Alachua County Commission, District 2

Democrat Marihelen Wheeler easily won in the August primary and advanced to face Republican Ed Braddy in the general election.

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.

Marihelen H. Wheeler

Occupation: County Commissioner

Age: 71

Your family: Married to Dr. Paul Wheeler, 5 children, 5 grandchildren

Education: MA art education, MAEd in Exceptional student education

Political experience: Currently serving Commission Chair in my 4th year in office

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

• Homelessness, Economic Equity and Global Warming impacts on Florida

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

• As retired public school teacher of 36 years, I have the insights into societal issues that have changed during that time. I have the skills to connect people who can address these changes and work constantly to build public-private partnerships,

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

• I would hope to build trust and collaboration between citizens, municipalities and government so that problems in the County would be more easily resolved. I would want to be remembered as someone available and willing to listen to concerns with creative problem solving skills. I would hope that my work as an environmentalist would impact the sustainable growth of our County and the region that depends on its natural resources as an economic driver and that parks we set aside benefit the locals who live here.

Campaign website: MarihelenWheeler.com

Campaign’s social media site(s): fb.com/WheelerforCountyCommission

Ed Braddy

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.