Nathaniel’s Background:

Nathaniel Sperling has lived virtually his entire life in Gainesville (technically, he was born in Miami and adopted at birth, but he only lived in Miami a couple of weeks). He was raised Jewish, being Bar Mitzvah at age 13 even though it was a tough time in his life as his mother had just passed away a little over a month before. Overcoming personal hardship, he excelled in high school, earning the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship and the Florida Academic Scholars Award (part of the Bright Futures program). He continued to excel academically and personally at Santa Fe Community College--where he was very active in Student Government--and the University of Florida.

During his senior year of high school, Nathaniel started his religious transition that would eventually lead to his becoming Roman Catholic. He was a member of the Christian Campus House, the Episcopal Chapel House, and now is an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, and is discerning a possible vocation to the Catholic Priesthood. Due to his devout faith, he is extremely honest and of very high moral integrity. Also, he believes that all citizens of Gainesville must be treated fairly and with respect and their concerns listened to, regardless of their background or their views.

Education:

• 2008 – University of Florida (Bachelor of Arts in History, graduated with honors)
• 2006 – Santa Fe College (Associate of Arts, graduated with honors)
• 2004 – Trilogy School (Private Middle and High School)
• Dual-enrolled while in 11th and 12th grade at Santa Fe Community College
• J.J. Finley Elementary School

Santa Fe (Community) College:

• Member of the Student Senate
• Director of Student Government’s Office of Technology
• Director of SG Legislative Affairs
• Member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
• Member of Global Society / Model United Nations

Few reasons to run for office:

• He believes that the Gainesville City Commission needs “new blood”, a person who is truly open to the diversity of views and demographics of the community, is willing to listen to his constituents and their concerns and  also recognizes the importance of fiscal responsibility in local government
• As an adolescent, he heard of various young individuals who ran for political office —everyone from now famous documentary filmmaker Michael Moore who successfully ran for school board in Flint, MI to Michael Belle, a local University of Florida student who ran for Mayor and then the City Commission (as an aside, Nathaniel and Mr. Belle became very friendly when they were both involved in the Episcopal Chapel House)— and it gave him a strong interest in being involved in local politics