It’s important to know who’s who in Gainesville’s government and how to get involved.
At the top of the political food chain is Mayor Ed Braddy. Though he is a new mayor just elected in April, Braddy served as District 2 city commissioner from 2002-2008.
Braddy is no stranger to the city of Gainesville or its government. He has lived in Gainesville since 1991 and earned a degree in history from UF.
Aiding the mayor in his duties are the city commissioners. They pass the city’s budget, decide on ordinances and resolutions, and host City Commission meetings that are open to the public.
The current city commissioners are Thomas Hawkins (at-large), Lauren Poe (at-large), Yvonne Hinson-Rawls (District 1), Todd Chase (District 2), Susan Bottcher (District 3) and Randy Wells (District 4).
Regular city commission meetings are scheduled for the first and third Thursday of each month.
Alachua County has a separate set of commissioners as well, including Mike Byerly (District 1), Lee Pinkoson (District 2), Robert Hutchinson (District 3), Susan Baird (District 4) and Charles Chestnut IV (District 5).
County commission meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday each month in the County Administration Building.
Contact information for the city and county commissioners can be found at http://www.cityofgainesville.org and http://www.alachuacounty.us.
Stay in the know and attend public meetings. If you have something to bring to the city or county’s attention, there are allotted times for citizen comment where you can speak your mind.
This story originally ran on page 17 on 8/14/2013 under the headline "Know your city government"
