Four candidates will be on the ballot for citizens of the city of Alachua to choose their next mayor and City Commissioner for Seat 2. 

Incumbent Mayor Gib Coerper is running to keep the seat he has held since Alachua’s mayor became an elected position in 2010, against challenger Walter Welch. 

Incumbent Commissioner Ed Potts will run against Jacob Fletcher, a data engineer. 

Polls will be open in Alachua from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 8 at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, Cleather Hathcock Senior Community Center and Turkey Creek Clubhouse. 

We sent each candidate the same questions. The responses are posted below. 

Mayor 

Gilbert (Gib) Coerper 

Age: 75 

Occupation: Mayor 

Previous experience in elected office: Since 2005 and 1999-2002 

Public service other than elected office: Volunteering in Alachua schools for 35 years, started the first Alachua Cleanup 1997 with Big Red Waste and is still going today. In 1998 a friend and I co-wrote a grant to FDLE to Landscape the Medians in Alachua’ 3 phases. We received $125,000 and we followed all the rules and got it done with my wonderful volunteers. Three years later FDOT, came in and did phase 2 and 3 themselves. One more, I was able to get the first 4th of July Fireworks started in Alachua. 

Website: none. 

What prompted you to run for re-election? 

This will be my last term in office if I get re-elected. My heart is in Alachua “The Goodlife Community.” I would like to make every project that we started “The Best it Can Be.” 

What are your top two priorities if you are elected? 

Continue our work on our Historic Main Street and keep working to help our schools be “The Best They Can Be.” We have the whole school system here, kindergarten to college. 

What are the two most important issues facing Alachua’s government? 

Florida is growing at a rapid pace and Alachua has to continue doing the great job we do. All cities are faced with challenges; keeping their team the best it can be is so important and having a vision of what we see to make sure we are ahead of the game. 

What do you think Alachua needs to be doing differently, if anything, and why? 

We are constantly looking at ways to be better and I never want that to fail. We are a very successful community, and I want us to always be The Best. 

Walter Welch 

Did not provide responses. 

Commission Seat 2 

Jacob Fletcher 

Age: 29 

Occupation: Data Engineer 

Previous experience in elected office: I have not previously held elected office. 

Public service other than elected office: President of the Florida Speleological Society, Founding Member of the Florida Karst Conservation Task Force 

Website: fletcherforalachua.org

Facebook: Fletcher For Alachua City Commission, Seat 2 

What prompted you to run for election? 

My involvement with the city began when the Tara development attempted to push five interconnected plats onto the recharge area of the Mill Creek Cave and Cavern System. Working alongside concerned community members, I became increasingly aware of the many challenges residents of Alachua face. 

Through attending City Commission meetings, I noticed a troubling pattern—motions often pass unanimously with little scrutiny or regard for public input. In 2024, only one motion saw dissent, with Commissioner Brown being the sole voice against a development proposal. This lack of discussion and accountability in local government is troubling. It’s clear that Alachua needs leadership that values transparency, public engagement and critical review. 

What are your top two priorities if you are elected? 

1. Investing in Infrastructure Responsibly 

My first priority is ensuring that Alachua’s infrastructure supports sustainable growth without overburdening taxpayers. Too often, development moves forward without adequate planning for roads, utilities, and essential services, leaving residents to deal with the consequences. A major concern in Alachua is the poor quality of roads, which the city often deflects as a county issue. For example, roads like 235A remain in poor condition. However, the city hasn’t assessed county land development impact fees since 2009, which are designed to ensure that new developments contribute to transportation improvements. This lack of funding exacerbates infrastructure problems while unchecked development continues. If elected, I will push for responsible budgeting and long-term planning to ensure our roads and public services receive the investment they need. 

2. Supporting Local Businesses for Economic Stability 

Alachua must shift its economic focus toward supporting local businesses and fostering a stable, resilient local economy. Recent job losses from companies like National Resilience, Thermo Fisher, and Exactech highlight the fragility of relying on large corporations that do not offer long-term job security. We need policies that support small businesses, encourage local entrepreneurship, and create stable jobs for the people who live and work here. By prioritizing sustainable development and economic stability, we can strengthen our community’s economic foundation. 

What are the two most important issues facing Alachua’s government? 

1. Lack of Long-Term Planning and Accountability 

A significant issue Alachua faces is a lack of long-term planning and accountability. Recently, Alachua’s planning director and its only certified planners resigned. Initially, the City Commission voted unanimously to investigate this unprecedented situation. However, after individuals with longstanding ties to development spoke out against the investigation, and after the City Manager stated that exit interviews were conducted, the commission reversed course. Upon following up, I learned that only a verbal interview was conducted, and no formal documentation or exit interviews were available. This raises serious concerns about accountability and due diligence. We need commissioners who stand their ground, ask tough questions, and follow through on oversight responsibilities to ensure transparency and proper governance. 

2. Lack of Transparency and Civic Engagement 

Another issue is the lack of transparency and citizen engagement. Many residents are unaware that an election is taking place. As of now, the city has only made one post about the election on its Facebook page. Additionally, the City Commission recently passed a resolution opposing Senate Bill 1416, which would have aligned municipal elections with general elections, thereby increasing voter turnout. Currently, municipal elections in Alachua are decided by just 5% of the city’s population. While commissioners claim opposition to this bill is about preserving “home rule,” they have not voiced similar concerns regarding state preemptions passed in 2024. I will push for greater transparency and civic participation to ensure that every Alachua resident has a voice. 

What do you think Alachua needs to be doing differently, if anything, and why? 

The City of Alachua needs to put in the work to ensure that the “Good Life Community” is truly for everyone. We need to balance the demand for housing and growth without placing the financial burden on taxpayers. Development must benefit all residents, not just developers. 

Furthermore, the city must foster informed and engaged citizens while making thoughtful investments in strengthening our neighborhoods, economy, and future. As a community, we must prioritize long-term prosperity over short-term gains. 

Ultimately, it’s about building a place where residents can thrive—where they feel safe, valued, and proud to call Alachua home. A true “Good Life Community. 

Edward (Ed) Potts 

Age: 64 

Occupation: Retired after 35 years in the insurance and financial services business 

Previous experience in elected office: Currently serving my first term as City Commissioner 

Public service other than elected office: Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville (4 years), 12-year member and Past President of the Alachua Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Mentor for Take Stock in Children, Teach Stock Market Game at Buchholz High School, member and Past President of Alachua Lions Club, lifelong blood donor (100+ donations). 

Website: pottsforalachua.com 

Facebook: Ed Potts for Alachua City Commission Seat 2 

What prompted you to run for re-election? 

There are still items on our city’s strategic plan that need to be advanced and seen to completion. 

What are your top two priorities if you are elected? 

Supporting the efforts to improve our schools and smart economic development in both the commercial and residential sectors. 

What are the two most important issues facing Alachua’s government? 

Staying ahead of future development with the necessary infrastructure investments and maintaining our quality of life while we continue to grow. 

What do you think Alachua needs to be doing differently, if anything, and why? 

We need to make better progress in regard to our historic Main Street and downtown area. The creation of our city’s Education Task Force has been terrific, but we need to continue to support their efforts and identify areas where we can invest time and money to improve our schools and student performance.