Gainesville City Commission

Two seats on the Gainesville City Commission are up for election this year, in non-partisan races. The race for At-Large Seat A will on the ballot for all voters in Gainesville city limits. The other seat, District 1, will only be open to voters in that commission district.

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.

James Ingle

This candidate has not yet responded to email and phone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If any responses are received, they will be promptly added to this space.

Campaign website: votejamesingle.com

Campaign social media: Facebook

Fareed “Reed” Johnson

Occupation: Professional Driver

Age: 32

Family: (No response)

Education: (No response)

Political experience: Chair/Vice Chair Police Advisory Council - 6-year member

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

1. Crime - I believe in holding individuals accountable for their actions, I also believe that we must address the root causes of crime. One way to do this is by improving access to education and job training and placement programs, particularly for young people in underserved communities. By providing these opportunities, we can help individuals achieve economic stability and provide them with a sense of purpose and direction, which can reduce the likelihood of involvement in criminal activity.

2. Housing - To increase homeownership, I propose options such as a rent-to-own program. Under this program, developers and private equity firms will build and rent homes to prospective homebuyers who may not have the financial resources to purchase a home at that moment. Renters would have the option to purchase the property later with a guaranteed option to buy. This program not only provides a pathway to homeownership for those who may not have access to traditional financing but also ensures that the housing supply remains affordable.

3. GRU Debt - First, stabilize the rates and address the debt levels to reduce the cost burden on residents of Gainesville and Alachua County. I will support the GRU Authority if they keep GRU customers and staff as their top priority. The Gainesville City Commission created this issue. Both the GRU Authority and the Gainesville City Commission can be effective bodies of government as long as we make the conscious decision to work together.

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

I have a diverse background and relationships with people at every level in our community. My relationships span from people in different parts of government to those suffering from addiction and homelessness. I know individuals who are incarcerated in our county jail, and I also have relationships with our youth. Not only can I unite our community, but I will also give every citizen a voice.

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

I would want to be remembered for engaging my community and working with every corner of the city to make Gainesville a better place to live.

Campaign website: electfareed.com

Campaign social media: Facebook

Desmon Duncan-Walker

This candidate, the incumbent, has not yet responded to email and phone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If any responses are received, they will be promptly added to this space.

Campaign website: None found

Campaign social media: None found

Michael Perkins

Occupation: Self-employed; Owner/Operator (since 2005) of Perks Family Tax Service LLC. I provide, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax services, including income tax, sales tax, and payroll taxes. I also provide small business development services and consultations.

Age: 66

Family: No local family affiliation

Education: Graduate of William M Raines High School (c/o) Attended University of Florida with an accumulated GPA of 3.79.

Political experience: Concerned citizen attending, and advocating those that feel they have no voice. I am a recognized face at City Commission, County Commission, School Board, and Children’s Trust meetings, staying abreast of the issues, concerns, and opportunities that come before our community.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?

Citizens of Gainesville regaining governance of our local utilities. Staff from both Gainesville Regional Utilities and the City of Gainesville have a proposed plan that will restore profitability, and although the plan will require tweaks along the way, I fully support the plan that has been laid before us. Gun violence in our community is out of control. I fully support the City’s efforts in addressing this issue. I also plan to work with our faith-based organizations to continue to foster a mindset that we are our brother and our sister’s keeper. I want to coordinate efforts that cross all generation, ethnicity, and cultural issues to have a united front in addressing gun violence. The City of Gainesville has an ever-growing homeless population. It is vitally important that we address the needs and concerns of these citizens. I plan to bring homeless individuals into the discussion as to how we can best address their needs and concerns.

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

Since 2017, I have been on the frontline (picking up food and essentials, repackaging, and distributing to homeless, to students, and to those facing economic challenges. I have also been serving as a mentor to kids (ages one through fourteen) since 2015. I have also advocated on behalf of these individuals, and other issues such as housing, transportation, gun violence, and governance by attending and speaking up on these issues at City Commission, County Commission, School Board, and Children’s Trust meeting. My level of service includes my faith, while I serve as an intercessor, praying for individuals that are going through life’s challenges, I also serve as an Ordained Deacon, and President of my Churches Usher Ministry. I have served (2020- 2023) as the Vice-President of the Gainesville Chapter of the National Panhellenic Council. I currently serve as the assistant treasurer, and I chair two committees (Economic Development, and Labor & Industry) in the Alachua County Branch of the NAACP. No other candidate in this rate can demonstrate this level of service and commitment that demonstrate that I will show up for the citizens of Gainesville.

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

I would like to be remembered for a level of service and dedication that allows me to be present at coalition meetings, homeowners association meetings, individual organizations and groups that advocate for any cause that is near and dear to their hearts. I want to be remembered for gathering the information, and making a decision that will benefit the overall growth and prosperity of the City of Gainesville.

Campaign website: https://linktr.ee/voteperk

Campaign social media: Facebook