Local Government Candidate Profile: Palmetto Commission At Large 1: Eric Gilbert

Candidate: Eric Gilbert

Age: 42

Hometown: Palmetto

Residence: Palmetto

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Education: High School

Gilbert and his family own a small business and he says his goal is to help other local businesses prosper. As Chairman of Palmetto's Planning and Zoning Board, Gilbert said they successfully modernized ordinances, boosting Palmetto's economy, while also updating ordinances for health and safety in order to better protect the community.

"Palmetto is in dire need of a city council with financial experience," says Gilbert, "and that means more jobs for more people. My background in local business gives me a better sense of the economic needs of our city, and my experience on the city's Planning and Zoning Committee gives me a strong sense of what our local government can do for all of Palmetto's citizens. We need a bridge between private enterprise and government, and I'm that candidate."

Gilbert says that his leadership experience and history of job creation will be great assets on the board, especially in these times. He faces Jonathan Davis in November's nonpartisan election.