Alachua County Commission District 2 candidates on growth, local control ahead of universal primary

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. — Four candidates are running for the Alachua County Commission District 2 seat, replacing Marihelen Wheeler, who is not seeking re-election.

This is the first universal primary in an Alachua County commission race, meaning all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, are eligible to vote. All candidates are from the same party and the winner will not face an opponent in November’s general election.

The candidates

Donna Bradbrook has worked for the county for 20 years presenting audits and strategic plans. Tina Certain has served on the Alachua County School Board for eight years. Charlie Jackson is a veteran who served as Alachua County’s facilities manager, then director, for more than 20 years. Byran Williams is a veteran who has been involved in High Springs government for 20 years, serving in various roles including mayor.

Growth and infrastructure

Donna Bradbrook said sustainable growth is possible while following the comprehensive plan.

“We have land use regulations. I think as long as we continue to stick by our plan and continue to stick to smart growth opportunities. I think we can conserve our environment, we can ensure clean, ample water for future generations and we can allow growth and affordable housing,” Bradbrook said.

Tina Certain said growth and infrastructure are directly linked.

“We want to ensure that growth is contributing its fair share to offset the cost to infrastructure so that existing residents are not paying for that. We want to be good planners so we can improve our tax base, but we also want to protect our natural resources, existing neighborhoods and areas,” Certain said.

Charlie Jackson said he would use the comprehensive plan to build out scenarios for areas that grow and have the resources.

“Let’s take the comprehensive plan and the guidance and the procedures, then let’s build out various scenarios. I’m accustomed to strategic planning. For example if we’re going to grow into an area, then we know where we’re going to increase requirements for law enforcement, education, recreation facilities, library facilities,” Jackson said.

Byran Williams said he supports growth but emphasized the need for affordable workforce housing.

“I believe in smart growth, we all notice the state of Florida is growing daily and we do need jobs and affordable homes. When I say affordable homes, I mean workforce homes for our law enforcement, first responders,” Williams said.

Local control vs. state oversight

Bradbrook said state legislation has limited the ability of local governments to act in the interest of their residents.

“With the number of bills that have made it into the state during the legislative sessions and then also been approved and adopted by the governor, a number of them are restricting the ability of local governments to operate in the best interest of their citizens. My background in local government is such that I feel like I am in a great position with my experience and my knowledge to be able to ensure that the interests of our citizens are brought forward,” Bradbrook said.

Certain, who faced the state Board of Education last year over controversial Facebook posts about the death of Charlie Kirk, said the experience shaped her understanding of the rights of local and state government.

“I think being prepared and understanding my role and and the authority that I have is really critical for moving forward and understanding the role of oversight of state and federal is critical. Understanding the rights and responsibilities is critical. Our local government should be a partner with our state and federal government to improve the area and the issues that affect us locally. I don’t think that state government should overreach onto local lanes,” Certain said.

Jackson said he supports local control but acknowledged limits to what counties can accomplish without state and federal assistance.

“I’m a candidate that understands that in local control, you can only do so much on the home rule. We need help in fixing our roads. We need help in our schools. We cannot continue to put the total burden on these property tax owners here in Alachua County because it’s just too much and driving the taxes up, we got to bring the taxes down,” Jackson said.

Williams believes in government collaboration but said he has advocated for home rule.

“I fought many years for home rule. As I was a commissioner here in High Springs, I used to serve on the boards in Tallahassee on home rule. It’s so important for the city to have their own rule. I don’t believe in unfunded mandates because it’s so important as a local government we know the people,” Williams said.

The winner of the Aug. 18 primary will not face a general election opponent in November.

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