Tom Patton: Jacksonville needs a plan that transcends political whims
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-05-21/story/tom-patton-jacksonville-needs-plan-transcends-political-whims
Amen.
While the latest Mayor Daley in Chicago made some big missteps (corruption, parking meter lease), I singularly credit his 22 year reign for turning downtown Chicago and the "Near" sides into premier locations/destinations. There's something to be said for continuity. Chicago and the COJ may both face yawning budget deficits, but I know which city I'd put money on going forward.
Ten Simple Rules to help downtown Jax:
http://www.livablecities.org/blog/ten-simple-rules-urban-transportation-planning-hartmut-topp