Justin Grabelle, son of Howard and Dorothy Grabelle of the Village of Amelia, has announced a bid for Ocala City Council.
Grabelle spent time around The Villages especially in 2016 during his run for a congressional seat in District 11. He served as a chief of staff to former Congressman Richard Nugent of that same district.
After last year’s election, Grabelle took time to focus on his family and set up his own business.
He has also spent his time working as a realtor for Smith & Smith Realty Inc. in Sumter County.
“I really want to help bring customer centric focus to Ocala,” said Grabelle.
He said people approached him and told him they wanted to see change in Ocala. Most of all, his firm belief in public service inspired him to run for a seat on the council.
Grabelle explained that our Founding Fathers emphasized “strength and responsibility in local government.” He then pointed out that after not seeing too much movement in D.C. right now, he thought he might as well make the immediate and positive change within his own beloved community.
One example of frustrations he heard from people visiting Ocala is parking meters at downtown Ocala.
“We have these parking meters that are completely unnecessary,” said Grabelle. “They [visitors] are frustrated they have to pay that meter or ticket.”
By listening to people’s suggestions and allowing more businesses to flourish in Ocala, Grabelle hopes to make the town a place where visitors feel welcomed and interested in staying for as long as possible.