Ingle joins Gainesville City Commission along with incumbents 

Commissioner James Ingle is sworn into his role by Alachua County Judge Meshon Rawls. Photo by Seth Johnson
Commissioner James Ingle is sworn into his role by Alachua County Judge Meshon Rawls.
Photo by Seth Johnson

The Gainesville City Commission installed James Ingle as the newest commissioner on Monday, with commissioners Desmon Duncan-Walker and Cynthia Chestnut rejoining after successful campaigns.  

In a morning ceremony at the Historic Thomas Center, Ingle was sworn into his role by Alachua County Judge Meshon T. Rawls.  

Ingle represents all of Gainesville as one of two at-large commissioners. 

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Ingle highlighted his tradesman career as an electrical worker. Besides his wife, he said joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers was the most impactful decision he’s made. It’s one he fell into through “sheer, dumb luck,” Ingle said. 

“Not only did it give me the confidence and freedom that comes with knowing a trade, but it also gave me a way to earn a decent wage to travel the country and to provide for my family,” Ingle said. “More than that, it really got me involved in the labor movement, and that has been my life’s passion ever since.” 

Ingle said advocating for workers has sent him to the Florida Legislature to lobby, where he runs into a lot more lawyers and MBAs than tradespeople. He said the voice of average workers needs to be in government.  

Commissioner James Ingle speaks at his swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 6, 2025. Photo by Seth Johnson
Photo by Seth Johnson Commissioner James Ingle speaks at his swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 6, 2025.

He said he wants Gainesville to remain a place that boldly takes steps for progress and resists regressive policies—like some, he said, that have come from Tallahassee recently.  

Ingle said the main thing he wants is for all residents, like him, to have a roof, a car that always starts, a full pantry and the ability to buy boots and other needs without fearing a declined card.  

“So, what I want for people in Gainesville is to not worry by falling off that edge they’ve been living on,” Ingle said. “That’s what I want to move forward with.” 

District 1 Commissioner Duncan-Walker, also sworn in at the Thomas Center, thanked her community elders, family members and friends who made her the person she is and have supported her work as commissioner.  

She pointed to the Gun Violence Prevention Alliance, new East Gainesville crosswalk and sidewalk repairs, and the new UF urgent care center as steps forward. She said District 1 still needs a grocery store, financial institutions and more healthcare options. 

During her second term, Duncan-Walker said these would be focuses. She also highlighted an upcoming partnership with the Hippodrome Theatre for a pilot community arts program focused on youth.  

Commissioner Desmon Duncan-Walker speaks at her swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 6, 2025. Photo by Seth Johnson
Photo by Seth Johnson Commissioner Desmon Duncan-Walker speaks at her swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 6, 2025.

She said young people continue asking for places to go, mentors and jobs. This partnership will help provide them. She mentioned the youth steering committee concerning gun violence prevention, another way young people can have their voices heard.  

Duncan-Walker said the collaborative approach of stakeholders to combat gun violence has made a difference.  

“We have moved the needle, if only for a moment, on the issue of gun violence, and please know that our situation in Gainesville is much better,” Duncan-Walker said. 

At the city’s 1 p.m. meeting, Chestnut was sworn into office. The second at-large commissioner, she ran unopposed in 2024 and said she was encouraged by that sign of support.  

Her focus for the next term: the NW 8th Avenue and Waldo Road project, also known as the Citizens Field complex renovation. She has spearheaded the effort since returning to the city dais.  

At the meeting, the commission selected Brandi Renton to join the Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority. That was the only voting item on the agenda. 

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Real Gainesville Citizen and Voter

A story about the Gainesville City Commission. So I guess that means this space will soon reflect the usual rants from the usual suspects.