Nine candidates signed up to fill the seat of outgoing Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe, who is term-limited.
Harvey Ward Jr. and Ed Bielarski got the most votes in the August primary, but since neither received at least 50% of the vote, they will face off in a runoff on the general election ballot.
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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 and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| CANDIDATES |
Ed Bielarski
Occupation: Retired General Manager
Age: 65
Your family: (No response)
Education: BA in Accounting/MBA
Political experience: First time
What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?
- Ending the City Commission’s addiction to the Utility customer’s money.
- Ending the war on single-family housing.
- Creating a path for affordable renewable energy.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
- I am the former General Manager of utility (GRU) and have already saved the customers $1 billion by negotiating out of a punitive biomass contract. I am a former CPA, with a BA in Accounting and an MBA along with 40 years of business experience.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
- I brought trust and faith back to local government.
Campaign website: VoteEdforMayor.com
Campaign’s social media site(s): facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077924311827
Harvey Ward Jr.
This candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to submit the News4Jax candidate questionnaire. The answers will be added here if are received at any point prior to the election.