Editor’s note: This is the second part of a series that profiles candidates running in the 2013 mayoral race.
As a former City Commissioner, Scherwin L. Henry is going back into politics to finish what he started.
“I’m going back to complete unfinished business,” he said. “To provide a new perspective of leadership for the city of Gainesville.”
Henry, 60, is running for mayor in Tuesday’s Gainesville city elections on a platform of economic growth.
Henry said he’s focused on making living more affordable by bringing more jobs and creating better access to transportation.a
While Henry served as District 1 City Commissioner from 2006 to 2012, he helped build several parks, planned a new library and helped increase housing.
By the end of his second term, Henry said, he felt there was a disconnect between the city and its residents.
“Local government can’t be an island of itself to accomplish goals on behalf of the city,” he said. “We must be able to work together.”
As a 1983 UF graduate and 38-year university employee, Henry said he wants better opportunities for UF students to find jobs after graduation.
“What we need to do is actually have Gainesville become a place where its residents feel like they have the opportunity to better their station in life,” he said.
To do that, he said, the city needs to cultivate jobs and employment opportunities.
Armando Grundy, 32, has known Henry for seven years and has worked on his campaign as a volunteer since December.
Grundy said Henry has the ability to heal the fractured relationship between the city and its residents.
“I’ve watched him exercise sound judgment and give the leadership this city needs,” Grundy said.
Contact Alexa Volland at avolland@alligator.org.
Scherwin L. Henry is running for mayor. He served as the District 1 City Commissioner from 2006 to 2012.
