Byerly wins County Commission primary

Two-term incumbent Alachua County Commissioner Mike Byerly took the Democratic nomination for the District 1 seat Tuesday by defeating former Gainesville City Commissioner Rick Bryant.

In unofficial returns with all precincts reporting, Byerly earned 11,488 votes to Bryant’s 9,560 for a 54.58 percent share.

“Our message and our campaign was very clear and very consistent about the need for more environmental protection and growth management,” Byerly said. “I am not going to interpret the results. I just know that these are the things I campaigned on and will work on for the next four years.”

Bryant congratulated Byerly on the outcome, saying that Byerly was able to get more of his supporters out to the polls. Bryant also believes a low turnout of 24.6 percent helped Byerly.

“I just congratulate Mike for running a real good race and turning out his voters. He did a better job at turning out his supporters than I did mine,” Bryant said. “I was very surprised by the complete lack of turnout. I think having a low turnout substantially helped him.”

Byerly will face Republican Kevin Riordan in the Nov. 4 general election.

As ballot counting got under way, Byerly led from the start and always maintained a margin of at least 52 percent.

Byerly said he did not target any specific groups or demographics, instead trying to reach as broad a range of county residents as possible.

Byerly was first elected to the commission in 2000 on a platform of growth management and environmental protection. He concentrated on those issues during the campaign, stressing that much of county government — from taxes to traffic — is centered on those issues.

Bryant served several terms on the Gainesville City Commission. His campaign focused on the economy and how potential new fees and taxes could impact residents.

At forums and in advertising, Bryant used statements made by Byerly and Byerly’s commission votes to try to paint him as a commissioner favoring more taxes.

Byerly explained why he supported impact fees and a local gas tax increase. He countered that Bryant was misleading in stating some of Byerly’s proposals and positions.

The money race was won by Bryant. He had $65,016 in contributions while Byerly had $35,093. However, Byerly had a greater number of contributions.

Riordan was among the crowd watching the results come in at the Alachua County Administration Building, and said his campaign would get cranked today.

“I just look forward to the opportunity to serve,” Riordan said. “I plan to work hard and meet lots of folks. I’m going to work hard and listen to a lot of people.”

Cindy Swirko can be reached at 374-5024 or at swirkoc@gvillesun.com.