A man who retired after two decades of active service in the United States Air Force and additional time at the National Security Agency is one of two candidates running for an Ocala City Council seat that will be decided during an election this September.
Mark W. Clark is vying for the District 3 seat that will be vacated by Councilman Jay Musleh. The election will be held on September 16.
According to a candidate profile shared with Ocala-News.com, Clark says he has always been in positions to serve the country and community.
“To me, service is important for everyone. My years of experience at the federal level, as well as the significant positions I held in the armed services and the NSA, gave me the opportunity to work with government organizations at all levels,” says Clark, who is 70 years old.
As an officer in the U.S. Air Force, Clark says he gained experience listening to the positions of others and making tough decisions.
In addition to his roles as a field grade officer for the U.S. Air Force and NSA, Clark has been married to his wife, Mary, for over 36 years. Together, the Clarks have three children and six grandchildren. The couple has lived in Ocala for over 14 years and is a member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala.
“I want to see Ocala grow with financial oversight and clear decision making” says Clark.
Records show that Clark has raised $3,550 in campaign contributions from five individuals, including managing partners at a capital investment firm (Richard and Michael Bianculli), a prominent landowner (Harvey W. Vandeven), and a former city attorney (W. James Gooding).
The second candidate running for the District 3 seat is TamBoura Jenkins. Ocala-News.com has not yet received a completed candidate profile from Mr. Jenkins. Records show that Jenkins has not yet registered any campaign funds.
Ocala’s general election is scheduled for September 16, 2025, and will feature the offices of mayor and districts 1, 3, and 5.