Gunner Ford: Another Better Alternative

 

Ford Family

Gunner Ford, Candidate for Florence City Council, Pledges Transparency and Accountability

Florence small business owner and community servant, Gunner Ford, is running for Florence City Council, District 2. Ford, who lives downtown with his wife, and three young children, says his campaign will focus on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and bringing jobs to the city.

For more than a decade, Ford has operated a local mortuary, where he says he learned the values of listening, compassion, and integrity. “In this work, you learn quickly how to serve people in their darkest hours,” Ford said. “I want to bring that same spirit of service and accountability to City Hall.”

Ford’s platform centers on several priorities he believes the city has neglected:

Transparency and Accountability: Ford has pledged to make budgets, contracts, and voting records easily accessible to the public. “The people of Florence shouldn’t have to dig or guess to find out where their tax dollars are going or who they’re benefiting,” he said.

Fiscal Responsibility: With Florence’s sales tax rate among the highest in the state, Ford says he will fight to cut unnecessary spending and gradually reduce the rate by at least 1%. He has also voiced opposition to the proposed $48 million new City Hall, calling instead for more cost-effective alternatives.

Economic Development: Ford argues the city must take a proactive role in attracting industries that align with Florence’s workforce while also looking ahead to new opportunities. “We can’t afford to sit back and hope jobs find us. We need to be aggressive and strategic about recruiting industries that fit Florence and give our young people a reason to stay,” he said. Ford believes Florence is well-positioned to attract STEM-based industries, provided the city partners with local colleges and universities to develop specialized departments and training programs. “If we can build pipelines between education and industry, we’re not only creating jobs—we’re creating long-term careers and giving students a reason to build their future here,” Ford added.

Community Priorities: Ford has highlighted animal welfare and homelessness as areas often overlooked in city discussions. He has proposed exploring self-funded micro dog parks and a Student-Led Homeless Engagement Initiative in partnership with local universities, giving students hands-on career experience while connecting unhoused individuals with resources and recovery options.

Ford also emphasizes support for small businesses, promising to cut red tape and end favoritism that he says currently benefits special interests over local entrepreneurs.

“I’ll be present, accessible, and honest, whether it’s easy or not,” Ford said. “We may not always agree, but you’ll always know where I stand. I’m not a polished politician. I’m a husband, father, and small business owner who loves Florence and its people—and I want to make sure our city commits to us, the people, as much as we’ve all committed to it.”