The qualifying period for Spring 2016 Gainesville District 4 Commission and mayoral Elections ended over Winter Break, finalizing the candidates running for office. For mayor, incumbent Ed Braddy is up against former city commissioner Lauren Poe and Gainesville resident Donald Shepherd Sr. Running for District 4 City Commissioner are Gainesville residents Jim Konish and Adrian Hayes-Santos. Current District 4 Commissioner Randy Wells is finishing his term limit. Voting takes place March 15 during the Presidential Preference Primary & City of Gainesville Election. Here are the candidates’ platforms:
ED BRADDY
Mayoral Candidate
Lower Gainesville Regional Utilities bills
Make Gainesville more user-friendly
Expand opportunities for city residents, especially those with low incomes
LAUREN POE
Mayoral Candidate
Work to fully fund and implement the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and continue work on 352ArtsRoadmap
Expand youth and children programs
Build a transportation system that is more effective and safe for everyone
DONALD SHEPHERD SR.
Mayoral Candidate
Get students more involved in elections and voting
Address parking issues for students, especially towing
Lower GRU bills
JIM KONISH
District 4 Candidate
Work to lower GRU bills
Defund Dignity Village and Grace Marketplace and use those funds to improve infrastructure
Establish buffer zones between low-density and high-density neighborhoods
ADRIAN HAYES-SANTOS
District 4 Candidate
Protect neighborhoods
Promote an economically vibrant downtown
Preserve local natural environment
Contact Hunter Williamson at hwilliamson@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @hunterewilliam.
