Public appeal, city knowledge and a love of politics are virtues that boost the chances for local government hopefuls.
For Bryan Harman, a City Commission District 2 candidate, trekking door-to-door around Gainesville doesn't hurt, either.
In this race - Harman's first election and one with no clear front-runner - the 33-year-old has cited his walks as something that separates him from his opponents.
Over the past several weeks, Harman, who worked in real estate and marketing before taking a break to campaign, said he has walked numerous neighborhoods and knocked on several thousand doors in an effort to meet the taxpayers he hopes to serve.
"I've tried to make myself unique," he said. "I've tried very hard to go face-to-face with people."
Harman said his policy of direct conversation with constituents has helped him realize what city residents feel local government could work on.
"If you are a candidate for local office and have not been knocking on doors," he added, "I don't think you're prepared to lead our city."
Specifically, Harman said he hopes to lead the city in attracting more high-paying jobs to Gainesville.
Social programs for the needy, like vocational training and affordable housing, are also important goals he said the city should support. As for where the city could find the extra funding needed to pursue these programs, he mentioned stopping bureaucratic waste by spending less on consulting fees.
The city should also exercise more caution in deciding which companies it chooses to support financially, he said.
Tax incentives, like those granted from the city to developments like University Corners, should go to companies with a good environmental background and a history of treating employees well.
This selectivity, he said, would invite companies that would give back to the community and not just corporations that would turn the city into the next "Orlando, Jacksonville or Tampa."
