Businessman announces run for Gainesville City Council

Betancourt announced he will run for Ward 3, a post being vacated at the end of this year by long-time councilwoman Myrtle Figueras.

 

"Even though I have no prior political experience, I decided to run very recently, motivated by the need to step up and support our city, given the turnover we are are facing in so many leadership positions," said Betancourt in an email.

 

The 47-year-old Betancourt was born in Puerto Rico and has lived in Ohio and Florida, according to his campaign web site. He moved to Gainesville in 2001.

 

Biographical information on the web site says Betancourt currently is employed in various project management roles for an electrical industry staffing firm. He also is enrolled in the Networking Specialist Studies program at Lanier Technical Institute.

 

The municipal election is set for November 3, 2015.