“Ocala Gazette” Q&A with candidates for County Commission
This is the final week in a nine-week project to ask questions of and hear responses from those seeking office.
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There are three candidates running for the District 2 County Commission seat (Matthew Cretul, Mike Crimi and Brien Weidemiller) and five for the District 4 seat (Randall Alvord, Jeff Bairstow, Clint Barkley, Wanda Wimberly Lasher and Sherri Meadows).
The “Gazette” will email a different question each week to all of the candidates, for a total of nine questions over nine weeks. The candidates are given a week to respond in writing and we do not edit their answers. The answers from those who chose to participate are presented below in the order in which they were received.
QUESTION NINE: County commission decisions often affect land use, development approvals and large public contracts. If elected, what steps would you take to ensure your decisions remain independent from campaign donors, lobbyists and applicants seeking county approvals? Would you support any changes to disclosure or recusal policies?
County Commissioners have a responsibility to make decisions based on what is best for the long-term future of the community — not political pressure, special interests or campaign contributions.
Throughout my career and leadership experience, I have worked with people from many different industries, backgrounds and perspectives. I believe listening to stakeholders is part of good leadership, but listening does not mean obligation. My responsibility will always be to evaluate each issue carefully, ask questions, review the facts and make decisions based on what is right for Marion County as a whole.
Transparency is essential to maintaining public trust. Residents should feel confident that decisions are being made openly, ethically and with accountability.
I support strong financial disclosure requirements and believe commissioners should continue to follow Florida’s ethics and Sunshine laws carefully. I also believe recusal is appropriate anytime a commissioner has a direct financial conflict or personal interest that could compromise public confidence in the decision-making process.
Beyond policies, independence comes down to character, judgment and leadership. Marion County does not need more rhetoric or division — it needs experienced, steady leadership willing to plan ahead, protect taxpayers, preserve our quality of life, respect private property rights and make thoughtful decisions for the future of this community.
My focus will always be serving the people of Marion County — not any single group or special interest.
—Sherri Meadows
***
Absolutely. Public trust depends on elected officials making decisions based on facts, fairness and what is best for Marion County not political pressure, donations or special interests.
I believe county commissioners must remain independent, transparent and accountable. If elected, I would carefully review every proposal on its merits, ask tough questions and ensure decisions are supported by data, long-term planning, fiscal responsibility and the impact on our residents and infrastructure.
I support stronger transparency and disclosure practices so the public can clearly see who is involved in county decisions. I also believe commissioners should openly disclose significant relationships or conflicts and recuse themselves whenever there is a direct financial interest or situation that could reasonably undermine public confidence.
At the same time, we must ensure the process remains fair and balanced. Marion County needs leadership that can work with businesses, developers, residents and community stakeholders while still maintaining complete independence in decision making. Growth and development should never come at the expense of transparency, accountability or the trust of the people we serve.
I’m not for sale.
Performance before acceptance.
—Mike Crimi
***
I have been an active and engaged member of this community for my entire adult life and I fully support any changes that may be necessary to disclosure or recusal policies.
Anyone that comes in front of the BOCC that is personally known, or especially a campaign donor asking for something larger than a hello, by any of the commissioners should be acknowledged publicly and put on the record.
Familial relationships between elected constitutional officers should also be part of those disclosure and recusal criteria as well.
—Randall Alvord
***
Earning and keeping the public’s trust requires a consistent commitment to transparency and that commitment has to be demonstrated through action, not just stated in a campaign.
Recusal standards need to be precise, grounded in statute and applied consistently. I will always consult with county legal staff when a potential conflict arises and will recuse when the law and ethics require it, without hesitation.
I intend to be that kind of commissioner, someone whose record of transparency residents can examine and trust long after any given vote is cast. I have not made a promise to anyone.
—Matthew Cretul
These candidates did not respond by the stated deadline of 5 p.m. May 26: Brien Weidemiller, Jeff Bairstow, Clint Barkley and Wanda Wimberly Lasher.
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