Robert Agrusa Announces Candidacy
It is with great pleasure I announce my candidacy for the Gainesville City Commission At-Large 2 seat in the January 2008 elections. As the University of Florida’s Senate President, I had the opportunity to affect change within the city and serve the dynamic individuals who live and work in the Gainesville community. After working on a wide range of projects related to improving the quality of life in Gainesville during my term, I cannot step away from something I feel so passionately about. I am confident that my leadership experience in Gainesville and willingness to consider innovative solutions qualifies me as an ideal candidate for our city.
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.