2026 Political Forum
Capital City Today
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Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce
+1 (863) 533-7125
510 N. Broadway Avenue
Bartow, FL 33830, USA
Political Forum for Bartow City Commission Seat Four
The Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce political forum is set for Thursday, March 3, 2026, at the Bartow Civic Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
The forum will provide an opportunity for community members to hear directly from the candidates running for Seat Four on the City Commission.
Each candidate will have the chance to respond to questions submitted by the community, allowing attendees to gain insight into each candidate’s vision and priorities for the city.
You can submit your questions here.
*Please note that all questions will be reviewed by the City Attorney prior to the forum. Not all submitted questions will be asked.
For more information, contact the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce at 863-533-7125.
Gary Ball
Serving as your Bartow City Commissioner, Seat 4, has been an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. Since my appointment in 2024 and continued service after running unopposed in 2025, I have focused on disciplined decision-making, responsible growth, and protecting the quality of life that defines our community.
As a lifelong Bartow resident and former member of the City’s Planning and Zoning Board, I bring practical experience in land use, infrastructure planning, and long-term development strategy. Growth must be managed thoughtfully and deliberately. We only get one opportunity to grow the right way.
My public safety career spans 39 years. I first served as a volunteer with Polk County Fire Rescue, then with the City of Bartow Fire Department, before continuing into my career service as a firefighter/paramedic, and Battalion Chief. Nearly four decades of service taught me accountability, preparation, and calm leadership under pressure — the same principles I apply to every vote and every policy decision.
PRIORITIES FOR BARTOW
Public Safety: Ensuring our Police, Fire, and Code Enforcement professionals have the support and resources necessary to protect our citizens and neighborhoods.
Responsible Growth & Infrastructure: Aligning development with infrastructure capacity while preserving the character and stability that make Bartow strong.
Water & Environmental Stewardship: Protecting critical water resources and planning responsibly for long-term sustainability.
Supporting public works improving our infrastructure including wastewater, stormwater and electric utilities for both future growth and hardening our current system.
Leadership requires experience, balance, and a commitment to doing what is right for the entire community.
Eric Wells
The city needs to continue to facilitate growth that is strategic, sensible, and affordable: this growth would include amenities that enhance the lifestyles of Bartow families in respect to entertainment, recreation, and retail spaces.
The city needs to continue to innovate when it comes to securing revenue sources to fund development; like public/private partnerships to fund the aquatic center project and the like.
The city needs to find ways to spread the tax burden for continuing growth across the entire constituency who benefits from the use of community resources; the greater burden should not be born primarily by the property owners in the community while still acknowledging the undeniable need for tax revenues to fund community expenditures.
Randal Niles
Randy Niles brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience and a lifetime of community service to his campaign for Bartow City Commissioner, Seat 4 (At-Large).
Throughout his career, he served in undercover narcotics and major crimes, community policing, motorcycle and patrol units, juvenile services, and as a crime scene and accident technician. He also answered the call during natural disasters and in the aftermath of 9/11.
In 2017 Randy and his family moved to Bartow from Illinois, choosing this community for its perfect combination of city convenience and country charm. They were drawn to Bartow’s small-town character, strong values, and close-knit neighborhoods – the very qualities Randy is committed to protecting.
For the past eight years, Randy has worked at Baycare, rising to the rank of Lieutenant in hospital security. He oversees daily security operations and helps lead emergency preparedness drills to keep patients, staff, and visitors safe.
Randy is running to protect Bartow’s future. He is concerned about overdevelopment that strains infrastructure, increases traffic and safety risks, threatens wildlife, drives up taxes, and threatens the pastoral way of life. He believes growth must be responsible and fiscally sound, with public safety and quality of life as top priorities.
A committed neighbor, Randy has supported Safe Families, volunteered with the Bartow High School band, contributed to Toys for Tots, and helped seniors and neighbors prepare for and recover from hurricanes.
Randy Niles is dedicated to keeping Bartow safe, strong, and community focused.
