Mike Hogan: Small Business is key to Jax's future
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Metro Jacksonville shares Mike Hogan's White Paper on why he feels he is the best candidate to become Jacksonville's next mayor.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-jan-mike-hogan-small-business-is-key-to-jaxs-future
I like it.
1. What is his position on 2010-856 Transient vendor ban?
2. Has he or does he plan on meeting Paul Anderson the new guy at the JPA and get an early perspective on how his policy statement can be integrated into the Ports ideas for growth and job creation?
3. Most important question. Does he want to paddle and see Hogans Creek?
I've got more questions on other topics but I want to say thank you to Mr. Hogan for sharing your vision for our city on this forum.
Small businesses are a huge piece of the puzzle and I am glad to see the recognition that small businesses should not play second fiddle to the large businesses.
Interestingly, I also came across a video clip from CBS News about the economic success of Austin, Texas:
http://widget.newsinc.com/fullplayerwvars.html?wid=1935&cid=504&spid=23309178&freewheel=90049&sitesection=jacksonville_biz (http://widget.newsinc.com/fullplayerwvars.html?wid=1935&cid=504&spid=23309178&freewheel=90049&sitesection=jacksonville_biz)
We visited Austin in 2008, a month before the presidential election. It was an incredibly vibrant city. Some observations that I noted (through our visit and this video clip):
1) They are hitting it hard from every angle. Supporting small businesses locally and recruiting large businesses nationally.
2) They have a very strong presence of the 'Creative Class' described by Richard Florida. I haven't read his book yet, but in doing a quick internet search for a summary, I came across this article from almost 10 years ago:
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2001/0205.florida.html (http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2001/0205.florida.html)
The article is all about how an Austin company went to Pittsburgh on a recruiting trip. Check it out.
Quote‘the removal of barriers on the flow of credit from community bankers to small business’
In my experience as an entreprener/investor, this is the BIG issue. Spending a day or two at City Hall getting some premit is a nuisance perhaps, but it doesn't make or break the effort. Getting capital (that isn't your personal IRA account) is the deal-breaker. If it ain't vanilla, and you ain't Tony Sleiman rich, they ain't interested. And if they are interested, they will make more money off the deal than you will, without the risk I might add.
I'd like to know what local bankers think of this. Is there really much a city can do in this regard, other than loans and grants from the city itself?
And I would also like to reiterate 'A whole community working together'. I admit Austin is all you hear, but again Austin really takes care of the education and educated in their region. Paying better attention to the education sector in Florida is something this state could do a lot more about. Austin seems to do what ever it takes to make things happen. Until Jacksonville's center city can compete with the southside in amenities, then it will never win. Just my thought. Dougskiles great articles and finds!
I guess one more thought is that Mike Hogan is right, but narrowly focuses. It is not going to be just 'small business', but many different things that need to chance. I think that is what Austin is doing correct. They are fighting the battle on many fronts. It seems that politicians around here claim that if you fix this one problem...all the woes of the region will go away. First you have to face all of the problems and you have to keep working on those problems...forever.
sorry change not chance
I agree wholeheartedly. Reduce local regulation as much as possible. Also what he says about taxing small businesses to, in turn, offer tax breaks to large firms on the assumption that jobs will follow.
I agree with Vicupstate regarding the flow of money from local bankers - what can the city do about it?
Quote from: Bativac on January 10, 2011, 09:33:10 AM
I agree wholeheartedly. Reduce local regulation as much as possible. Also what he says about taxing small businesses to, in turn, offer tax breaks to large firms on the assumption that jobs will follow.
I agree with Vicupstate regarding the flow of money from local bankers - what can the city do about it?
The city would have to guarantee the banks that they will cover the loans in the event of default.
But this doesn't make sense to me as there are already several programs, grants, etc.. that do just that. Unless they're going to remove some restrictions or ease requirments.
I agree with all of Mr. Hogan's points. I would also point out that regulation creates a competitive advantage for big businesses over small ones because they have the legal and accounting resources in house to help them comply more efficiently. Big businesses and their lobbyists often encourage new regulation in order to get that advantage.
I like that he mentioned clustering businesses and expediting Jaxport's infrastructure improvements.
Hogan is spot-on in that Jacksonville's economy must be defined by creating an entreprenurial economy. I've been blowing that horn for awhile.
What is a great way of doing that? Well at a government level... having a SMART city is certainly one way to cut the red tape. COJ Special Events is rolling out a new online permit process... and that's a start but there are SEVERAL things city gov't can do to make all KINDS of things more efficient(and cheaper for guv'ment) for the end user(citizens and small business).
Having effective leaders in positions to help small business would be a big plus as well(read about the corruption in the Northwest Jax Biz Development team of the last few years... that kind of thing does MUCH more harm than good).
Clustering is another common sense approach in an entreprenurial economy.
And Hogan is SPOT ON about port funding.
My BIG, BIG, BIG reservation is that Hogan will run the city to the least common denominator. I think we already get a horribly low return from our tax dollars, and I fear that our tax money 'bang for the buck' will have even lower utility if Hogan cuts and cuts and cuts like he has promised to do.
QuotePosted on: Today at 09:39:07 AMPosted by: Non-RedNeck Westsider
Insert Quote
Quote from: Bativac on Today at 09:33:10 AM
I agree wholeheartedly. Reduce local regulation as much as possible. Also what he says about taxing small businesses to, in turn, offer tax breaks to large firms on the assumption that jobs will follow.
I agree with Vicupstate regarding the flow of money from local bankers - what can the city do about it?
The city would have to guarantee the banks that they will cover the loans in the event of default.
But this doesn't make sense to me as there are already several programs, grants, etc.. that do just that. Unless they're going to remove some restrictions or ease requirments.
Guaranteeing stop losses to community banks is an AWFUL business for the city to get into. The city can do a lot of things to foster small business creation, but guarantees against loan losses will bankrupt this city in a New York Minute.
I've lived in Austin and its a terrific place. But, it is an unfair comparison to Jacksonville. Austin has one of the largest universities in the nation, multiple other small colleges, large research centers, and government. Further, Austin is one of the top technology hubs in the country. Jacksonville should certainly take many lessons from Austin, but its unrealistic to think Jax will ever be as dynamic in the near/medium term.
IMO, a better comparison for seeing the positive fruits of small business focus is Chattanooga, TN. Chattanooga surged into the 21st century with a mindset similar to what Mr. Hogan alludes to in his paper.
One small example: they have a 125k sq ft, chamber-sponsored business development center that offers office and light manufacturing space at very low rates. They also provide free internet, furniture, phone, faxing, copying, clerical support, and counseling. The result: Chattanooga's business development center houses 55 small businesses that employ 400 people. Further, about 40% are female owned and another 40% are minority owned.
There are more examples, but I think Jacksonville should take a close look at some of the things Chattanooga is doing to help small businesses, promote technology, and reward entrepreneurship.
Chattanooga also had a huge focus on the revitalization of their urban core. I would like to see Mike Hogan's opinion on the importance of DT revitalization, as well as how he plans to address this issue.
Supporting small businesses and the port is like "Mom and Apple Pie" in Jax. Other than building permits and codes for builders, I am not sure the City has much influence over small business regulation. In fact, most City enforcers are enforcing State and Federal laws mandated upon them. I see Hogan's words as code to his newly close friends at the NE Florida Builders Association that he will be willing to dilute zoning laws and process so we can continue the urban sprawl we are so famous for. That may be the cynic in me but let someone get him on record that he means otherwise.
As with Rick Scott, Hogan also is rather non-specific in the steps he will take to achieve his stated objectives and remains mostly silent on a large number of other local issues such as the budget, pensions, downtown, crime, mass transit, growth management, parks and recreation, vision for the city going forward, social services, etc.
While I am not a big fan of corporate welfare, I don't think we can ignore larger companies that often lead the community into new industries, cutting edge products, new ways of doing things, and community involvement with their "heft" to make a difference. Larger companies often are serviced by those small businesses Hogan refers to too. In the end, we need a balanced approach, not a one sided one. One thing is for sure, even if we want small businesses here, often led by executives and professionals from other worlds, we need the same pillars of quality education and culture that large businesses look for These convince people to make their lives here and help nourish their business.
I am looking for a mayor who can favorably address multiple priorities in this community, not just a select few. Does Hogan have more to say than what is posted in the article?
Quote from: stephendare on January 10, 2011, 11:57:50 AM
We will be sitting down with him shortly, stjr, and will invite him to respond to metrojacksonville readers specifically---which is quite a different set of expectations on a candidate, I think. Perhaps we will be able to learn more. Mike is a very decent guy, and given the chance, I think I can say from experience that he will be nothing less than forthright about his positions and intentions.
Thanks, Stephen. I am supportive of MJ's efforts to raise the level of discourse among our candidates as, for far too long, individuals have been able to get elected in Jax with a major lack of transparency as to their motives, at least among those not closely connected to them or their campaigns. I hope some hard hitting questions and related demands for substantive answers will better flush out just who and what we are voting for on election day. Importantly, races for office present significant opportunities for us as a community to self-examine, thoroughly discuss, reevaluate, and update our priorities and goals and to reassert our demands to achieve them with accountability. We need to take advantage.
QuoteI am supportive of MJ's efforts to raise the level of discourse among our candidates as, for far too long, individuals have been able to get elected in Jax with a major lack of transparency as to their motives, at least among those not closely connected to them or their campaigns.
Couldn't agree more.
This election is so critical to our city.
QuoteSupporting small businesses and the port is like "Mom and Apple Pie" in Jax. Other than building permits and codes for builders, I am not sure the City has much influence over small business regulation. In fact, most City enforcers are enforcing State and Federal laws mandated upon them. I see Hogan's words as code to his newly close friends at the NE Florida Builders Association that he will be willing to dilute zoning laws and process so we can continue the urban sprawl we are so famous for. That may be the cynic in me but let someone get him on record that he means otherwise.
I have to say, I had a similiar reaction when I first skimmed the article. It was so remenicient of 'run government like a business' that we have heard so often, but in reality turns out to be just a platitude with no real substance.
Then, I read through the article in full, and did find a nugget or two that seemed more insightful, than my cynicism at first would lead me to expect.
I'm willing to hear him out on the details and how the rubber will meet the road. All of the comments regarding Chattanooga are very noteworthy IMO.
Quote from: fieldafm on January 10, 2011, 12:21:48 PM
This election is so critical to our city.
And our response to it is just as critical, IMO. Engaging the candidates in thoughtful and respectful discussion now will go a long way toward our ability to continue that discussion once they are elected - regardless of who is elected.
I somewhat agree and if he's talking the way I think he is, I completely disagree. Just because something is a Small Business doesn't mean it's useful for our city. Remember, Small Business are the ones who own many of the places we complain day and night about in this forum hindering and preventing progress in our great city! I'm pretty sure most the property in downtown is owned by Small Businesses!!
Small Business in Austin is completely different from Small Business in Jacksonville!!!
Small Business in Austin don't stay small! They grow, expand, and try to create a good world class company that can compete internationally! In Jacksonville, what I tend to find is once a Small Business has just enough success for it's owner to live in someplace fancy neighborhood like Deerwood, they stop trying to serve the community by growing their business and turns into well, plantation owners or slum lords! The plantation style mentality I find in way too many small business owners around here have is a horrible way to grow a business and probably why they are still small. Not only that, way too many business around here continue their success by living off government bid "welfare contracts" provided by us the taxpayers!
Yes, Jacksonville needs Small Business but we need a different kind than our status quo. We need ones that know how to grow, make the world a better place, and more importantly have the ability to compete in the global marketplace!!
Interesting response, cityimrov. For many (including me), small business ownership is not about a desire to, as you say 'grow, expand, and try to create a world class company that can compete internationally'. Those are worthwhile goals and I applaud the efforts of those who choose that path. However, I chose small business ownership because it allows me to spend more time with my wife and children. It is about quality of life more than quantity of life.
If there is one thing above all else that I believe we need in Jacksonville it is a confidence boost. We need a leader who can bring the city together instead of tearing us apart. I heard someone say yesterday that what we need is a re-consolidation of our consolidated government. I couldn't agree more. We have too many moving parts that aren't moving in the same direction.
Quote from: thelakelander on January 10, 2011, 10:46:17 AM
Chattanooga also had a huge focus on the revitalization of their urban core. I would like to see Mike Hogan's opinion on the importance of DT revitalization, as well as how he plans to address this issue.
After reading the white paper It seems he would advocate relaxing regulations and zoning restrictions and streamline the process of compliance. I wonder what he thinks about parking meters?
The parking meters are a business, no doubt Hogan probably loves em.
I have a grave feeling that if we get Hogan as our next mayor, we can forget about revitalization projects such as the parkview inn, Barnett tower and the Laura st Trio. We can also look forward to BRT, Metpark un-improvements, no LRT, no skyway extention but lots more road projects, mass cronyism, First Baptist may acquire more city blocks for building which would only be used once a week fro a few hours or so. And this is just the beginning!
He says he wants to focus on small businesses but I think he'll do nothing but feed and nourish the sprawl problem.
I was on Roosevelt bvld the other day and in an empty storefront, in a strip mall of course, I saw Mike Hogan for mayor signs all over the empty storefront. I guess that's appropriate because that's what he wants to give us. That's what he wants to keep, a sprawling township style town with an empty downtown! Let's keep this country bumpkin out or our city leadership at any and all cost!!!
Not to attack him personally, I'm sure he's a stand up guy but, I believe his policies will eather halt progress to a stop, or God forbid, reverse the progress we've already made.
I am a member of First Baptist (regular attender) and I am not voting for Hogan! so see we are not all blind sheep.
I wouldn't be so quick to insinuate that the city will regress with Mike Hogan. He may make it a little more challenging in some ways to get things done and he may make it easier in other ways. You never know how these things will play out.
My feeling about the election is this:
1. None of them will do everything that any of us want to see happen.
2. There is nothing that any of them can do to solve all of our problems.
The bottom line is that the future of the city is in the hands of the citizens. Make enough noise and politicians will listen.
I think regression will occur if the next Mayor does not do anything but attempt to maintain status quo on quality of life issues. Regardless of how some may view DC right now, this is the time to move forward with sustainable urban initiatives. If we can't accomplish anything worthwhile over the next 8 years, Jax will fall further behind our peers. If you think things could be better now, just imagine competing economically when you're a decade behind everyone else.
So what should people do if Mike wins? Give up? I don't agree with the doomsday attitude. No matter who wins the election, there are going to be interest groups in that person's face all day long. If we want to improve the quality of life in the ways we discuss on this forum, we need to continue to be a positive voice. And we need as much face time as we can get.
I believe that Mike wants to do what is best for Jacksonville, and I believe that if the message is clear that people value a certain quality of life, that he will listen. I'm not campaigning for or against him. But I do want to be able to work with him if he wins.
If you really want ot be heard, BEFORE and AFTER the election, you need to put your money where your mouth is, collectively, that is, with a campaign contribution. Contributors get their phone calls and emails returned.
I'm all for citizen activism, but you have to also realize that structurally the Mayor's office in Jax is VERY powerful, relative to other cities. Very few mayors, particularly in the South, have the policy and appointive powers that Jax invests in it's mayor.
If he is not onboard, you will have a very hard row to hoe.
Quote from: urbaknight on January 12, 2011, 01:49:17 PMI was on Roosevelt bvld the other day and in an empty storefront, in a strip mall of course, I saw Mike Hogan for mayor signs all over the empty storefront. I guess that's appropriate because that's what he wants to give us. That's what he wants to keep, a sprawling township style town with an empty downtown! Let's keep this country bumpkin out or our city leadership at any and all cost!!!
You mean the old blockbuster at the corner of Timuquana? I believe that is his campaign headquarters.
And after the election, it will be another empty retail space once again.
Seems there is more talk about the regular absence of Mike Hogan from candidate forums. What's the scoop on his inability to participate more in these high profile events?
the scoops seems to be letting the other two fight it out and divide their voting public and sweep in and claim the majority when it actually counts. Or he doesn't have the money.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on January 28, 2011, 05:47:14 PM
the scoops seems to be letting the other two fight it out and divide their voting public and sweep in and claim the majority when it actually counts. Or he doesn't have the money.
You don't need money for forums. They appear to be free publicity of the first magnitude so, if stretching your money counts, this is the place to be for sure. The coverage can be extensive, especially when the candidates roll in the hay with each other or fire off quotable bullets like that write-in candidate did earlier this week.
As to your strategy, it may backfire. If Hogan makes it through the primary, he will still have to face Moran or Mullaney and their supporters may unify to top Hogan in the run-off. Hogan may then regret not trying to be a #2 choice to those voting for Moran or Mullaney by presenting at candidate forums.
Hogan had the time to make a Republican rally at the Landing last night and the AIF breakfast this morning....I would submit that he is avoiding the forums to let Audrey and Rick battle it out....or maybe he's just not a good debater.