With American flags and handmade campaign signs hanging in the background, Gainesville City Commissioner Craig Lowe welcomed the public to his newly opened campaign headquarters Friday.
According to Lowe, he believes he is the first mayoral candidate to open a campaign headquarters in Gainesville.
Lowe, who has served on the Gainesville City Commission since 2003, is running for mayor. He is vying to take the place of Pegeen Hanrahan, who has served the maximum of two three-year terms.
Speaking to about 60 people, Lowe vowed to address issues relating to the city budget, environment and economic development.
“In this campaign, there will be voices who want to return to the policies of old,” he told the crowd. “That will not be a part of the Gainesville we want.”
Since Lowe announced his candidacy in August, the campaign has mobilized about 100 volunteers, said Garrett Garner, Lowe’s campaign manager.
Garner expects more to join as the March 16 election draws closer.
Julia Boyd, a UF political science and economics junior who serves as an intern on the campaign, said one of Lowe’s best characteristics is his ability to connect with people, especially students.
“He’s not locked behind a closed door,” she said. “He’s out there with the people. He cares about the community.”
In an interview before the grand opening, Lowe emphasized the importance of the upcoming election.
“The future of Gainesville is in the balance in this election,” he said. “We need to continue the progress we have made in order to make Gainesville a better place.”
Lowe is running against three opponents: Monica Cooper, Don Marsh and Richard Selwach.
While Lowe maintains that he is confident in his campaign, he said he will not be complacent.
“We’ll run a very organized and active campaign that’s respectful of Gainesville,” he said.
Jeff Lane, who attended the opening, offered Lowe the endorsement of the Gainesville Professional Firefighters, praising his commitment to law enforcement.
Lane, who said Gainesville is facing its most difficult times since the 1970s, believes Lowe has all the right attributes to lead the city.
“Challenging times require experience in city government,” Lane said.
“[Lowe] has the ability to bring many divergent points of view to a consensus. I think he’s the best candidate,” he said.
Correction: The Alligator intially reported that Lowe would be running against four opponents. He is running against three.
