Concerned taxpayers of Duval county

[JeffreyS]

have any of you had any experience with the concerned taxpayers of Duval county? I heard on the radio that they were one of the most influential community groups in our city hall. Perhaps they may be allies in the fight against the BRT.

[Charles Hunter]

was that on Andy Johnson's program?  He is an officer in the Concerned Taxpayers, and their most visible (audible) "voice".  The CTDC website scroll down a little, on the left is a mention of Mr. Johnson being the group Secretary.  I believe JUSTDAVE (David Siebert) is also a member, or officer, of the CTDC.

Now, if the mention wasn't on Andy's radio show, that is indeed high praise, for an independent observation like that.

[Ocklawaha]

ANDY and I go way back. I called him when on the return to Jax. and he told me that "Light Rail is too expensive and our City NEEDS bus service..." Translation: Will Andy will say whatever JTA has programed him to say? He is open to doing a show on transit, but sounds like his mind is made up. Perhaps Mike Miller and Andy could host a weekly "BRT Hour"... They're both DJ's you know!

If Andy wants to get together and do something REAL, he knows where to find me.

Ocklawaha

[JeffreyS]

It was the Andy Johnson show.  I called him a few weeks ago he was not supportive of rail yet but he also was against the BRT. He said just use the buses we have. Mass transit sounded like a subject he did not care about.

[gatorback]

How old is Andy?  Does he have a city pension?  I wonder how many shares of Exxon or BP he owns.

[Charles Hunter]

His claim to fame (and he will tell you) is that he was a one term Legislator back in the 80s.  (I think that's the decade, maybe 70s?)  Since then, he has pretty much been a talk-radio host.

[Radio Talk Show Host]

NOT MANY GROUPS CARE ABOUT WHAT GOES ON IN CITY HALL, concerned taxpayers do, I was a vice president for four years. They are stuck decided how they would do things IF they were to do anything. I have quit. Too much time wasted on fixing their own by laws. please someone tell me there is another group that might slow down corporate welfare besides the libertarians (which is about half of the concerned taxpayers).       

have any of you had any experience with the concerned taxpayers of Duval county? I heard on the radio that they were one of the most influential community groups in our city hall. Perhaps they may be allies in the fight against the BRT.

[Skot David Wilson]

Are we talking about Concerned Taxpayers or JTA?
I think Concerned Taxpayers does some good work, but coming from a democratic background I think most right wingers don't believe in taxation at all. I myself think we need more responsible government and to eliminate waste, and I'm one of the onoly dems I know that thinks the fair tax should be looked at more.
As for light rail, it needs to come and is overdue. I like Andy, but once he has his opinion sometimes that's the only one he will ever see as right. Light rail tied into a revamped and working Skyway would serve the city well, and help us grow. It is long overdue, and I think we should just put Ock in charge of it....
If I get a seat on council one of my first big bills would be to put light rail in place. I can see stations in Orange Park and Mandarin and at 10 & 295 with Park & Rides working well, and while it would be an adjustment, it is one that would happen quicker than most people think.