The Issues by Mayoral Candidate Alvin Brown
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/775820750_8q5Zk-M.jpg)
The center of major waterways and the hub of transportation - Jacksonville is truly a great city with growing potential. We are at a time where harnessing the power of our local resources and creating new opportunities for families, education and economic development can reinvigorate the city of Jacksonville.
As your mayor I will remain committed to the issues most important to you, our families, and the vitality of the place we call home.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-apr-the-issues-by-mayoral-candidate-alvin-brown
Alvin Brown's platform has grown considerably over the past few months....and he is clearly in line with many of the ideas suggested by Audrey Moran....so, I'm with Alvin!
I just wish he'd stop screaming jesus every ten minutes.
If I ever meet Alvin Brown, I would ask him to drop the religion stuff when he is debating, preaching every line, and public places because it is scaring few of us, non-religious folks, off. I adore and love Brown's platform and he makes it appealing to vote for him. I don't mean to ask him to drop it all, but just to tone it down little abit. I know it is part of who he is and I absolutely respect him for him.
The bottom line is it is not always every time when a faith revolves around a person. We see Alvin have strong faith in his belief, and it is a measure of his strength in how he can perform his duty in his brain, heart, and soul.
He's a fabulous candidate to vote for compared to Mike Hogan.
-Josh
I hope so
It's hard to imagine two platforms with a starker difference in level of seriousness. If Brown can pull this off, I'll stop feeling so badly about losing Audrey.
Good start of information MJ! However, where is the section on the lessons learned about rebuilding New Orleans, another port town and how or what Brown did to revitalize their port traffic after the hurricane? If he claims he wants to grow the port, how did he grow it in New Orleans?
Smart Smart Smart. Well he can scream Jesus all he wants as long as he gets the job done right. Hell better than the other guy screaming Jesus and not planning to do anything. It really seems like he has a strong plan looking very similar to Moran. I think if he spoke up earlier he would have done much better.
I wonder the "stupid" voters who read about both candidates' platforms, and could most of them got scared/intimidated by the overwhelming information of Brown's compared to Hogan's simpler, fear-inducing information?
I think we, smartasses on MetroJacksonville, needs to break Brown's information into simpler but non-fear-striking / approachable for our fellow "stupid" voters.
-Josh
Also new after looking back at Hogan's Issues- somebody needs to tell they guy he isn't running for federal office. I cannot find too many things that he says that will directly respond to the local issues. If Hogan does mention points- his points are not strategic or in any kind of detail. Even if he is far to the right- I still would like to hear (in detail) how he plans to fix fix fix
Quote from: wsansewjs on April 08, 2011, 08:54:21 AM
I wonder the "stupid" voters who read about both candidates' platforms, and could most of them got scared/intimidated by the overwhelming information of Brown's compared to Hogan's simpler, fear-inducing information?
I think we, smartasses on MetroJacksonville, needs to break Brown's information into simpler but non-fear-striking / approachable for our fellow "stupid" voters.
-Josh
maybe that is where the Jesus comes in! ???
QuoteIf Hogan does mention points- his points are not strategic or in any kind of detail.
Isn't that how Peyton got elected? All Peyton said he would do is run the City like a business, which we all know was a bust. I am not 100% for Hogan, maybe 60%. I agree, I'd like for him to say more and be direct, maybe the debates will get that out of him, or not. But he does have more local experience, good or bad, than Brown. He has been tax collector, on the city hall, in the FL legislature and I believe he knows Jacksonville, good and bad, better than Brown does, who has very little direct credit on the resume here in Jacksonville.
If I had to choose, I'd choose a person with local experience. I already chose a person with NO experience and that nightmare continues, now in its 8th year. Not going to do that again.
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 08, 2011, 08:59:51 AM
QuoteIf Hogan does mention points- his points are not strategic or in any kind of detail.
Isn't that how Peyton got elected? All Peyton said he would do is run the City like a business, which we all know was a bust. I am not 100% for Hogan, maybe 60%. I agree, I'd like for him to say more and be direct, maybe the debates will get that out of him, or not. But he does have more local experience, good or bad, than Brown. He has been tax collector, on the city hall, in the FL legislature and I believe he knows Jacksonville, good and bad, better than Brown does, who has very little direct credit on the resume here in Jacksonville.
If I had to choose, I'd choose a person with local experience. I already chose a person with NO experience and that nightmare continues, now in its 8th year. Not going to do that again.
I would not go as far as assert that Alvin Brown is the second coming of John Peyton. As a matter of fact, the 'local experience' argument would justify a third term for Peyton. After all, he has eight years of experience in city government, right?
As for me, I would not accuse Alvin Brown of being completely ignorant of issues that affect our city. I would think that empowerment zones and urban policy may be issues that are relevant to Jacksonville.
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 08, 2011, 08:59:51 AM
QuoteIf Hogan does mention points- his points are not strategic or in any kind of detail.
Isn't that how Peyton got elected? All Peyton said he would do is run the City like a business, which we all know was a bust. I am not 100% for Hogan, maybe 60%. I agree, I'd like for him to say more and be direct, maybe the debates will get that out of him, or not. But he does have more local experience, good or bad, than Brown. He has been tax collector, on the city hall, in the FL legislature and I believe he knows Jacksonville, good and bad, better than Brown does, who has very little direct credit on the resume here in Jacksonville.
If I had to choose, I'd choose a person with local experience. I already chose a person with NO experience and that nightmare continues, now in its 8th year. Not going to do that again.
Let me see if I am getting this right: You don't like Peyton, so you are supporting the guy who has less of a plan and is even further to the right? It seems like you are starting out in default support of the Repub, and require the Dem to really convince you for your vote. Why not just look at them both objectively. Who cares what the letter next to the name is? Which one has the more attractive, well-thought out plan? Which one has a plan that can be taken up by the mayor at all?
Brown's issue statement looks great. If he gets half that done, Jax would be 10 times better (yes, that was a scientific statement).
Quick question Metro Jacksonville:
Quote
Why is it that Alvin Brown gets discussed after MH? EVERY time!!!!
Let's start keeping it in alphabetical order, so we don't look like we are a** kissing ;D
Quote from: PeeJayEss on April 08, 2011, 09:57:36 AM
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 08, 2011, 08:59:51 AM
QuoteIf Hogan does mention points- his points are not strategic or in any kind of detail.
Isn't that how Peyton got elected? All Peyton said he would do is run the City like a business, which we all know was a bust. I am not 100% for Hogan, maybe 60%. I agree, I'd like for him to say more and be direct, maybe the debates will get that out of him, or not. But he does have more local experience, good or bad, than Brown. He has been tax collector, on the city hall, in the FL legislature and I believe he knows Jacksonville, good and bad, better than Brown does, who has very little direct credit on the resume here in Jacksonville.
If I had to choose, I'd choose a person with local experience. I already chose a person with NO experience and that nightmare continues, now in its 8th year. Not going to do that again.
Let me see if I am getting this right: You don't like Peyton, so you are supporting the guy who has less of a plan and is even further to the right? It seems like you are starting out in default support of the Repub, and require the Dem to really convince you for your vote. Why not just look at them both objectively. Who cares what the letter next to the name is? Which one has the more attractive, well-thought out plan? Which one has a plan that can be taken up by the mayor at all?
Brown's issue statement looks great. If he gets half that done, Jax would be 10 times better (yes, that was a scientific statement).
It's an emotional thing. No amount of rationality even comes into play.
mtraininjax family has probably been voting Republican for generations...........it's just tradition.
So they just spend a lot of time arguing against themselves, but then sticking to tradition anyway.
Alvin Brown is focused on the important issues: jobs, downtown development, education, parks, public safety. All of his proposals are achievable.
Mike Hogan has essentially promised to move Jacksonville backwards and is focused on matters that cannot be resolved locally.
My children deserve a better quality of life. I'm with Alvin!
Both candidates seem like capable men to me who have proven they can work effectively to accomplish their goals. Alvin's stated ambitions and focus just line up with what I see as more on point with what Jacksonville needs right now. Hogan's focus has to be about getting elected I doubt he will waste his time fighting for the second amendment and sanctity of life issues while serving as Mayor. That however is what he saying he is going to do so let's pick the guy who is saying , Jobs, Port, Public Safety and Education are the issues he will tackle.
Quote from: Miss Fixit on April 08, 2011, 10:04:36 AM
Alvin Brown is focused on the important issues: jobs, downtown development, education, parks, public safety. All of his proposals are achievable.
Mike Hogan has essentially promised to move Jacksonville backwards and is focused on matters that cannot be resolved locally.
My children deserve a better quality of life. I'm with Alvin!
+1
Quote from: Miss Fixit on April 08, 2011, 10:04:36 AM
Alvin Brown is focused on the important issues: jobs, downtown development, education, parks, public safety. All of his proposals are achievable.
Mike Hogan has essentially promised to move Jacksonville backwards and is focused on matters that cannot be resolved locally.
My children deserve a better quality of life. I'm with Alvin!
It's like choosing the FUTURE vs choosing the PAST
If you are happy with Peyton's 8 years as mayor...........well you know who to vote for.
Hogan will continue to say as little as possible and be very vague. It worked in the primary and it is his campaigns hope is that it carries him through the May election.
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on April 08, 2011, 08:47:00 AM
It's hard to imagine two platforms with a starker difference in level of seriousness.
+1
Quote from: finehoe on April 08, 2011, 10:11:16 AM
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on April 08, 2011, 08:47:00 AM
It's hard to imagine two platforms with a starker difference in level of seriousness.
+1
Yeah potholes vs VISION
Quote from: FayeforCure on April 08, 2011, 10:04:14 AM
It's an emotional thing. No amount of rationality even comes into play.
mtraininjax family has probably been voting Republican for generations...........it's just tradition.
So they just spend a lot of time arguing against themselves, but then sticking to tradition anyway.
[/quote]
Good...let them argue amongst themselves. Alvin has a thought-out plan, vs a few thoughts scribbled on the corner of a piece of paper.
Quote from: Garden guy on April 08, 2011, 08:09:24 AM
I just wish he'd stop screaming jesus every ten minutes.
Oh cmon Garden Guy....;)
The difference between the two platforms is astonishing. Hogan sounds like the old drunk guy at the bar rambling about what he'd do if he was king. Brown has really taken a hard look at our city and its issues and then created a comprehensive, but focused, plan to improve our city. With Alvin's plan, our city will again be competitive with places like Charlotte and Nashville. Any doubt I previously had about Alvin has been erased and I am now fully on board with his campaign for mayor of Jacksonville.
I'm Down with Alvin Brown.
Are you talking about Barney on the Simpsons Captain ? ;)
I am satisfied that of the two, Alvin is CLEARLY the better man for the job.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on April 08, 2011, 11:03:06 AM
Hogan sounds like the old drunk guy at the bar rambling about what he'd do if he was king.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on April 07, 2011, 09:13:20 AM
If Hogan was running for a seat in Congress, I'd probably vote for him.
Okaaay.
What is the thing that I dislike most about local politics? Many of us are simply too content with one political party having a monopoly on power. The governing party has the numbers and the money and has no real incentive to listen to the people. With voter turnout dropping in our local elections, there is even less reason for the Good Old Boys to pay attention. If we blindly hand the election to the same clique, I do not believe that we will have any real solutions for our city's problems.
As for those who question Alvin Brown's experience, they seem to have a double standard on what it takes to be a mayor. Prior to running for mayor, John Peyton had a skimpy background in public administration. Jacksonville gave Peyton a pass. Today, we are cynically looking for excuses not to vote for a man who has worked with a $4 billion budget, who has helped rebuild a hurricane-devastated city and who has worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce. Not only this, Alvin Brown is not some carpetbagger who just dropped in from out of nowhere. He is indeed someone who grew up here and pulled himself up to become the man that he is now.
Quote from: Jaxson on April 08, 2011, 11:10:44 AM
What is the thing that I dislike most about local politics? Many of us are simply too content with one political party having a monopoly on power. The governing party has the numbers and the money and has no real incentive to listen to the people. With voter turnout dropping in our local elections, there is even less reason for the Good Old Boys to pay attention. If we blindly hand the election to the same clique, I do not believe that we will have any real solutions for our city's problems.
As for those who question Alvin Brown's experience, they seem to have a double standard on what it takes to be a mayor. Prior to running for mayor, John Peyton had a skimpy background in public administration. Jacksonville gave Peyton a pass. Today, we are cynically looking for excuses not to vote for a man who has worked with a $4 billion budget, who has helped rebuild a hurricane-devastated city and who has worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce. Not only this, Alvin Brown is not some carpetbagger who just dropped in from out of nowhere. He is indeed someone who grew up here and pulled himself up to become the man that he is now.
+1 Jaxson
Quote from: Jaxson on April 08, 2011, 11:10:44 AM
What is the thing that I dislike most about local politics? Many of us are simply too content with one political party having a monopoly on power. The governing party has the numbers and the money and has no real incentive to listen to the people. With voter turnout dropping in our local elections, there is even less reason for the Good Old Boys to pay attention. If we blindly hand the election to the same clique, I do not believe that we will have any real solutions for our city's problems.
As for those who question Alvin Brown's experience, they seem to have a double standard on what it takes to be a mayor. Prior to running for mayor, John Peyton had a skimpy background in public administration. Jacksonville gave Peyton a pass. Today, we are cynically looking for excuses not to vote for a man who has worked with a $4 billion budget, who has helped rebuild a hurricane-devastated city and who has worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce. Not only this, Alvin Brown is not some carpetbagger who just dropped in from out of nowhere. He is indeed someone who grew up here and pulled himself up to become the man that he is now.
What's more:
In actual fact Alvin Brown has an MBA from our very own: Jacksonville University!!!!
Rather than a BA in monkey business: a BA in zoology from FSU
Quote from: Garden guy on April 08, 2011, 08:09:24 AM
I just wish he'd stop screaming jesus every ten minutes.
So help us Jesus if Mike Hogan become elected!
Quote from: finehoe on April 08, 2011, 11:09:17 AM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on April 08, 2011, 11:03:06 AM
Hogan sounds like the old drunk guy at the bar rambling about what he'd do if he was king.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on April 07, 2011, 09:13:20 AM
If Hogan was running for a seat in Congress, I'd probably vote for him.
Okaaay.
I should have qualified my second comment by saying I was assuming he'd be running against someone similar to Corrine Brown. What I mostly meant by that is that Hogan's mayoral platform is more party aligned and focused on national and constitutional issues. I do not believe that those are issues that have any place in local politics. Any person that is running for mayor based on gun rights and free speech is in the wrong game. I have said a number of times that I believe Hogan is focusing on the wrong things and that is what worries me about his campaign for mayor. He seems like a nice guy, and on constitutional issues I agree with him. This is not a presidential election, so I think his platform for mayor is completely off base and lacking in any real substance on issues that matter to this city.
Clever research and posting of out of context quotes, but if you paid attention to the points I was trying to make I think my message becomes more clear. Just in case, I'll break it down for you one more time.
I think Mike Hogan is a decent man and his views on national issues are aligned with my own. That being said, his platform for the mayoral race fails to address any of the issues that have caused our city's current problems. He does even less to propose solutions for these problems. I think his focus is misguided and that makes me very concerned that he would be a poor choice for mayor. For that reason, I am voting for Alvin Brown. Perhaps you should consider writing for the TU. You have a similar research style to many of their writers.
Ok, comparing the two candidates, this guy is sharp and should be the next mayor of Jacksonville.
I'm with Alvin.
Or to paraphrase Captain Zissou, I'm down with Brown.
The pervasive mentioning of Christianity by Brown, is possibly a pre-emptive strike to prevent the GOP from alleging that he is Muslim and/or supports subtituting our legal system with Sharia Law.
In that vein, he might want to voluntarily make his birth certificate public.
Quote from: vicupstate on April 08, 2011, 12:37:48 PM
The pervasive mentioning of Christianity by Brown, is possibly a pre-emptive strike to prevent the GOP from alleging that he is Muslim and/or supports subtituting our legal system with Sharia Law.
In that vein, he might want to voluntarily make his birth certificate public.
That is hysterical!!
And hopefully he hasn't been pallin' around with domestic terrorists.
Only one candidate for mayor has a proven record of lowering unemployent from 24 percent to 8 percent in an economically depressed area such as Harlem. He was able to create an economic Empowerment Zone to create jobs and revive and urban area in need of new life.
These kind of results are part of a solid record of someone who can help our city to the same...
I feel the same way as Capt. Zissou, not that my vote counts since I live in Virginia. I'm a conservative, but Hogan's platform for a mayoral election is outright insulting. He comes off as pandering to broad, national-level politically conservative points of view with barely a hint of local-level politics and not the slightest vision for the city. I believe in Jacksonville's potential and uniqueness. I've grown frustrated with its continuous waste of opportunity and resources, and failure to recognize its geographical advantages and historical significance. I want someone with a vision to guide it forward. Delaney had that; Godbold had that. I'm certain Audrey had it. And now I am seeing it with Alvin Brown. There is more substance in the first five seconds of reading his platform than there is in all of Hogan's. He correctly identifies problems and offers logical solutions, while Hogan is pandering to things I could agree with from a Congressional candidate, and what little he has to say about improving the city consists of broad, buzzword-driven platitudes. And nothing I've seen from Mr. Hogan's campaign, starting with his avoiding interviews and debates, gives me any hope that he intends to seek input or interface with the public. He seems content to strive to be a caretaker. Mr. Brown seems to be striving to be a visionary. Maybe there is more substance to Mr. Hogan than I'm seeing, and I don't doubt his sincerity or his resume. But from reading these platforms and following the campaign so far, the choice between the two doesn't appear to be a close one. It surely overwhelms my usual party loyalties and I hope that goes for a lot of other people who actually live in Jacksonville and can vote.
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on April 08, 2011, 12:57:49 PM
I feel the same way as Capt. Zissou, not that my vote counts since I live in Virginia. I'm a conservative, but Hogan's platform for a mayoral election is outright insulting. He comes off as pandering to broad, national-level politically conservative points of view with barely a hint of local-level politics and not the slightest vision for the city............ (just) buzzword-driven platitudes. ........... It surely overwhelms my usual party loyalties and I hope that goes for a lot of other people who actually live in Jacksonville and can vote.
Thanks Wacca Pilatka, my only fear is that "national issues" worked for Rick Scott..........his anti-Obama rhetoric seemed to pay off.
Yet Rick's only local state buzzwords "777" quickly turned to "666". So much so that nobody (except for hardcore Tea Partiers) want to admit they even voted for him.
Let's get the word out on Alvin Brown.
I'm outta here...........putting out signs.
" Hogan sounds like the old drunk guy at the bar rambling about what he'd do if he was king. "
I like that. Please let us keep Hogan off the throne.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on April 08, 2011, 11:03:06 AM
Hogan sounds like the old drunk guy at the bar rambling about what he'd do if he was king.
Wait a minute. I didn't know there was a drunk rambling candidate option. I hereby rescind my support of Brown.
Quote from: PeeJayEss on April 08, 2011, 01:11:12 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on April 08, 2011, 11:03:06 AM
Hogan sounds like the old drunk guy at the bar rambling about what he'd do if he was king.
Wait a minute. I didn't know there was a drunk rambling candidate option. I hereby rescind my support of Brown.
Yeah, we can so identify with that drunk rambling candidate..............it's like going fishing with your favorite buddy ;D And that should be the basis of our vote!
Disclaimer.........I have never gone fishing, I am a vegetarian ;)
Sorry my atheist friends, but based on the voting pattern for the A-Typical Jaxson, Alvin is going to need all the JESUS he can get to pull this off.
OCKLAWAHA
Well hes getting my vote.. and your Vegetarian disclaimer is noted, Faye ;)
It looks like one live debate is all the public will be getting between now and election day.
Mike Hogan rejects Alvin Brown's call for more TV, radio mayoral debates
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2011-04-08/story/mike-hogan-rejects-alvin-browns-call-more-tv-radio-mayoral-debates#ixzz1IxVFHFsC
Quote"We appreciate your offer to host an additional debate, but unfortunately the campaign is going in a different direction for debates and forums we will attend along with Mr. Brown," Isaac wrote to Kim.
What does that mean? Debates and forums off the air?
To those who are concerned about alvins references to his faith in god. Just my opinion, but I know Alvin. There is a difference between using your faith as weapon or as an inspiration. To me, just my opinion, Alvin uses his faith as inspiration only. There is a big difference. Matt Carlucci sr
Not concerned about that at all.. Alvin at least has an APPRECIABLE Outline of his vision as mayor. Never came across to me as a weapon :)
Quote from: mfc on April 08, 2011, 02:53:25 PM
To those who are concerned about alvins references to his faith in god. Just my opinion, but I know Alvin. There is a difference between using your faith as weapon or as an inspiration. To me, just my opinion, Alvin uses his faith as inspiration only. There is a big difference. Matt Carlucci sr
I thank you for letting us know. Coming from someone who I trust like you and I do take your words for it. Faith as the source of inspiration is more powerful than bible-slapping people's faces.
-Josh
Josh.. I agree.. and I also think it is good to have faith... just not shove it down others throats. As to another debate... I kinda think it speaks for itself if Hogan declines ... Good. YET ANOTHER reason I would not vote for him.
Quote from: stephendare on April 08, 2011, 03:06:35 PM
Quote from: wsansewjs on April 08, 2011, 02:58:17 PM
Quote from: mfc on April 08, 2011, 02:53:25 PM
To those who are concerned about alvins references to his faith in god. Just my opinion, but I know Alvin. There is a difference between using your faith as weapon or as an inspiration. To me, just my opinion, Alvin uses his faith as inspiration only. There is a big difference. Matt Carlucci sr
I thank you for letting us know. Coming from someone who I trust like you and I do take your words for it. Faith as the source of inspiration is more powerful than bible-slapping people's faces.
-Josh
This goes both ways Josh. People are entitled to their beliefs, and its seriously becoming an annoyance that people's privately held religious convictions are somehow supposed to be held up for criticism.
I personally don't care if someone says "Jesus' 2340 times a day, as long as the bus works, the electrical rates are fair, and the government is well run. I also don't care if they murmur sufi chants softly the entire time that I am filing a business license. And they better not care when Im humming along to Avenue Q.
Its just not really my business, and not an indicator of whether or not they can do their job.
You cannot expect tolerance if you cannot also give it.
So can we please lay off the tiresome diatribes against religious belief?
Casually intelligently discussed threads are one thing, but axe grinding isnt enjoyable for anyone.
Duly noted and acknowledged. I simply lol'd at your humming of Avenue Q.
-Josh
I can only speak for myself when I say that Christianity is not the problem that I have with politicians who openly express their faith. I consider myself to be a Christian and believe that faith is an important part of my life. I believe that tolerance and acceptance should apply to all faiths, religions and creeds. I take issue with politicians who use their religion as a cynical way to score political points.
Do you take issue with me, Jaxson ? ;)
Quote from: stephendare on April 08, 2011, 03:06:35 PM
...its seriously becoming an annoyance that people's privately held religious convictions are somehow supposed to be held up for criticism.
The key word here is
privately. If someone is mentioning their religion every other word in almost every public pronouncement, that can hardly be deemed private.
Quote from: finehoe on April 08, 2011, 05:21:54 PM
Quote from: stephendare on April 08, 2011, 03:06:35 PM
...its seriously becoming an annoyance that people's privately held religious convictions are somehow supposed to be held up for criticism.
The key word here is privately. If someone is mentioning their religion every other word in almost every public pronouncement, that can hardly be deemed private.
Finehoe just pointed out the statement I was trying to make.
-Josh
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on April 08, 2011, 08:54:55 AM
Also new after looking back at Hogan's Issues- somebody needs to tell they guy he isn't running for federal office. I cannot find too many things that he says that will directly respond to the local issues. If Hogan does mention points- his points are not strategic or in any kind of detail. Even if he is far to the right- I still would like to hear (in detail) how he plans to fix fix fix
This
This
& more This!
He sounds like he is running for Governor or a Senate seat & not a mayor. I dont think Alvin Brown will win after all it is Jacksonville people doing the voting. Enjoy this lil ride of hope while it last yall.
Quote from: Timkin on April 08, 2011, 04:04:53 PM
Do you take issue with me, Jaxson ? ;)
Never!!! Our city needs more people like you! I don't care what mtraininjax says ; )
I need to know something. What is Alvin Brown's stance on social and moral and freedom of speech laws? Local level governments have a big say in what people are allowed to do and what they aren't allowed to do. They can make legal things a big hassle to do. What is his general stance on "sin" stuff (bars, liquor stores, gambling, smoking parlors, adult clubs, etc)? How about things like offensive material? Is he for or against laws which limit access to specific materials to minors similar to what people in California has done? (Example: Making it a crime to sell M rated games like Grand Theft Auto to minors).
What is his ideas on diversity and minority rights? If another controversial figure like Parvez (or someone who is Islam, Openly Gay, Atheist, etc) appears again for a city office and somehow get's in the media, will he back him up like Peyton did or will he stay neutral or say no?
I'm guessing Hogan's stance is aligned closer to First Baptist and the Tea Party so I have a pretty decent idea of what he wants to go in that direction but what about Brown?
Politicians have a tendency to go to moral and social issues when economic problems start popping up. I want to know their stances on this should the temptation to go that direction takes a hold in this city.
Quote from: stephendare on April 08, 2011, 07:15:16 PM
Quote from: finehoe on April 08, 2011, 05:21:54 PM
Quote from: stephendare on April 08, 2011, 03:06:35 PM
...its seriously becoming an annoyance that people's privately held religious convictions are somehow supposed to be held up for criticism.
The key word here is privately. If someone is mentioning their religion every other word in almost every public pronouncement, that can hardly be deemed private.
Meh.
I don't think private is synonymous with secret, do you?
Unless they are making laws that are meant to preclude the views of people who believe differently than they do, I don't think it passes over into the public realm.
Everyone has their convictions about things, religious or otherwise. It's very much a part of them. One day we'll have a vegetarian President. I wouldn't care, and it doesn't have to be "private", but I sure hope he or she doesn't sign an executive order banning delicious steaks.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_bQsuhPJduqQ/TZ-lrL4xU0I/AAAAAAAAEvI/plw14l0tqz8/s800/STREETCAR-JACKSONVILLE-RENDERING-LARGE.JPG)
Was the word rail transit mentioned anywhere? Did I just miss it? Streetcar right? Streetcar as an infrastructure investment returning $14 for every $1invested? Yeah Alvin, THAT STREETCAR! And while we're at it, THAT COMMUTER TRAIN!
OCKLAWAHA
Alvin has mentioned the concept of light rail in Jacksonville for months...while I would prefer he use the terms streetcar and commuter rail, I'll take it as a positive for now!
Wonder if he considers it an "idea" and thus a cool toy or, if he considers it an "issue" a much needed development catalyst? When I don't see it as an issue from either camp, I continue to worry that we just haven't gotten the message of connectivity through to either side.
OCKLAWAHA
Well..... Lets put it this way... did Hogan mention it? .. Don't recall that. Bottom line... I think Alvin has a better chance of making it happen
Quote from: Timkin on April 09, 2011, 12:48:12 PM
Well..... Lets put it this way... did Hogan mention it? .. Don't recall that. Bottom line... I think Alvin has a better chance of making it happen
Yeah, "empty strip mall" Hogan by definition isn't that interested in Downtown development where all the light rail would be headed ;D So forget HIS support EVER!!!!
No ifs, buts or maybes about it.
Alvin Brown no doubt has followed Washington DC's struggles to bring street cars there and its mayor's role in facilitating such:
QuoteThe District of Columbia subsequently decided to build the initial components of the DC Streetcar system on its own. The Anacostia line was scaled back to a demonstration project just 2.7 miles (4.3 km) in length with only four stations: Bolling Air Force Base, the Anacostia Metro station, the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE and Good Hope Road SE, and the Minnesota Avenue Metro station.[15] DDOT began an environmental assessment of the CSX tracks in July 2003.[15] In September 2004, Metro agreed to move ahead with the project (whose $45 million cost was now being funded completely by the District of Columbia), with construction to start in November 2004 and end in 2006.[16]
A pantograph on a DC Streetcar for use on the Anacostia line.
In December 2009, D.C. City Council member Jim Graham proposed establishing a D.C. Transit Board to oversee the DC Circulator bus system as well as the DC Streetcar system.[17] The board would oversee the establishment of routes and transit fares.[17] In order to determine whether the local business community would support the streetcar project, several local real estate and commercial developers visited the Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail system which operates in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area.[18] The goal of the trip was to investigate whether MAX had the intended positive economic consequences and whether the return on investment seemed worthwhile. Local media reports indicated that the D.C. developers were impressed by the effect MAX had on Portland's economic development.[18]
Local preservationist groups such as the Committee of 100 on the Federal City as well as regional planning bodies like the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) have opposed the current design of the streetcar system, which relies on overhead electrical wires and a pantograph to conduct power to the streetcar motor.[19] Opponents of the design cite a 1889 federal law banning such systems in Georgetown and the historic center city (defined by the Florida Avenue NE and NW south to the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.[19] The NCPC has also opposed use of the wires along H Street NE, the 11th Street bridges, and in Anacostia.[19] These groups have proposed a design change that would rely on wireless technologies, such as battery-powered vehicles which rely on conduit current collection (in which a metal arm or "plow" is inserted into a channel in the street and draws power from cables under the roadway).[19] But District of Columbia officials say the current overhead lines are not visually obtrusive, and that conduit collection systems are costly and break down easily in cities with wet climates.[19] City transportation planning officials have also proposed building a system that would run on wires outside the historic core but switch to a hybrid battery/conduit system inside the area.[19] On May 31, 2010, 12 of the council's 13 members co-sponsored a bill to exempt the H Street Line from the 1888 and 1889 laws that banned overhead electrication in the city's historic core.[20] The legislation required that the mayor's office develop a citywide plan by 2014 to determine where additional overhead electrification could be permitted.[20] The Committee of 100 supported the planning requirement,[21] and the legislation passed the council on June 29, 2010.[22] But in late June 2010, the chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, L. Preston Bryant Jr., sent a letter to the Federal Transit Administration demanding that $25 million in federal money intended for the streetcar project be withheld until the NCPC and city reached agreement regarding the overhead electrication issue.[23] The NCPC said they had legal advice which indicated that only Congress had the power to rescind the 1888 and 1889 laws.[23] City council members, who had been negotiating with the NCPC, said the NCPC's action was a sign of bad faith in the talks.[23] DDOT Director Gabe Klein said the NCPC was "blackmailing" city leaders, and that the NCPC was overstepping its boundary as a purely advisory body.[22] Klein asked Bryant to rescind his letter, arguing that Bryant had purposefully misstated the city's plans for overhead electrification (claiming it would install overhead wires on the National Mall and near Congress) and asserting that the H Street Line was not covered by the 1888 and 1889 laws.[22] Klein also cited two previous legal opinions which concluded the city had the power to rescind the 1800s legislation.[22] On July 13, 2010, the D.C. Council passed legislation to allow the overhead wires along Benning Road and H Street NE.[24] The legislation specifically banned the wires around the National Mall and along Pennsylvania Avenue between Capitol Hill and the White House, and established a process for seeking public and other input on whether wires should be used elsewhere in the city.[24]
Funding for the DC Streetcar system became an issue in 2010. D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty proposed spending $60 million to $70 million in his fiscal 2011 budget to complete the H Street Line and purchase six trams, with a goal of activating the line in the spring of 2012.[25] Funding for other lines would be withheld until the city was assured that the H Street Line was a success.[25]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_Streetcar
Quote from: stephendare on April 08, 2011, 07:15:16 PM
Quote from: finehoe on April 08, 2011, 05:21:54 PM
Quote from: stephendare on April 08, 2011, 03:06:35 PM
...its seriously becoming an annoyance that people's privately held religious convictions are somehow supposed to be held up for criticism.
The key word here is privately. If someone is mentioning their religion every other word in almost every public pronouncement, that can hardly be deemed private.
Meh.
I don't think private is synonymous with secret, do you?
Unless they are making laws that are meant to preclude the views of people who believe differently than they do, I don't think it passes over into the public realm.
You are right, stephendare, people should not mistake private with secret when it comes to expressing their faith. I believe that politicians cross the line when they seem to make a show of their religion to the point that it seems more like a cynical ploy to win more votes. Candidates who go around with a "How great I am" attitude are the ones who turn me off. Our values can speak for themselves when we take our ego out of the equation.
If you want to ask Alvin Brown any questions:
Quote
Third Alvin Brown Supporters Coffee & Cocktails Social
Location: Elevated Avondale
Time: 5:30PM Sunday, April 10th..
I noticed a comment on the TU article of April 8th, that I think is very important:
Quote
In my opinion, one of the strongest selling points for Alvin Brown is his Washington connections. If he can maximize their value and divert plenty of Federal money to Jacksonville, it will reduce the need to cut libraries, parks, public safety, etc.
Hogan doesn't have such connections and only promises cuts and the sale of city-owned preservation land during a period of depressed property values. For that matter, Hogan, like Rick Scott, would probably be foolish enough to refuse Federal help and let it go elsewhere
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-04-09/story/backers-former-foes-look-brown-hogan#ixzz1JDjmMtC7
Wish he had some connections to replace Scott. That dude is scary.
With preservation of our beautiful St Johns River a top priority for our economic well-being, we all understand the importance of PROTECTING our natural resources in local races..............
Quote
Sierra Club endorsement
The Sierra Club urges voters to say yes to Alvin Brown in the upcoming runoff election May 17.
We were impressed with Brown's orientation to environmental issues - he has voiced support for environmental education in schools, protecting the city's tree canopy and cleaning up the St. Johns River.
These attributes are important as our next mayor addresses the challenges of the next four years, balancing job growth and economic recovery in an environmentally sustainable manner. Thanks to Brown for stepping out to lead our city.
Brown has promised to protect the city's preservation park properties for generations to come, not put them up for sale to developers as Republican Mike Hogan said he would consider doing.
There is still time to register to vote as long as your registration form (get it from your local library, online or at the Elections office) is received by mid April.
Call the election office (904) 630-1414.
Voting has never been easier with early voting, voting by mail or on election day May 17 at your normal polling place.
Ron Littlepage's excellent column compares Brown with Hogan's positions on the issues; or go to AlvinForMayor.com to learn more.
Janet L. Stanko, Sierra Club chairwoman,
Northeast Florida Group
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/letters-readers/2011-04-10/story/letters-readers-cut-school-board-pay#ixzz1JENxbTQz
You know how those people who want less government. There is NOTHING with the idea of government funding and support public supports for the communities. I am all for less government, but it need to be a lean and effective management of budget and resources.
-Josh
Quote from: FayeforCure on April 11, 2011, 09:29:47 AM
I noticed a comment on the TU article of April 8th, that I think is very important:
Quote
In my opinion, one of the strongest selling points for Alvin Brown is his Washington connections. If he can maximize their value and divert plenty of Federal money to Jacksonville, it will reduce the need to cut libraries, parks, public safety, etc.
Hogan doesn't have such connections and only promises cuts and the sale of city-owned preservation land during a period of depressed property values. For that matter, Hogan, like Rick Scott, would probably be foolish enough to refuse Federal help and let it go elsewhere
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-04-09/story/backers-former-foes-look-brown-hogan#ixzz1JDjmMtC7
Not only does he not have the connections, he also stated that he would eliminate spending money on lobbyists. I know that people like to slam lobbyists, but sometimes you have to be the squeaky wheel.
And sometimes you have to be the one with the oil can