Stephen Dare: Why I am Voting for Audrey Moran
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/History/Florida-Photographic-Archives/SP02049/1195711771_6JSaq-L.jpg)
I suggested, begged, cajoled and badgered Audrey to run for mayor for 6 solid years.
But when it came down to a choice between Audrey and Rick, I hesitated, in order to check out the ideas of Rick Mullaney, whose intellect and energy I had come to respect and appreciate.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-mar-stephen-dare-why-i-am-voting-for-audrey-moran
A very good argument- though ultimately I didn't vote for her. I voted for Mullaney because I think he's better able to win a runoff against Mike Hogan. I just don't see how a New England Republican like Audrey Moran gets to 50% in a city like Jacksonville.
But if its a Hogan/Moran runoff (which I think is the most likely scenario) or a Brown/Moran runoff I'll vote for her. And even if its Mullaney/Moran, my mind is still open.
Thanks Stephen. Very well written. I have been waffling as to who I will chose and you just made my decision easier.
John
To me, its very simple.
Audrey has a vision, the leadership skills to get others to achieve that vision(something Delaney could do very well) and the ability to learn and make rational decisions about issues that impact our community... rather than stay true to an ironclad political ideology.
These are the characteristics of our next great mayor.
Mullaney is an extremely intelligent man... I had the pleasure of meeting him Friday night... but Moran is in my mind that person that comes along once in a generation that will truly serve our community in a very powerful and transforming way.
As an Audrey supporter, I'm glad to have a writer of your caliber on the case.
Quote from: lewyn on March 21, 2011, 03:07:23 PM
I just don't see how a New England Republican like Audrey Moran gets to 50% in a city like Jacksonville.
well that's easy....she gets broad-based support from Democrats, republicans, and Independents....just like she's getting now!
I'm running for mayor in 2016 on the platform that I will bring Hollywood back to Jacksonville....People in Jacksonville will apparently believe anything you tell them...
I think it is very admirable that Rick has a big vision. I myself am an idealist and like to think big thoughts. It seems that the Med School idea is one of Rick's main platforms in the campaign.
He said at the UClub debate that he was working with someone at UNF to bring the medical school to Jacksonville. Newsflash Jacksonville residents, UNF is not a research university. UNF barely even has graduate programs. UNF will not get a state funded medical school in the next 25 years. Period. End of story.
I have a good understanding of the situation in Tallahassee and the State University System. I followed the process of UCF and FIU's new medical schools approvals, which were highly contentious. I will amputate my right arm 128 Hours style if Rick Mullaney brings a new state funded medical school to Jacksonville. Maybe he can get UF to expand in Jacksonville or FSU to open another small branch here, but it won't be a new school.
The only real hope would be something private (affiliated with Mayo?) or for profit. In this time of declining university endowments and donations, I'm not sure there would be much hope of a private school either.
Don't get me wrong, I would absolutely love nothing more than to have a new medical school here (which is how Rick is conning voters), especially since it will likely be in my neighborhood and be a major boost to the urban core. However, it just isn't practical or feasible in my estimation.
I am voting for Audrey because I think she will take a much more feasible approach to economic and downtown development among other things. I don't trust Mullaney and him running on the medical school platform tells me that he is just doing so to get votes.
Kinda like the kid in high school that runs for class president and promises coke fountains and longer lunches....
Oh and great piece Stephen. Very well thought out. If only the voters could have the same experiences and understanding...
Well put.
QuoteIf a simple tax cut were the only thing that a city needed to grow and prosper, then the city should have exploded with growth and quality of life over the previous sixteen straight years of tax cuts. It didnt. Like any gimmick, unless action is backed up with intelligent choices, and quality decisions, it is merely a sideshow sleight of hand.
Just like arbitrarily throwing money at something doesnt give it higher value or better quality, arbitrarily cutting money doesnt result in higher efficiency or better value. The proof can be seen in the underfunded parks, the rotting infrastructure, the cutbacks in police, libraries, firemen, and basic services.
This is well-said. I'm all for government getting out of the way, but have realized the need for it be able to pay for certain things.
QuoteAnd it boils down to the single trait which she unwittingly displayed in her approach to the issues of transportation.
She knew there was more to know, and she made it her business to learn it. She found advice, she listened, and she honored the facts above the sanctity of her own opinion.
I like this notion that someone running for office would be open to learning from others and evolving their viewpoints. My own opinion of transportation has changed over the years, as I've learned and experienced well-done systems while traveling. I've been particularly passionate about it over the past year as I've met more people who for one reason or another don't have access to a car--and thankfully for them, they don't live here right now.
QuoteShe has demonstrated to me (and many others) that she has the necessary toolbox to lead this city, make informed choices, and potentially become one of the most extraordinary mayors of the city's history. The times are large and uncertain, and they call for extraordinary leaders.
I posted elsewhere that I was impressed by something she said on the forum, about young professionals wanting "to know their city is growing and on the move". There are many details to work out, sure, but the spirit behind those words sure says a great deal about what will drive every decision.
The secret ingredients to be a successful mayor: OPEN-MINDNESS and COMMON SENSE.
Mike Hogan: No, not in your and his dreams.
Alvin Brown: No.
Steve Irwin: Yeaaaaa right, he has some (sarcasm).
Rick Mullaney: No, and stop dreaming, Rick.
Audrey Mogan: Resounding YES. You better believe that I am with Audrey!
-Josh
Quote from: tufsu1 on March 21, 2011, 03:29:05 PM
Quote from: lewyn on March 21, 2011, 03:07:23 PM
I just don't see how a New England Republican like Audrey Moran gets to 50% in a city like Jacksonville.
Exactly. In the recently released Jax Observer poll, Audrey's support is 49% Republican and 51% Democrat. By appealing to all people, she is statistically tied with Hogan while Mullaney and Brown were far, far behind. In a runoff, Audrey beats Hogan while Mullaney doesn't.
well that's easy....she gets broad-based support from Democrats, republicans, and Independents....just like she's getting now!
Excellent essay, Stephen!