Cynthia Garris, a woman of strong Christian faith, will make history when she is sworn in as the city of St. Augustine’s first Black mayor on December 7. Garris, who was the only candidate to qualify for the mayoral election, reflected on her wide-ranging career and her plans for the city in an interview.

A Career of Public Service

Garris first ran for public office in 2000, and after an unsuccessful bid for the clerk of court, she went on to work for the city of St. Augustine for 13 years. During her time with the city, she worked in various departments, including as a parking attendant, a custodian, and the facilities coordinator. This experience, she believes, has given her a deep understanding of the city’s operations.

Garris was elected to the St. Augustine City Commission in 2022, becoming the first Black woman to serve in that role. She says her time on the commission has prepared her for the responsibilities of the mayor’s office. As a pro-business mayor-elect, Garris wants to support the city’s small businesses, which she believes will, in turn, support the city’s residents.

Plans for the City

As mayor, Garris plans to focus on issues such as traffic conditions, potential property tax cuts, and ensuring that residents feel properly represented at City Hall. She also wants to change the way city commissioners respond to public comments, making the process more inviting and responsive to the community’s needs.

Garris’s faith plays a significant role in her life and career. She credits her faith for her success and believes that she has been selected by God for this role. Her slogan, ‘Cynthia listens,’ reflects her commitment to hearing and serving the people of St. Augustine.

Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.