Cheers from Ed Braddy supporters sounded the end of election season in Gainesville Tuesday night. After a close race in March and a series of reports swirling around DUIs, Braddy will take office in May, and voters can rest.
About 55 percent of voters cast their ballots for Braddy Tuesday, compared to the close tie between candidates in the March election.
The runoff on Tuesday attracted 16.2 percent of registered voters in Alachua County. Though this is a small turnout, a fewer 14.96 percent voted in the initial election.
Gainesville City Commissioner Thomas Hawkins said he's looking forward to working with Braddy.
"The seven of us need to work together to do what's right for the city of Gainesville," he said. "Every time members of the commission change it's always a learning process."
Hawkins said he doesn't necessarily agree with Braddy in all areas, but that's what compromises are for.
"That’s the reason we have a collegial legislative body, and we’ll work together to get where we need to go," Hawkins said.
Susan Bottcher, city commissioner for District 3, said she, Braddy and the remaining commissioners will have to work as a team on many issues such as transportation issues and job creation.
"As with any candidate who runs for office and gets elected, I think there's a consistency that we all want to do what we can to move the city forward," Bottcher said. "We want to make our decisions for the good of the whole community, and I trust that mayor elect Braddy has that at the forefront of his thoughts as well."
Rachel Crosby wrote this story online. Jewel Midelis contributed reporting.