Thank You MetroJacksonville!

[simms3]

Well I just filled out my absentee ballot, and many of the parameters I took into account when choosing candidates came from discussion and information provided on these boards.  Candidates who did not reach out to this community really missed out on a phenomenal opportunity (and I have a hint that candidates who did not reach out to MetroJacksonville either weren't involved enough in the city/21st century to realize the website existed or they knew that their message would not resonate with our crowd).

Mayor: Audrey Moran...This was the easiest vote of my short voting life.

Sheriff: Soren Brockdorf...I think Rutherford has played a role in dramatically reducing crime, but I liked the idea of change, I liked Soren's Skandinavian heritage (superficially...he's probably smart and progressive just like all Skandinavians ), and I liked what he had to say on his website.

Property Appraiser: Jim Overton...Has done a good job for quite a while and is a family friend.  No need to vote for the other guy.

Tax Collector: Michael Corrigan...Is it possible to screw this position up?  I don't desire any change here.

Council At-Large Group One: David Taylor...No good candidates here, but David Taylor seemed the most sane and had the best endorsements.

Council At-Large Group Two: John Crescimbeni...I think Patton was a second choice, but Crescimbeni hasn't done anything to piss me off, which isn't saying much.

Council At-Large Group Four: Juan Diaz...He reached out here and I like his views.  He mentions downtown revitalization, comes from a diverse background, has done some traveling (a rarity for Jax residents).  Sadly, I did not vote for a family friend and I wish I knew he was running sooner and I would have tried to reach out, but I know his views on downtown and other issues and I disagree strongly.

Council At-Large Group Five: Michelle Tappouni...This was the second easiest vote behind Audrey's.  No explanation needed here, she is awesome!

City Council District 14: Jim Love...I have met him before and I know two of his sons.  I like the whole family and they are all pretty involved with the city, and by city I mean the inner core.  He also specifically wants to see a revitalized downtown, and he is very active in the Park and King group.  Also did not vote for a family friend here who is graciously donating her time to run because she just decided to out of a newfound passion.  Perhaps next time.


All of you candidates who did not reach out to MetroJacksonville, you should more than consider it next time.  Also, Jacksonville is red and will remain so forever, but hopefully and this seems to be the case, people of all political persuasions are becoming more accepting of diversity and of downtown redevelopment.  Next time, hopefully you candidates run less on banning gay marriage and abortion and less on hating on downtown and our inner core, and more on using tax money wisely as an investment for our city (not just screaming for cutting all taxes, which are already lower than any other city in America I can think of).  Run on a quality of life platform and you may win more hearts than you think.

The citizens of Jacksonville are under the impression that they are overtaxed and that their taxes are going to corruption and waste.  The second part is true to an extent, but if people knew more about other cities, they would think that Jacksonville was almost free to live in and free of corruption and waste.  Maybe point this out, acknowledge there is a perception barrier, and try to resolve it by giving solid examples of how tax money can be used as a tool/investment to further the private wealth and well being of all citizens of the city.  You can find these examples (good examples) from almost every other city (just like you can find the bad examples).

[votetappouni]

Dear simms3,
THANK YOU for your vote of confidence and for the positive comments! It means so much to hear from voters and to receive positive feedback so close to the election!
Michelle