News and Public Media for North Central Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ocala City Council District 1 Candidate: Brent Malever

http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2013/10/Malever.mp3

Brent Malever is a business owner, U.S. National Guard veteran and third-generation Ocala resident, and he now wants to add city councilman to that list.

Malever is running for the District 1 seat on Ocala's City Council in Oct. 15's general election. He is up against incumbent Suzy Heinbockel, who has been in office since 2009.

“With my experience and leadership abilities, I think I can give a lot to the city council and the city of Ocala, which is our community and not just one person’s community," Malever said. "I will represent the whole city of Ocala, not just east or west or north or south.”

Malever said if elected, he wants to attack wasteful spending, starting within the city government.

“We need to improve our inter-governmental relationships with other parts of the county government," Malever said. "We need stop the inter-fighting and quit paying the attorney fees and come together like grown people.”

On voting day, residents will also vote on five amendments to the city charter. Topics range from deleting provisions to changing ordinance enforcement from the mayor and police to the Code Enforcement Division. Malever said he does not support any of the amendments.

Using his business background, Malever said he can talk big businesses into setting up shop in Ocala. He supports the FedEx ground distribution center coming to Ocala after the city and county provided the infrastructure for the company.

"I want to have the opportunity to lead Ocala in the right direction," Malever said. "My motto is leadership for today and opportunities for tomorrow.”

Jennifer is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.