Donald Shepherd Sr. believes in the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
It’s the driving force behind Shepherd’s campaign for commissioner at-large.
Shepherd, who also ran for commissioner in 2012 and 2014, is basing his campaign on a promise to be the people’s representative.
“I don’t care if it’s day or night, call me, because I’m here for you,” he said. “I’m not here for myself.”
Shepherd worked as a groundskeeper for UF’s Physical Plant Division until 2011, when an injury forced him to leave.
After that, he began attending City Commission meetings and campaigning for other candidates, which ultimately led to his first campaign run in 2012.
If elected, Shepherd wants to focus on changing towing regulations in student living areas, on and off campus.
“The parking regulation needs to be changed so (tow trucks are) not allowed to tow vehicles without picture proof and without informing the owner of that vehicle,” Shepherd said. “When I look at students, I look at students and young people as my own kids.”
He would like to see another bookstore built on campus — just one step in his goal of lowering textbook prices.
Shepherd is also placing his focus on Gainesville’s east side and encouraging growth through projects such as malls and a second art museum.
In order to bring more jobs to Gainesville, Shepherd would like to see plants built along Route 441, such as a plastic recycling plant, and an amusement park to bring in more tourism.
Shepherd’s campaign manager and wife, Nancy Shepherd, said she supports him because of his dedication.
“There isn’t anybody out there who has really stood up for the people and the people’s interests,” she said. “He has vision. He has drive.”
Along with growth on Gainesville’s east side, Shepherd would like to see higher pay for teachers, more oversight for Gainesville Regional Utilities and increased financial support to low-income area schools.
He wants to implement social programs, such as job training for residents of GRACE Marketplace, and a two-to-five year probation program for perpetrators of sexual assault and domestic violence.
“If I’m not going to be in that chair and do everything in my power and ability to help people to have better lives, to help Gainesville be a better place to live and raise a family,” he said, “then I don’t deserve to be in a chair.”
“If you want someone who is going to be in your best interest, then vote for me March 17,” he said. “But if you want someone who is just going to go into there and fill a chair, best of luck.”
[A version of this story ran on page 8 on 3/11/2015]
J. Wayne Reitz Union
655 Reitz Union Drive, UF Campus, Gainesville, FL 32611
Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
315 Hull Road, UF Campus, Gainesville, FL 32611
Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Road, UF Campus, Gainesville, FL 32611
SFC Center for Innovation & Economic Development
530 W. University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Thelma Boltin Activity Center
516 NE Second Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601
Doyle Conner Building
1911 SW 34th St., Gainesville, FL 32614
Paramount Plaza Hotel
2900 SW 13th St., Gainesville, FL 32608
Early voting is through Saturday at:
Cone Park Library
Millhopper Branch Library
Supervisor of Elections Office
Donald Shepherd’s is campaigning for Gainesville city commissioner at-large.
