by Marty Proctor
Groveland City Council candidates each represent one of four districts except District 1 which is the at-large Mayor. The entire City votes for the Mayor represented as District 1.
Early voting starts October 19 ending October 31 and election day is Tuesday, November 3.
The South Lake Tablet asked each candidate three questions:
- Please tell the South Lake County readers about yourself.
- What do you see as the biggest problem facing Groveland?
- What solutions do you suggest?
Christopher Walker P.A., Candidate Groveland City Council District 1, Mayor
1) I am a local small business owner of the Chris Walker Group, a Proud US Army Veteran, and currently serve as the 2nd Vice Commander for the American Legion Post 239 for Groveland/Mascotte. I have served in my community through Southlake Pregnancy Center, New Beginnings, and currently serve on the boards of Lincoln Park Southlake Alliance and Faith Neighborhood Center of Groveland where I also served as former Vice President. I have been a resident of Groveland and a Pastor for 17 years. I am married to Carla and our six children have all graduated from Gray Middle and Southlake High School in Groveland.
2) Many residents moved to Groveland to raise a family and get away from the busyness of city life. Although growth is unavoidable we have to make sure that people vs. projects are more important. Also, our small business and downtown have been overlooked for quite some time, and if we are to live up to our new motto, “City with Natural Charm,” then we need to focus on the revitalization of Downtown while keeping our small-town feel.
3) To achieve this, a Business Partnership needs to be put in place. We also need a City Gym, a place of safety for our teens. I look forward to bringing fresh ideas and making decisions that would reflect the desires and needs of the Citizens.
Email: chriswalker4groveland@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.electchriswalker4groveland.com
Incumbent Evelyn A. Wilson Candidate for Mayor- District 1 Groveland
1) I am currently the Mayor of Groveland since 2018 and held two previous terms on the Council. I have been actively involved with the City of Groveland in numerous capacities since 2007. Over the years I have been involved with numerous community service affiliations. I am a Board Member of the Groveland Museum, Trilogy of Orlando Veterans Association, Board Member of the Community Health Center, Thrive Clermont, Trilogy Wildflowers Garden Club, Housing for All, Faith Neighborhood, and a number of other organizations.
I am very proud of being a pioneer in working to find ways to work with the citizens, businesses, and city workers to keep progressing forward while keeping people safe and healthy as much as possible during this pandemic. I attribute a number of my successes in the City, to someone who is able to think outside of the box and to network. Examples of this is the ability to give Faith Neighborhood 3,000 face masks, so they would be able to open up their Center sooner. In 2009 I pointed out the fact that the exchange on the Turnpike at mile marker 285 was only open coming and going South, and I advocated for a Northbound entrance and exit. With persistence, in August of 2020, it has become a reality in the books. I also believe that one of my main characteristics is the ability to be a team player with my fellow Council Members and City Staff.
2) I believe the biggest issue in the City of Groveland is the realignment of State Road 50. The restructuring of the Downtown of Groveland is very much dependent on the realignment. It will also play a big part for the whole County and State, as we work on evacuation routes for residents in case of hurricanes and other natural disasters.
3) We need to keep being consistent in letting FDOT know that we need the promised funding from the State. I have been very vocal on this issue, as being the City’s representative to the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Last year I made the suggestion to get all surrounding municipalities and the County Commissioners to do Resolutions to support the City of Groveland in their effort to get this done sooner than later.
FaceBook: Evelyn A. Wilson
