The final countdown has begun for the Gainesville Commission race.
At noon on Friday, the ballot will be finalized and sent for printing. This means the five candidates running for the District 3 spot have three more days to pay the $304.03 qualifying fee and to fill out paperwork.
The fee may be problematic for two candidates.
Ozzy Angulo said he won’t be able to pay the fee, so he’ll fill out a form that will allow him to continue without paying it. Angulo filed the same form when he ran for mayor last year.
“This is not something that I’m not going to allow to concern my team,” he said. “We’re not going to stop now.”
Currently, Angulo has raised $618.50.
Ramon Trujillo has not raised any campaign funds, but he has an appointment to complete his paperwork Tuesday morning. He said he also plans to fill out the fee waiver.
As of Monday afternoon, Angulo and Jimmy Harnsberger had also made appointments to finish their paperwork, said Pam Carpenter, Alachua County supervisor of elections.
Susan Bottcher’s campaign manager, Eric Conrad, said they are ironing out some last-minute details and plan to be registered by Wednesday.
“There’s no question. Susan’s in this race,” Conrad said.
Rob Zeller, the lead fundraiser of the District 3 race, had not made an appointment, Carpenter said. He did not return voicemail requests for comment.
Carpenter said candidates without appointments can stop by her office to complete the process. She said she doesn’t expect anyone to jump into the race this week, nor does she expect anyone to drop out, but nothing is certain until Friday at noon.
