The Issues At Hand
Let's Get Gainesville Back on Track!
Affordable Housing
The Stakes are High
As a Leasing Specialist, Marlon has experienced first-hand how rising cost pushes good people out of their homes. To address this, he proposes addressing the root cause of the lack of affordable housing - a lack of high paying jobs in Gainesville. As Mayor, Marlon would work tirelessly to build a private-sector in Gainesville that offers competitive wages for citizens, which in turn allow for more funds that can be dedicated to housing. In addition, he will work with business owners and employers to develop a public/private effort to address the existing situation. He will do this while protecting the integrity of existing neighborhoods.
Public Safety
The Safety of our City is paramount
True Public safety requires open cooperation between all stake holders. Marlon understands that cities, and more importantly our loved ones, are profoundly more unsafe if we do not protect of those who protect us. As Mayor, one of his first actions would be to have the City Commission take up the "Step UP" pay-plan introduced by the Police Union. He will also work with all public safety unions to develop a competitive salary package that would not only encourage existing employees to stay, but encourage those from around the state and country to apply.
GRU Affordability
Utilities should not be this high
As a citizen of Gainesville, Marlon is no stranger to the high costs doled out by GRU. It has become an unconscionable practice to force the most vulnerable of us to choose between our utilities and groceries for the month.  As Mayor, Marlon is going to address the affordability by instituting common-sense financial reform at GRU HQ and by also using part of the General Fund-Transfer to return dividends directly to the citizens of Gainesville.
Infrastructure
It's time to unite the city
The fact of the matter is clear: roads through out the city and surrounding area are in desperate need of repair. As Mayor, Marlon would immediately begin work on reorganizing the city's budget to fix roads, starting on the east-side of Gainesville. He will also work with other City Mayors in Alachua County to pressure the County Commission to address county roads, and work on his relationship with the Florida Legislature to address state roads.
