The LWV of Alachua County and the UF Bob Graham Center for Public Service hosted a highly successful, highly attended primary candidate forum on Sunday, 6/23/24, at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. Sixteen candidates running for sheriff, county commission, Gainesville city commission, school board and state representative district 22 participated. They answered questions composed by the League while an overflow audience filled all the chairs, lined the staircases and watched from a balcony above. Afterward the crowd enjoyed free refreshments while talking with the candidates. Candidates and guests had glowing comments about the event.

Here's the Action Alert ask for this week...

A hallmark of informing voters in an election year are the LWV candidate forums. The LWV of Alachua County, our affiliate LWV student chapter at the University of Florida (LWV at UF), and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service are partnering to present a forum for candidates running in the primary election. Questions about local issues have been composed by LWV members for each candidate for each seat. A reception will follow and live streaming is available for those who cannot attend in person.

Today the city commission voted unanimously to allow the voters to decide on the governance of our local utility, GRU. They voted in favor of an ordinance that will allow a ballot referendum on November 5, 2024, on which voters can choose whether to have our utility governed by governor appointees or by local officials. The League stands firmly on the side of home rule for GRU. The state does not belong in our city charter or governance of our city. League leadership will be devising a public campaign to inform the public about the options and to encourage a “yes” vote on the referendum. Here are the asks for today’s Action Alert...