Gainesville Commissioner Randy Wells will run for reelection after he submitted paperwork Monday to the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections.
Wells is the third candidate in the District 4 city commission election, which is set for March. He will run against W.E. “Mac” McEachern and Alfredo Espinosa for the position.
District 4 consists of the eastern part of UF’s campus, as well as areas north of West University Avenue.
Wells previously won the commission seat in 2010 when he beat Penny Wheat, a former Alachua County commissioner, in a runoff election.
During his first term, Wells worked to improve city code enforcement and promote small businesses throughout Gainesville, according to his campaign press release. He is also chair of the Equal Opportunity Committee.
For his 2013 campaign, Wells said he would work to improve the relationship between the city and small businesses.
“When local government can develop relationships with local business and community groups, we find unique opportunities to better our city and the lives of our residents,” he said in a statement.
McEachern, a former city commissioner, announced his candidacy Thursday, according to the Supervisor of Elections’ website.
McEachern said he wants to bridge the gap between residents and the city.
“There has been a disconnection with citizens and the city commission, and I want to address that,” he said.
Espinosa could not be reached for comment.
Contact Chris Alcantara at calcantara@alligator.org.
