ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – Alachua County Commissioner Paula M. DeLaney announced today that she will not be seeking a third term. The statement below is directly from Commissioner DeLaney:
Twenty years ago this week, I announced with great excitement that I was going to run for the Gainesville City Commission, where I served nine years, including four as mayor. This began a long commitment to public service in Gainesville and Alachua County. Little did I anticipate at the time what a roller coaster ride serving in local government would turn out to be.
In 2004 and again in 2008, the citizens of Alachua County placed their confidence in me and elected me to the Alachua County Commission.
Today, after very careful consideration, I am announcing that I will not be seeking a third term on the Alachua County Commission.
It has been my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Alachua County and to have the opportunity to influence the decisions that will ultimately define our future. Serving in local government has truly been the most exciting and educational experience of my life, and I am very proud to have to have had this opportunity. I have worked very hard for twenty years to improve the quality of life for all citizens, and to serve as an advocate for the many among us who struggle so hard and have so little.
I feel very fortunate that I was raised by a family of strong women who constantly demonstrated that you really can grow up to accomplish anything you set out to do. Their work ethic, commitment to family, resilient character, and total self-sufficiency all influenced my attitudes about leadership, service and personal responsibility. I was raised to believe that if you always give back more than you receive in life, the world will be a better place.
I look forward to serving the citizens of Alachua County until the completion of my term this November. Thank you for this highest honor and wonderful opportunity. It has been a great ride.