“Giving back to the community is something every citizen should take part in,” Agrusa said. “It is my absolute pleasure and it is my hope that I can serve the community in an even greater capacity on the Gainesville City Commission.”

Agrusa and his team organized the event with Keep Alachua Beautiful, a program to protect, preserve and improve the quality of life in Alachua County by using public education, mass communications, governmental involvement and grassroots activities to prevent and control litter, improve solid waste management and beautify the community.

Over 25 are expected to participate in the clean up.

“We have a wonderful opportunity ahead of us,” Agrusa said. “We are looking forward to seeing everyone out there on Saturday.”

WHAT – THE PLATFORM: Robert Agrusa will work for a sustainable Gainesville providing for the needs of our community and securing resources for future generations. He believes this can be done with small changes, such as bio-diesel fuel for busses. Through this and other changes, we can guarantee Gainesville and its resources will be preserved for the future.

Agrusa plans to direct the city’s attention to redevelopment. Redevelopment has the power to build a positive image for the community while preserving historic resources and investments. He believes redevelopment can be used to strengthen the economic opportunities and improve the quality of locations, such as Downtown Gainesville, Fifth Avenue, Pleasant Street and the Eastside District, without encroaching upon the identity of historic areas.

With redevelopment and sustainability, Gainesville will have a growing need for improved transportation infrastructure. Issues concerning transportation affect every resident within the city. Therefore, making transportation as efficient as possible is a primary goal of his campaign.

WHEN: The election will take place January 29, 2008. Campaigning is currently in process.

WHY: As the University of Florida Senate President, Agrusa had the opportunity to effect change within the city and serve the dynamic individuals who live and work in the Gainesville community. After working on a variety of projects related to improving the quality of life in Gainesville during his term, Agrusa finds it hard to imagine stepping away from something he feels so passionately about and sees so much potential in. Agrusa seeks to create change within his community. Agrusa was raised to understand the importance of civic duty and compassion for others. His mother, a UF graduate, volunteered with countless non-profit organizations. At a young age, her work inspired him to give back. From refurbishing churches in Tampa to rebuilding medical clinics and hospitals in the Dominican Republic, Agrusa said the most meaningful experiences in his life have been those in which he was able to serve others. As he steps into a new arena, he is confident the foundation established in his upbringing and leadership experience in Gainesville positions make him an ideal candidate.

HOW – FUNDRAISING: Success in this endeavor requires a strong and dedicated grass roots organization. Agrusa encourages all Gainesville residents to join his team in a commitment to the important issues at hand. Already, his staff is hard at work designing flyers and building winning strategies.

With thousands of brochures to purchase, hundreds of yard signs to order and scores of radio ads to place, Agrusa humbly invites you to become involved in the campaign and help make the difference Gainesville needs.

Your early contribution, made payable to “Vote Agrusa ‘08” will give his race a tremendous boost right out of the starting block. Please visit http://www.voteagrusa08.com for more information on how to contribute to Agrusa’s campaign.

GET INVOLVED: Gainesville residents are invited to gain hands-on experience with a political campaign and play a fundamental role in the election of a candidate who is devoted to the city of Gainesville. Agrusa is looking for outgoing and enthusiastic individuals interested in staffing the volunteer committee for the campaign. Volunteers will attend rallies and meetings, table at various locations on campus, encourage voter participation, organize and attend campaign sponsored community outreach events and much more. This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in getting involved on campus and networking with influential members of the UF and Gainesville community. All interested are asked to send their schedule, along with name and contact info, to Lauren Hrncirik at hrncirik@ufl.edu.

“Having the opportunity to learn from influential leaders within the Gainesville community as Senate President gave me unique perspective and focus. I am ready to lead Gainesville in the necessary direction as a forward-thinking
candidate who is passionate and committed.”

Having lived in a metropolitan area most of my life, I understand the complexity of economic disparity within a city like Gainesville. Therefore, I am fully committed to narrowing this gap by concentrating on the key issues that, until improved, will only further divide Gainesville. I believe central to our efforts in Gainesville is providing for the immediate needs of our community while securing resources for future generations. We can start this process with small changes such as bio-diesel fuel for busses. Creating a sustainable Gainesville will guarantee our beautiful city and its resources will be preserved for the future.

I will also direct our city’s attention to redevelopment. This must be a priority in building a positive future for Gainesville and preserving historic resources and investments. Redevelopment will strengthen the economic opportunities and improve the quality of life of places such as Downtown, Fifth Avenue, Pleasant Street and the Eastside District without encroaching upon the identity of historic areas. Additionally, Gainesville has a growing need for improved transportation infrastructure. Making transportation as efficient as possible is a primary goal of my campaign as this issue affects every resident within the city.

I am ready to lead Gainesville in the necessary direction, but before I can do so, I must conduct a very aggressive campaign. The residents of Gainesville deserve a forward-thinking candidate who is passionate and committed.