Notes from last nights' debate

[duvalbill]

Clerk of courts
Jim Fuller is the only one that showed up.  He claims to have made major strides in our system and seems very knowledgeable.  As there was no opposition, he'll get my vote.

School Board
Surprisingly, these panel members were questioned the most and clearly this position is a high prioeroty for many in Jacksonville.  Both panel members were extremely dissapointed with the last superintendant and blames a lack of due dilligence in finding his lack of credentials.  Both also believe that the new superintendant is well qualified.

Monti: To say he was an extrovert would be an understatement.  He believes that many administrators make too much money and would stymy any attempt to increase their salaries.  He wants to move the schoolboard off the river.  Also, he's concerned about the high school dropout rate, wishes to implement vocational classes for those that aren't college material and wants to either use a lottery or receive funds from the JEA to gain more funding for schools.  Last, he wants to return control to teachers and put them in charge of their classes.

Gentry: He believes that the superintendant needs less micro-management and needs more autonomy to do his job.  He also wants to move the school board, assuming a buyer can be found.  He wishes to remove the illegals from schools and agrees about the problems with the dropout rate, but also included a cursory plan to help out this situation.  He also plans to possibly sue the state of Florida because the right to a good education is a fundamental right in the state of Florida.  Last, he doesn't believe the FCAT is a good assesment program and wants to discover a new one and wants to get rid of the block system.  Clearly, he's not a fan of Monti.

Jack Daniels: For lack of a better word, the man is a douche.  He passed out smear phamphlets on Gentry and wouldn't even stay for the debate.  Ridiculous.

City Council at Large

Jill Smith: She's green to say the least, but she seems to genuinly care about the city.  She expressed her displeasure with city council and their violations of the government in the sunshine act. She seriously opposes withdrawal of water from the St. Johns and wants to make the city government run lean and mean. Her top three priorities-Crime (Jacksonville Journey), the River, and economic development.

Bob Harms:  I tried to take him seriously, but with his famous soundbite ("I'm not a pothead) it was difficult.  He wants to upgrade the Buckman wastewater treatment facility, prevent water withdrawal and work to find failing septic tanks.  His top three priorities-public safety, education, environment

Theresa Graham: stands against taxation w/out representation and wants to overturn stormwater fees.  She wants to see that the Seminole County lawsuit goes forward and wants to appropriate funds to help the River.  Her top three priorities-public safety, economic prosperity and quality of life

John Gresinbini: Claims to have a good track record in city civics.  He's concerned about the River and wants to focus on the JEA to help the river and get governor on board with helping the River.  His top three priorities-crime, economy, waste at city hall.

State Attorney

Jay Plotkin: Has a good track record, believes you need a functioning relationship with the police, but not a close one.  He has a very high conviction rate and has implemented the TOP PROGRAM IN THE U.S. with both prosecution of juvenile crime and prevention.  In my opinion, he's more qualified for the job although I am admittedly biased.

Angela Courey:  Has the support of the police and the firemen, spends a lot of time smearing Jay's name, verbally assaulted Jay and his family after a debate last week.  She takes a sough stance on crime and believes that a close relationship with the sherriff's office is a good thing to help implement change.  Last, she argues that the current rate of crime in this city can be attributed to the state attorney's office and she would work to change it.

I Hope this helps you guys make some informed decisions when you go to vote next week.

[duvalbill]

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