Thoughts on the Race for Mayor

[wsansewjs]

I think if we are all realistic with ourselves and accept the fact that the failings of Jacksonville are far less about policy, and far more due to the (relatively) backwards, uneducated, socially ignorant inhabitants of this city, we'd be a lot less disappointed when things like this happen. I'm not going to shake my fist and make empty promises about leaving -- at least not while I have a good job here and enjoy Jacksonville's natural assets -- but I really do think I am done caring about the city making much progress over the coming decade. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Jacksonville is a nice little city these days, but the damage that has been willfully done in the last five years, and the damage that continues to be done, will be felt for another 20 years. When I made the "why do you stay in Jacksonville?" thread, I learned that a lot of people on this board hold Jacksonville very dear to their heart and desperately want to see the city progress. I hate to say it, but it might be time to throw in the towel, concede defeat, and search for greener pastures. Nothing short of a massive population transplant is going to right this ship in the short to medium term. Maybe even the long term.

You only live once.

If what you want is a vibrant, culturally diverse city -- one with good mass transit, a lively downtown, a sense of identity and forward progression -- you owe it to yourself to seek that place out and make it your home.

Hate to say it, and this could just be a kneejerk reaction to this election, but if you're expecting any real progress in Jacksonville, you're betting on a loser.

Bingo.

Basically you are saying the people who live in Jacksonville are stupid. I can say that because the election result has reconfirmed, revalidated, and ensured that the people of Jacksonville (majority, clearly because low vote turnout) are stupider than rocks literally.

I am on a spree of making distasteful posts, venting my anger at the city of Jacksonville, so pardon me because I want the non-MetroJacksonville to read it and soak it in while rub the salt into their wounds.

Let us officially rename Jacksonville to Jackassville in honor of the jackasses, not Andrew Jackson.

-Josh

[mtraininjax]

I am on a spree of making distasteful posts, venting my anger at the city of Jacksonville, so pardon me because I want the non-MetroJacksonville to read it and soak it in while rub the salt into their wounds.

+1000

God I love free speech!

[wsansewjs]

I am on a spree of making distasteful posts, venting my anger at the city of Jacksonville, so pardon me because I want the non-MetroJacksonville to read it and soak it in while rub the salt into their wounds.

+1000

God I love free speech!

I love free speech too! Living in a city that absolutely sucks in transportation with my progressive blindness pushing me closer and closer to the total blindness as my quality of life declines because the city doesn't allow me to migrate around easily. I can go into details and of course you can bring up points that I can get help from people, but the bottom line is I want to be free.

My heart was set in this city of Jacksonville because I have seen things that makes Jacksonville unique in contrast to other cities I have visited. I want to help this city so much by voting and talk about the topics make the stupid people of Jacksonville aware of it, but now I know where Jacksonville stands.

It is like having your heart ripped out and thrown away. Oh yes I can go BOO BOO over here, but I am going to just take it like a man and move on.

-Josh

[Bridges]

Your anger is misdirected. The voters are to blame - Jax wants more of the same. For the past 4 years I've been saying "just 4 more years, just 3 more years, just 2 more years, just 1 more year." Looks like I'll start back over at 4...
Oh, and the turn out is beyond pathetic. Jax just doesn't care

I think that maybe part of the problem with Jacksonville is that it keeps demanding that it get screwed, and then not surprisingly, it gets screwed.

[duvaldude08]

I think the attitude of voter's has come from years and years of mistrust. You vote for someone and expect to do what they say they are going to do. And BAM, you get screwed. And I honestly think that the citizens of Jacksonville just have given up and dont care anymore. Which is said. I hate to say it, but Im almost there myself. 

[tufsu1]

I think the attitude of voter's has come from years and years of mistrust. You vote for someone and expect to do what they say they are going to do. And BAM, you get screwed.

which is exactly what will happen with Hogan...anyone who thinks he can cut $60+ million from the 2012 budget and potentially $250 million a few years down the road without additional taxes/fees and pension reform is in for a rude awakening.

[Springfielder]

I think the attitude of voter's has come from years and years of mistrust. You vote for someone and expect to do what they say they are going to do. And BAM, you get screwed. And I honestly think that the citizens of Jacksonville just have given up and dont care anymore. Which is said. I hate to say it, but Im almost there myself. 

You nailed it, and that's exactly how these lousy choices keep being elected into office. People have lost faith in our government, especially locally...which was clearly validated by the results. I feel like I'm just about to that point of no longer voting, the thought has crossed my mind...but there's still that small glimmer of light that still filters in through all of the dark dealings, the lousy contracts, the ever increasing of fees and so on...that I just cannot give up hope that one day the people will finally wake the hell up and realize that nothing will change until they get the hell out and vote.

[Bativac]

I think the attitude of voter's has come from years and years of mistrust. You vote for someone and expect to do what they say they are going to do. And BAM, you get screwed. And I honestly think that the citizens of Jacksonville just have given up and dont care anymore. Which is said. I hate to say it, but Im almost there myself. 

Jacksonville doesn't care. The people who do care are mainly hardcore conservatives - those people tend to be real zealots - and apparently some progressive-minded people who couldn't decide which candidate to back, and some Democrats.

I was genuinely surprised that Mike Hogan did so well. I think I'll just enjoy owning my home the next few years and work on getting out of town. Sad because I am a 3rd generation Jacksonvillian but it's just sad being here. It's kind of depressing. Not that I think Mike Hogan is gonna destroy the city because what's left for him to ruin? The Skyway?

[jcjohnpaint]

I think the attitude of voter's has come from years and years of mistrust. You vote for someone and expect to do what they say they are going to do. And BAM, you get screwed. And I honestly think that the citizens of Jacksonville just have given up and dont care anymore. Which is said. I hate to say it, but Im almost there myself. 

Well when someone tells you they are going to cut your taxes in this climate, then they are lying to their public.  People voted for Hogan, so personally it looks like they fell for it again and are setting themselves up to fall again and be oh so disappointed.  When you hire a smart mayor things will happen progressively and when you hire a stupid mayor everything is going to go down the shitter...... and everyone is so upset.  Oh I wonder why?

[uptowngirl]

Sad because I am a 3rd generation Jacksonvillian but it's just sad being here. It's kind of depressing. Not that I think Mike Hogan is gonna destroy the city because what's left for him to ruin? The Skyway?

+1

[Ocklawaha]

Not now- really? So the "smart people voted" really? You honestly beleive that?

Yeah, I believe it Girl, obviously they did vote... BOTH OF THEM.

OCKLAWAHA

[uptowngirl]

Good one OCK!

[heights unknown]

I will never give up on Jacksonville; Hogan is just one man and there are many around him, in addition to the citizens, who WILL keep him on his toes. He doesn't have all out power; so, if he sits on his ass and does nothing, believe me, there are people who will speak up and expose him. Don't give up the ship y'all!

"HU"

[fsujax]

thanks for the encouraging words HU.

[Captain Zissou]

The only positive (and this is a stretch) is that if Hogan is elected, he will give Tony Sleiman whatever he wants to develop the Landing.  After all the Sleiman has done for him, Hogan owes him big time.

Metrojax needs to get an audience with Alvin Brown and educate him extensively on what Jacksonville needs from their next mayor.  I am mildly depressed this morning due to the fact that I had been waiting for yesterday for 4 years, only to have my hopes shattered. 

There is no other option but to do this ourselves, regardless of who wins the mayoral election.  Metrojacksonville needs to become an actual physical organization that champions historic preservation, environmental stewardship, urban development, and progressive government.  This could take the shape of a consulting firm, a 501C-3, a development group..... anything.  We need to organize and expand our influence.  I am 110% committed to this idea.  If you as well, contact me and we'll make it happen.