I’m sad and disappointed most UF students — probably an overwhelming majority — don’t participate in local politics. We spend practically four years of our lives in Gainesville. We eat, live and spend a lot of money in this fair city. When issues of utility rates, transportation and public safety are brought up in local politics, students should pay close attention — is there a better time to get involved in Gainesville politics than right now?
The City of Gainesville elections are currently in full swing. This is a prime opportunity for students to learn about the issues and meet the candidates.
Yes, I know local elections are dull and boring. Well, fear not, dear reader, because last week I went to a Gainesville city election debate. The banter was lively, shade was thrown and the candidates brought forth visions of a more prosperous tomorrow. Admittedly, it was pretty boring. But in an attempt to make this dull event more interesting, and therefore make students more interested in the election, I’ll do my best to describe the debate in unnecessary detail.
Democracy was on full display Jan. 27 in the Center for Innovation and Economic Development building. The Gainesville Citizens for Active Transportation hosted a debate for the four men running for Gainesville high office. These civically minded men were divided into two categories: those seeking the mayoralty and those seeking the District 4 commissionership. Their personalities and demeanors couldn’t be more different. Donald Shepherd, longtime candidate and no-time office holder who is currently running for mayor, was dressed very dapperly. Small and relaxed, he used his debate time to connect with the crowd, pledge an oath to God and declare himself the people’s representative at least four times. As a former UF employee, he connected with the audience and proudly presented himself as “That One Alachua County Resident.”
Adrian Hayes-Santos, a candidate for District 4 commissioner, is the youngest of the bunch. Presenting himself as a starry-eyed ingénue, he waxed poetry about his days helping local startups and his time at Santa Fe College and UF. He hammered his message home thusly: Gainesville must protect neighborhoods, make downtown thrive and take care of the environment. He did this in an above-normal speaking tone. His message stood out to me. It is hard not to pay attention when you are being yelled at for an hour.
Lauren Poe, a candidate for mayor, spoke in a nasally accent. He deployed the phrases “economic opportunity,” “living wage” and “equality” in his rhetorical arsenal. In short, he’s Gainesville’s Bernie Sanders. Just like the senator, he used and flailed his arms to their fullest effect.
Ed Braddy, the current mayor, played Godot in this evening’s production. That is to say, he didn’t show up. A white place card positioned in front of an empty chair was all the audience was offered.
Jim Konish, a candidate for District 4, displayed a quiet intensity. His pursed lips and darting eyes shone brightly in the white debate room. He was by far the most interesting candidate. With great grit, he pointed out during his opening remark that he was a Gainesville resident while his opponent was still in the womb.
Konish bashed the “DEC party bosses” and bought politicians throughout the night. Later in the debate, when the subject of traffic tickets was mentioned, Konish revealed his only serious run-in with the police involved running a stop sign. He quickly pointed out many candidates couldn’t say the same — Shepherd was recently arrested and other candidates have checkered pasts.
When the candidates were asked about decision-making, Konish pounced on Hayes-Santos for his involvement with Grooveshark, a tech company that recently went under.
Konish was after blood in the debate. Moreover, he was the only candidate that talked about the “sad realities” of the day: that change won’t occur unless developers pay for some of the congestion they cause and the whole biomass plant issue. It’s nice to hear a candidate talk about sad realities.
Topics of consequential importance were discussed with great zeal. Why aren’t bikes utilized? Does Gainesville have dangerous roads and sidewalks? Should taxes be raised for transportation issues? Does transportation contribute to inequality? The great stoics and scholars couldn’t have asked better questions.
This debate had everything: a clash of personalities, at least 25 people in the audience, jabs and barbs, one TV camera, a tired moderator, an empty chair and Jim Konish.
In short, it was a night to remember. History will write favorably about the Santa Fe Smackdown.
Michael Beato is a UF political science senior. His column runs on Mondays.
