Although we'll have a front page story on this forum later this week, on Tuesday, April 26, Metro Jacksonville, along with RAP, SPAR, San Marco and Murray Hill will be sponsoring a candidate's forum at the old Haydon Burns Library.
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/images/downtown_update/2006/10/HaydonBurns.jpg)
All Mayoral and At-Large council candidates have been invited. So far, Alvin Brown, Robin Lumb (5), Jim Robinson (4) and David Taylor (1) have confirmed that they'll be participating.
We're in the process of developing questions for panelist to ask the candidates and would like some suggestions from our readers. If there is anything that you would like the candidates to answer, let me know in this thread today and I'll get the list in the right hands.
***UPDATE***
Here is an updated list of questions that have been submitted so far:
1. What is the biggest issue affecting the Quality of Life in Jacksonville and how will you address it?
2. Will you make the 680' pier public and allow vendors and boater to use it?
3. Why do you feel you can get Jacksonville's biggest needs projects done? IE: the port, the cruise terminal, the mobility plan and a possible Jaguars ownership transition.
4. Will you be willing to use city money to help get those needed projects done?
5. Where is Mr. Hogan?
6. What is their position on Historic Preservation and ensuring places like Genovar's Hall, Fire Station#5 , Annie Lytle Schoolhouse, The Ambassador, The Laura Trio, will be spared, and not just left to decay to the point they cannot be saved?
7. Mass Transit? Streetcars? Extending the Skyway?
8. Ideas for Urban Infill and restoration of a vibrant downtown?
9. Elimination of unnecessary positions within the City?
10. Restructuring of JTA?
11. What are your thoughts on attracting and retaining employers in Downtown?
12. How will they curb the growth that is driving the cost of maintaining our city through the roof?
13. What is their opinion on mass transit and how would they implement mass transit within our city?
14. What will they do to create growth downtown?
15. What are methods you would suggest to implement smart growth that will increase our tax base without increasing our costs?
16. Beside the USS Adams docking here, is there a large interest to attract additional famous / historical ships to call its home here?
17. What will happen to the Old Ford Factory? Could the old Ford factory and the rest of the area including the Metro Park to Sport Complex push toward a stronger unity to promote downtown growth?
18. Can we bring architecture students to design the entire public shipyard and make one of their ideas into reality?
19. When can the city government will EVER relax their business regulations in the downtown and other areas?
20. What are our odds to get the Sacremento Kings downtown?
21. Which one of you is the real Mike Hogan?
well done!
;D This is so awesome! I cannot wait to see the outcome of this event! Way to go, MetroJax, and other organizations!
-Josh
No Hogan?
Color me shocked.
1. What is the biggest issue affecting the Quality of Life in Jacksonville and how will you address it?
2. Will you make the 680' pier public and allow vendors and boater to use it?
3. Why do you feel you can get Jacksonville's biggest needs projects done? IE: the port, the cruise terminal, the mobility plan and a possible Jaguars ownership transition.
4. Will you be willing to use city money to help get those needed projects done?
5. Where is Mr. Hogan? (couldn't resist but if he isn't there it should be asked out loud during the forum)
Any more questions for mayoral and council candidates that will be attending next week's candidate's forum?
Get something solid out of them regarding mass transit and all of these studies that we've had!
-What is their position on Historic Preservation and ensuring places like Genovar's Hall, Fire Station#5 , Annie Lytle Schoolhouse, The Ambassador, The Laura Trio, will be spared, and not just left to decay to the point they cannot be saved?
- Mass Transit? Streetcars? Extending the Skyway?
- Ideas for Urban Infill and restoration of a vibrant downtown?
- Elimination of unnecessary positions within the City
- Restructuring of JTA?
I would like to know what their thoughts are on attracting employers to Downtown and keeping those who currently DT there.
How will they curb the growth that is driving the cost of maintaining our city through the roof??
What is their opinion on mass transit and how would they implement mass transit within our city??
What will they do to create growth downtown??
I second all of Jeffrey's questions. Especially "Where's Hogan?"
Quote from: fsujax on April 12, 2011, 04:35:29 PM
I would like to know what their thoughts are on attracting employers to Downtown and keeping those who currently DT there.
And This!! Basically, how will they implement smart growth that will increase our tax base without increasing our costs??
Quote from: Captain Zissou on April 12, 2011, 04:39:58 PM
I second all of Jeffrey's questions. Especially "Where's Hogan?"
Let the Where's Waldo parodies commence. :)
I like it , Doctor ! :)
I have few questions...
1. Beside the USS Adams docking here, is there a large interest to attract additional famous / historical ships to call its home here?
2. What will happen to the Old Ford Factory? Could the old Ford factory and the rest of the area including the Metro Park to Sport Complex push toward a stronger unity to promote downtown growth?
3. Can we bring architecture students to design the entire public shipyard and make one of their ideas into reality?
4. When can the city government will EVER relax their business regulations in the downtown and other areas?
-Josh
I LOVE your point #2 Josh.. I should have added that to my list. If its historic it needs to stay. Just because M-train wants everything in sight thats empty torn down doesn't mean thats the majority.
What are our odds to get the Sacremento Kings downtown?
Which one of you is the real Mike Hogan?
Hey, we should make a mike hogan video based on the talk show "To tell the truth!"
O my... Hillary..thats funny :)
Lakelander,
Could you be kind to add all the questions suggested by all of us to your original post to keep track of them?
-Josh
1. What is the biggest issue affecting the Quality of Life in Jacksonville and how will you address it?
2. Will you make the 680' pier public and allow vendors and boater to use it?
3. Why do you feel you can get Jacksonville's biggest needs projects done? IE: the port, the cruise terminal, the mobility plan and a possible Jaguars ownership transition.
4. Will you be willing to use city money to help get those needed projects done?
5. Where is Mr. Hogan?
6. What is their position on Historic Preservation and ensuring places like Genovar's Hall, Fire Station#5 , Annie Lytle Schoolhouse, The Ambassador, The Laura Trio, will be spared, and not just left to decay to the point they cannot be saved?
7. Mass Transit? Streetcars? Extending the Skyway?
8. Ideas for Urban Infill and restoration of a vibrant downtown?
9. Elimination of unnecessary positions within the City
10. Restructuring of JTA?
11. What are your thoughts on attracting and retaining employers in Downtown?
12. How will they curb the growth that is driving the cost of maintaining our city through the roof??
13. What is their opinion on mass transit and how would they implement mass transit within our city??
14. What will they do to create growth downtown?
15. What are methods you would suggest to implement smart growth that will increase our tax base without increasing our costs?
16. Beside the USS Adams docking here, is there a large interest to attract additional famous / historical ships to call its home here?
17. What will happen to the Old Ford Factory? Could the old Ford factory and the rest of the area including the Metro Park to Sport Complex push toward a stronger unity to promote downtown growth?
18. Can we bring architecture students to design the entire public shipyard and make one of their ideas into reality?
19. When can the city government will EVER relax their business regulations in the downtown and other areas?
20. What are our odds to get the Sacremento Kings downtown?
21. Which one of you is the real Mike Hogan?
Awesomesauce, Lakelander!
:P But um, I mean to your original post in this thread, so everyone can see it, then it would rub their brains into generating more questions :D
-Josh
If only I had a brain , Josh ;)
Are we going to have to make a Cardboard Mike Hogan ,to at least get an image of him at this meeting?? ( that can also be asked as a serious question) He does need votes.. it would be smart of him to answer questions .
Future uses or tenants of Cecil Commerce center
Timkin..that is an awesome idea! i really wish someone would do it...haha
1) Would you support the creation of a starter streetcar line connecting the Historic Riverside/Avondale neighborhood to Downtown? And 2) if so, what would you do specifically to get this project jump started?
Mr. Hogan, you can go first...oh wait, nevermind.
::)
1) What bank do you plan to rob to fund all of these requests from MJ posters?
2) What local experience makes you most qualified to be mayor of Jacksonville?
3) If you made a statement prior to the Jaguars arriving in Jacksonville, would you change your mind now and if not, should some of the MJ posters be allowed to hang you upside down from the tallest tree limb in Jacksonville?
4) What did you do to get Wayne Weaver to change his mind? Free will or was it freedom of choice?
some of those questions will be left unanswered mtrain, as Mike Hogan isn't planning to attend :)
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 13, 2011, 05:16:17 PM
1) What bank do you plan to rob to fund all of these requests from MJ posters?
I live in Riverside; I'm not wealthy by any means and I'm certainly not an anti-tax zealot (it's simply the cost of doing business in a civilized society) but I'd be willing to pay higher property taxes on my house or a local sales or gas tax if it would mean getting a streetcar running between Riverside/Avondale and Downtown within a year (rather than subsidizing further suburban sprawl) and I'm sure I'm not the only one. It would be a tangible benefit for both the neighborhood and the city as a whole.
Quotepay higher property taxes on my house
I saw my own house taxes go up 450 bucks last year, after all the rollbacks and cutbacks. The gas powered trolley is fine by my standards. When public transportation can pay for itself in Jacksonville, let me know we can then talk, till then, I'd rather pay less in taxes and the dreaded "fees".
With fuel costs rising 50%, guess who is coming to your dinner table soon? Expect another JEA fee soon to pay for fewer people using power and higher expenses for their transportation costs. I cannot control JEA, but I can have a voice in people wanting to raise my taxes for silly projects that are not needed.
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 13, 2011, 07:01:58 PM
Quotepay higher property taxes on my house
I saw my own house taxes go up 450 bucks last year, after all the rollbacks and cutbacks. The gas powered trolley is fine by my standards. When public transportation can pay for itself in Jacksonville, let me know we can then talk, till then, I'd rather pay less in taxes and the dreaded "fees".
With fuel costs rising 50%, guess who is coming to your dinner table soon? Expect another JEA fee soon to pay for fewer people using power and higher expenses for their transportation costs. I cannot control JEA, but I can have a voice in people wanting to raise my taxes for silly projects that are not needed.
Taxes are like anything else. You get what you pay for. Charlotte's taxes are much higher than Jax. And that can be said of almost any major city in the US.
The thing is, Charlotte residents can afford to PAY those higher taxes because the average wage is much higher. More than enough to cover the difference.
How has the low tax, poor services model worked for Jacksonville?
Low taxes have NOT brought high paying jobs, good schools, low crime, or allowed Jax's full potential to be realized compared to it's peer cities. You have to pay for quality in your economy,schools, and parks.
As for your comment on public transportation, give me a break. Do you think gas taxes pay the full load for highways ? Do you think airport taxes for do the same for air travel?
QuoteAs for your comment on public transportation, give me a break. Do you think gas taxes pay the full load for highways ? Do you think airport taxes for do the same for air travel?
As a tax hater, I don't wish to have any taxes, so you rant about taxes for X, Y or Z fall on deaf ears here. No taxes period. As Hal Holbrook stated in Wall Street, "The only 2 things for certain in life are Death and Taxes".
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 14, 2011, 08:21:28 AM
QuoteAs for your comment on public transportation, give me a break. Do you think gas taxes pay the full load for highways ? Do you think airport taxes for do the same for air travel?
As a tax hater, I don't wish to have any taxes, so you rant about taxes for X, Y or Z fall on deaf ears here. No taxes period. As Hal Holbrook stated in Wall Street, "The only 2 things for certain in life are Death and Taxes".
Are you a Socialist?
QuoteAre you a Socialist?
Capitalist!
Mtrain you sound just like one of my best buddies! i think it might be him! he says the exact same thing. I go round and round with him on these issues, its actually kind of fun.
QuoteMtrain you sound just like one of my best buddies! i think it might be him! he says the exact same thing. I go round and round with him on these issues, its actually kind of fun.
Could be, we're all passionate about something out here.
well that is what makes life interesting.
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 14, 2011, 08:21:28 AM
As a tax hater, I don't wish to have any taxes, so you rant about taxes for X, Y or Z fall on deaf ears here. No taxes period. As Hal Holbrook stated in Wall Street, "The only 2 things for certain in life are Death and Taxes".
3 minutes later...
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 14, 2011, 08:24:23 AM
When and If you decide to go to the next level, look at the US Small Business Administration for a low interest loan, they have a great 504 program that allows you to put down 10%, US SBA puts down 40% and a local bank (of your choice) puts down 50%. Our company did this recently and it worked out very well. We were able to purchase a 2.2 million dollar building and have cash to use for build-out and enhancements.
There is a question regarding Jacksonville's biggest needs with some examples, so I don't want to be repetitive, but I don't see any specific listing regarding the convention center in any of the posts.
Also:
Many cities are pushing to link parks and green spaces. What are your thoughts about possible linkages here, such as Springfield to the St. Johns via the creek, and the riverwalk extension to Memorial Park?
Do you feel being available throughout an election campaign to the public for questions, feedback and challenges to your positions is important and shows the backbone and lack of cowardice this city needs in it's leaders?
Quote from: Lunican on April 14, 2011, 11:49:39 AM
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 14, 2011, 08:21:28 AM
As a tax hater, I don't wish to have any taxes, so you rant about taxes for X, Y or Z fall on deaf ears here. No taxes period. As Hal Holbrook stated in Wall Street, "The only 2 things for certain in life are Death and Taxes".
3 minutes later...
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 14, 2011, 08:24:23 AM
When and If you decide to go to the next level, look at the US Small Business Administration for a low interest loan, they have a great 504 program that allows you to put down 10%, US SBA puts down 40% and a local bank (of your choice) puts down 50%. Our company did this recently and it worked out very well. We were able to purchase a 2.2 million dollar building and have cash to use for build-out and enhancements.
Priceless.
Quote from: Lunican on April 14, 2011, 11:49:39 AM
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 14, 2011, 08:21:28 AM
As a tax hater, I don't wish to have any taxes, so you rant about taxes for X, Y or Z fall on deaf ears here. No taxes period. As Hal Holbrook stated in Wall Street, "The only 2 things for certain in life are Death and Taxes".
3 minutes later...
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 14, 2011, 08:24:23 AM
When and If you decide to go to the next level, look at the US Small Business Administration for a low interest loan, they have a great 504 program that allows you to put down 10%, US SBA puts down 40% and a local bank (of your choice) puts down 50%. Our company did this recently and it worked out very well. We were able to purchase a 2.2 million dollar building and have cash to use for build-out and enhancements.
You really are my hero for that.
QuoteYou really are my hero for that.
And you are mine, they say love is blind, I also hope it cannot smell either.
Quote from: stephendare on April 14, 2011, 09:54:23 AM
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 14, 2011, 08:21:28 AM
QuoteAs for your comment on public transportation, give me a break. Do you think gas taxes pay the full load for highways ? Do you think airport taxes for do the same for air travel?
As a tax hater, I don't wish to have any taxes, so you rant about taxes for X, Y or Z fall on deaf ears here. No taxes period. As Hal Holbrook stated in Wall Street, "The only 2 things for certain in life are Death and Taxes".
Why dont you live on a farm in Amish Country then?
OH MY GOD!!!! PLEASE DO !!! If only !..
Which city has been managed better over the last 10 years Charlotte or Jacksonville?
YES
I am very passionate about the environment so my questions to the Mayoral candidates are:
1. What would you do to increase sustainability in Jacksonville?
2. Do you have any plans on cleaning up our river? If so, what are they?
-------------------------------------------ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS------------------------------------------
3. In what ways would you combat urban sprawl, and promote smart growth?
4. Would you work with our sister cities to improve business ties?
More questions will probably pop up in my head, so I'll update this list if another question come to mind.