Why I’m Running
As a lifelong Alachua County resident and as an environmental engineer, I am running to protect our water and environment, provide good planning for climate change and growth, and to maintain our current infrastructure.
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Current and Former Board Positions:
- Utility Advisory Board Member for City of Gainesville (current member and former Chair)
- Alachua County Code Enforcement Board (engineer)
- Alachua County Environmental Advisory Board (former Chair)
- United Way of North Central Florida (board member)
- Florida Defenders of the Environment (executive board member)
- United States Green Building Council, Heart of Florida Chapter (President, LEED for Homes Chair)
- Cultural Arts Coalition (board member)
- NAACP Environmental Justice Committee Member
- Sequential Artists Workshop (board member)
Through my work, experience, and education I have become an expert in sustainability, utility, housing, environmental and energy issues and I have been honored to serve on many local and state boards.
I am pleased to announce that I will be running a carbon-neutral campaign. Please consider this when making donations.On Facebook
I’ve spent many hours talking to people about county government. Our county government operates under a charter, and that charter dictates many things - such as term limits, district voting, charter officers. Our county is in the middle of the charter review process. Please read the charter and add your voice.CHALLENGE: HOW WOULD YOU CHANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT?
If you are 100% satisfied, this isn’t for you. If you aren’t, fill out the suggestion form at the link below and send it to the Charter Review Commission for consideration on the Nov. 2020 ballot.
www.alachuacounty.us/CharterReview/Pages/Amendment-Suggestions.aspx
The citizens of Alachua County, Florida, believed that governmental decisions affecting local interests should be made locally rather than by the State. To provide the County the full home rule benefits afforded by the Constitution of the State of Florida to charter counties, the electorate established a home rule charter for Alachua County, Florida. The Charter allows for amendments to be proposed by a Charter Review Commission, which convenes every ten (10) years. The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners has established a twelve (12) member 2020 Charter Review Commission for the 2019-2020 review period.
For more information, click the following link.
www.alachuacounty.us/charterreview/pages/default.aspx
I believe one of the most transformative changes our county must embrace is fully supporting and funding mental health care. This will lower homelessness, lower suicide rates, decrease recidivism and jail populations, and address issues of drug addiction and related crime. I’m here to learn more.
This is why a living wage is important. When the biggest companies pay the lowest wages (think UF/Shands here) it sets the standard for the community.
www.orlandosentinel.com
In Orlando, home to Disney, Universal and SeaWorld, workers struggle with the lowest wages of the top 50 metropolitan areas in the country.I’m so pleased WUFT has taken on this issue. Thank you.
On Twitter
It’s sad to see the county has decided to decrease Grace’s funding. Grace has served as a lifeline & safety net for our most vulnerable citizens. Enough is enough. It’s time to do the right thing. The county should live up to its agreement & fully fund their share of Grace.
City commissioners are asking county officials not to reduce funding for the local homeless shelter. https://www.gainesville.com/news/20190905/city-asks-county-to-equally-fund-grace-marketplace
I'm a 6th generation Floridian, born and raised in Alachua County, and environmental engineer running a #CarbonNeutral campaign for Alachua County Commission, District 1! 🏳️🌈 Please support my campaign below!
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mary-alford-for-alachua-county-commission-district-one-1