As a candidate for Mayor, Craig promised to reach out to private enterprise and help bring well-paying jobs to Gainesville, making it a priority to keep our recent graduates here. Since he was sworn in, Gainesville has added over 1,800 jobs, and unemployment is 25% lower than the national average. The Innovation Square project has brought new businesses hiring students and recent graduates, the Archer Road corridor is expanding, and Gainesville Regional Airport has doubled the number of airlines, while Silver Airways is moving its jet repair facility to Gainesville. This project will create additional family-wage jobs that do not require a college degree.
In his second term, Craig will work with local businesses and county government to help build on the success of Innovation Square, finding permanent homes for the businesses that are started there and keeping those jobs in Gainesville. He will continue to serve as an advocate for Gainesville’s business-friendly attitude, educated workforce, and great quality of life-all prime factors when businesses decide to relocate. Craig will fight to ensure that all residents, from all backgrounds, can find a job and put down roots in Gainesville.
Keeping Gainesville Beautiful
Gainesville’s natural beauty and progressive approach to environmental protection makes this a great place to live and visit. Craig has worked to protect these assets, spearheading intiatives that have protected nearly 1,000 new acres of land-an area as large as all of downtown Gainesville. Gainesville has also introduced a new line of bio-diesel buses and worked to provide transportation options for all types of commuters, including cyclists and those who use mass transit. In his second term, Craig will continue to fight for a clean, safe environment and green transportation options.
As the law requires, the City of Gainesville has balanced its budget every year since Craig was elected. In 2012, Craig worked with the City Commission to leave the city with a sizable surplus, even as city-wide property tax rates have gone down. Because of the investments Gainesville has made in smart growth and economic development, we have broadened our tax base, hired additional first responders, and done it all while providing a great value to our residents.
There are always opportunities to make government more effective and responsive, and Craig will continue to be a leader when it comes to the City’s budget. A vote for Craig is a vote for a budget that makes economic development, safe neighborhoods, and environmental protection top priorities.
Safe, Vibrant Neighborhoods
During his first campaign for mayor, Craig promised to make neighborhood safety a priority, and he has delivered. Gainesville has hired additional police officers and firefighters, and made those first responders more available where they’re needed most. Additionally, Craig and the city of Gainesville have made direct communication and cooperation with neighborhood associations a high priority, working directly with residents to address issues and solve problems. Craig will always make safe, vibrant neighborhoods and open communication with their residents a high priority.
