Alachua County Commission, District 1

With one Republican and one Democrat running for this office, it will appear on the general election ballot in November.

News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.

Mary Alford

Occupation: Professional Engineer

Age: 61

Your family: Oldest of nine children, Mother of four sons, grandmother to six grandchildren

Education: Masters of Engineering

Political experience: Previous County Commissioner

What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?

1. Economic hardship and stress compounded by rising housing and utility costs.
2. Deteriorating infrastructure and lack of funding.
3. Climate disruption and resulting heat, flooding and disaster.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

• As an engineer I am familiar with infrastructure, with project management, with fiscal responsibility and critical thinking. I have over ten years of experience working in the utility industry and fifteen years working in sustainability and the built environment. This is a practical background to have solving today’s problems.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

• I want to be remembered for creating a resilient community with a strong local economy, protected natural and agricultural lands, clean air and water, and neighbors that work together despite political differences. I plan to leave a financially strong county government that with has maintained taxpayer assets (buildings, roads, parks, etc.), that has loyal happy employees, and that is respected by the citizens.

Campaign website: secure.actblue.com/donate/mary-alford-for-alachua-county-commission-district-one

Campaign’s social media site(s): facebook.com/commissioneralford

Raemi Eagle-Glenn

This candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to submit the News4Jax candidate questionnaire. Her answers will be prompted on this page if they are received before election day.