In addition, I have been active at College Park Baptist Church for more than 25 years handling many responsibilities while teaching in the Youth Department since 1981.

Umpiring is a special calling for me having serving the College Park Little League ever since 1967! Most recently, I was selected to umpire in the Little League World Series, the highest honor for a volunteer umpire in the Little League organization. To me, its a chance to impact the lives of young people while teaching them important life skills through competitive baseball.

In 1973, I met my future wife, Ann at the University of Florida. We settled in College Park in 1977 and have lived in the same house ever since. We have raised two great kids (Maribeth, 25 and Robert, Jr., 23) and seen them grow to wonderful young adults. They attended public schools (Lake Silver Elementary, Lee Middle, and Edgewater High) where they excelled in both sports and academics. Maribeth continued to Samford University, majoring in Public Relations/Marketing. Today, she is married to Clint Ball (another College Parker) and lives nearby. Robert went to the University of Florida and majored in Political Science. He got married in December 2005 to Kristin Kilpatrick (Ruston, LA) and lives just north of College Park.

On April 11, I'll get the opportunity, with your help, to continue my community service by serving as District 3's next City Commissioner. I'm asking for your vote and support. Please join me as we lead this community together.