by Joe Courter
Here’s your Primary election guide for the August 20 voting. I will ignore the Republican ballot, don’t expect too many of you are reading this; this is the Democratic side. These races will include some that are not on every ballot, due to districts in the city, county, and state. I’ll just list most of the Alachua County area ones.
US Senate: This is statewide for the right to face off against the awful Senator Rick Scott. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is the establishment Democrat, but there is an alternative of interest, Stanley Campbell, who could surprise and going head to head would give Rick Scott fits. He’s a scientist with an IT background and has endorsement from the AFL-CIO and the Black Caucus. Look him up. We say Campbell.
Florida House District 22: We like Amy Trask here, as a woman with great communication skills, who is more electable than her opponent, whose brashness will not probably work in this pretty conservative district. Winning in November here, as above, is important.
Alachua County Sheriff: Since Clovis Watson bailed out of the job, our dear governor got to appoint a Republican, Emory Gainey, to the job, and now he is on the ballot for November. Democrat Chad Scott has a well-organized campaign and would do a good job and could stand a chance in what will be a tough race. He also has AFL-CIO support. Latrell Simmons is pretty good, too, showing especially good at the League of Women Voters forum, but has little money or much of an active campaign. Again, November matters. Vote Chad Scott.
County Commission District 1: Mary Alford is by far our favorite. Been in there, been tested, and is very good. And note, due to Tallahassee meddling, our commissioner races are single district for the first time, not countywide. If you like her but can’t vote for her, send her some campaign support.
Alachua County School Board District 1: Thomas Vu is a new face and would be a great addition to the Board. He has support from the teachers union and would be an improvement over current board member Diyonne McGraw.
Alachua County School Board District 4: Keep Leanetta McNealy without a doubt; she’s great, and her opponent is an oddball Abraham Lincoln role player. Again, vote Leanetta.
Gainesville City Commission At-Large: James Ingle without a doubt. Great guy, committed union member who loves this town.
Gainesville City Commission District 1: Michael Perkins would give SE Gainesville a boost in representation over the current commissioner; he is actively involved in helping human needs, including homelessness, food, and education.