Two hopeful candidates announced their bids Monday for Gainesville City Commission seats that will open in March.
Robert Krames, 26, a Web designer, has his eyes on the at-large District 1 seat held by Commissioner Jeanna Mastrodicasa.
Marcia Wimberly, 50, a former social worker, faces Commissioner Scherwin Henry, who also wraps up his term for District 1.
Potential candidates must qualify this week.
"We desperately need change in leadership in Gainesville," said Krames, who moved to Gainesville at age 7. "There is a huge disconnect between the City Commission and the people of Gainesville and their needs."
He said the commission often ignores the opinions of city residents and cited the passing of the gender identity ordinance as an example.
The ordinance, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual identity in public facilities, allows people who identify themselves as transgender to use the public restroom of their choice. Those against the ordinance feel it gives sexual predators a free pass.
Mastrodicasa, Krames' opponent, supported the ordinance, which became law in January of 2008.
"The City Commission is out of touch with the people of Gainesville," Krames said.
He also listed other issues, including traffic congestion and increasing utility costs, which he said is especially problematic for low-income residents.
Although this is his first time running for public office, Krames believes he can get the job done.
"I just want to help make Gainesville a better place," he said.
This is also the first time Wimberly has run for a public office, but she has been involved in politics before. She worked on congressional and local campaigns and interned with the Georgia State Legislature, she said.
A Gainesville resident since 2004, Wimberly said she wants to increase voter turnout by building on the excitement President Barack Obama brought to political involvement during his campaign.
"(Voters) seem to have a lot to say, but they may feel that no one will listen," Wimberly said.
She hopes to sponsor a rebate for renters, which she said could benefit UF students. For property owners, she said she would support a tax credit to increase residents' cash flow and stimulate the economy.
Renters who paid rent for the 12 months prior to filing taxes would receive refunds on the property tax included in their rent, she said.
The credit, which is already in effect in California and Vermont, would give property owners $500 in tax credit, she said.
"We're going to have to work together and be one big community, not just UF and the rest of the community," she said.
