ISSUES

Bridges, Not Walls

The Helyx Bridge in Gainesville, FL lit up at night

The Heart of the Matter

There’s a kind of politics that feels good in the moment. You pass a resolution. You make a statement. You pick a fight with Tallahassee or Washington. Your supporters cheer. It feels like you’re doing something.

But what happens next? Often, retaliation. Funding cut. Authority stripped. The very people you were trying to help end up worse off.

I’ve never believed in politics as performance. I believe in politics as service—and service means doing what actually works, not what gets the most applause.

Tallahassee Capital Building

My Commitment

Build Relationships Before We Need Them

The time to make friends in Tallahassee is not when you’re in crisis. It’s now. I will engage proactively with state legislators—Republicans and Democrats alike—to build relationships that benefit Gainesville.

There’s more common ground than people think:

  • Infrastructure investments that benefit everyone
  • Economic development that creates jobs
  • Public safety resources that protect communities
  • Workforce development that prepares people for good careers

Strengthen Our Academic Partnerships

The University of Florida and Santa Fe College aren’t just institutions—they’re partners in our prosperity. When UF thrives, Gainesville thrives. When Santa Fe trains workers, our businesses benefit.

I will:

  • Collaborate on initiatives that benefit both town and gown
  • Support research and innovation that creates local jobs
  • Advocate for educational opportunities accessible to all residents
  • Revive the “Friendship Seven” collaboration among our anchor institutions

Regional Cooperation

Gainesville doesn’t stop at the city limits—and neither do our challenges or opportunities. I will:

  • Strengthen our partnership with Alachua County
  • Coordinate with the Council for Economic Outreach on regional development
  • Pursue federal infrastructure and grant opportunities aggressively
  • Work with neighboring cities on transportation and transit

The Bottom Line

I’d rather have a quiet victory that helps my constituents than a loud defeat that makes headlines. Real leadership isn’t about who shouts the loudest—it’s about who delivers results. That’s what I intend to do.