FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jason Sanchez
info@gainesvilleisforpeople.org
347-501-1211
Housing and Transit Groups to Question 12 Candidates, Weigh Endorsements Ahead of Aug. 18 Election
GAINESVILLE - Twelve candidates across five local races will take the stage Monday, July 13, to answer directly to two advocacy organizations whose endorsements could shape the August 18 election. Gainesville is for People and Gainesville Citizens for Active Transportation will co-host the free, public forum from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the LifeSouth Community Blood Center, 1221 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32601. It is open to the public, and no RSVP is required.
The forum carries real stakes. Following the event, each organization will separately weigh endorsements in the City and County Commission races, based on candidates' forum answers, written questionnaire responses, and platforms. For candidates competing in crowded fields, including a four-way County Commission District 2 race and a three-way City Commission District 2 race, a strong showing could prove decisive.
The evening will unfold in two parts. City Commission candidates take questions first, then County Commission candidates, with both organizations pressing every candidate on housing and transportation.
At the forum, voters will hear how candidates plan to respond to the impacts of growth in our region. The University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research projects the Gainesville metro area could add close to 140,000 residents by 2050 at the high end of its range. More residents means more demand for homes people can afford and more pressure on our county's shared commitment to safe walking, biking and transit by 2040.
"Where people can live and what they can afford touches everything else in their lives," said Jason Sanchez of Gainesville is for People. "We teamed up with GCAT because housing and transportation go hand in hand, and voters deserve to hear how candidates would tackle both."
"How safely and easily people can get around shapes this community as much as where they live," said Kristen Young of Gainesville Citizens for Active Transportation. "This forum gives voters the chance to hear directly from the candidates on the issues that shape daily life."
The confirmed candidates are:
● County Commission, District 2: Donna Bradbrook, Tina Certain, Charlie Jackson and Bryan Williams
● County Commission, District 4: Dewayne Baines and Ken Cornell
● City Commission, District 2: Nathan Crabbe, Nelida Jean-Baptiste and Wyatt Clark Zintiz
● City Commission, District 3: Casey Willits
● Mayor: Evan Morgan Moon and Harvey Ward Jr.
The venue offers ADA-compliant parking, entrance and elevator access. Attendees with accessibility needs can contact info@gainesvilleisforpeople.org.
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Gainesville is for People is the local chapter of YIMBY Action, a national network of pro-housing advocates working for more inclusive housing policies. The chapter advocates for research-backed policies that increase the supply of housing at every level, market-rate and subsidized alike, and envisions a Gainesville where every resident has access to a safe, affordable home near jobs, services, and opportunity. Learn more at gainesvilleisforpeople.org.
Gainesville Citizens for Active Transportation (GCAT) is a nonprofit social welfare organization that advocates for complete streets practices. GCAT promotes cycling, walking, disability access, and transit through education and advocacy and envisions a community in which active transportation is a safe, viable, and attractive option for everyone.
LifeSouth provides a meeting space for the benefit of the community and does not endorse the policies, beliefs, or activities of candidates, Gainesville is for People, or Gainesville Citizens for Active Transportation.
