Metro Jacksonville

The year 2015 seems a bit far off, yet people have already filed for some of the seats on council.  Some may find this interesting.

In District 8, the seat that Denise Lee is termed out of, two well know names have filed to run.  The first is Terry Fields who has been in and out of political office over the years.  The second is none other than Pat Locket Felder.  Yes, Pat would love to get back on council.  Perhaps a second monument to herself will be on her new agenda.  lol

Rumblings are that Michelle Tappouni may challenge Robin Lumb for his seat.  You may remember she ran against him last time.  I hope she does go for it.  Lumb needs to be replaced in my opinion.

Some discussion also abounds with regard to Sharon Copeland running for Schellenbergs seat.

In District 9 Warren Jones will also be termed out.  Glorious Johnson has been approached by some individuals and groups to run for that seat.  She has made no commitment one way or the other.

For Mayor the name Daniel Davis is being bantered around along with Sheriff Rutherford, Jerry Holland and talk that Schellenberg want's to run.  It is being said that there is an "understanding" in place that Alvin Brown will not be on the receiving end of republican finances this year via Rummel and some on the Civic Council.

Behind the scenes we can count on more attention, effort and funding will be coming via our firefighters and police. 

Daniels has said she will run again.  She used 100k of her own funds for her last race.  I am told she is prepared to do that again this time around.

Mike Weinstein who recently quit the office of SOE is poised to run for the constitutional seat for District 3.  He is not the man he was in personality and politics in the past and no longer has the positive support of many in the Republican party. 

Some more filed candidates:

Howard Barnes (Dem) running for Lori Boyer's Dist 5 seat

James Eldridge (Dem)
Marc A. McCullough (Dem)
Wendell Sams      (Dem)     all running for Johnny Gaffney's Dist 7 seat

and add Sebastian Alexander (Dem) running for Denise Lee's Dist 8 seat along with Locket/Felder and Fields.

So no chance in getting Redman out of office eh?

I am hearing that his aide Scott Wilson will be running for his seat and has some good backing to do so.

Heard a rumor that Clay Yarborough might quit the Council to run for Lake Ray's House seat, if Ray is selected as the Executive Director of JaxPort.  This would cause special elections for both House 12 and Council 1 - presumably on the 'old' Council boundaries, since it would be filling Clay's incomplete term.

Who was the Dem who ran against Clay last time?  Think he would run again?

That is interesting Charles and I had not heard this.  I honestly do not remember who ran against Clay the last time around.  Anyone else recall?

Regarding Lake Ray, I think it would be a travesty for JaxPort not to do a nationwide search for the office of Executive Director.  Simply putting Ray into office because some on council like him is not a good enough reason.  I have nothing against him mind you, but feel that if his qualifications to take this position are indeed the best to be found, he could readily rise as the top candidate if his experience and resume for the position is superior to others.  We cannot know that unless a true search is done.

Remarkable to think about Clay quitting the council in view of his past concerns about waste in elections.  Funny how things change when some are faced with the opportunity for higher office and greater power.  Politics as usual.

There was also some discussion that Clay would run for Supervisor of Elections if Jerry decided to run for Mayor, which some speculated is why hard core conservative Yarborough backed the expense of building a new office for the SOE.  Currently Jerry has not indicated he will run against Brown.  Frankly, Republicans need a moderate candidate to run against Alvin that will appeal to minorities.  I don't know if Jerry fits the bill in that regard.

Quote from: stephendare on March 06, 2013, 01:29:14 PM

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on March 06, 2013, 01:20:55 PM
The year 2015 seems a bit far off, yet people have already filed for some of the seats on council.  Some may find this interesting.

In District 8, the seat that Denise Lee is termed out of, two well know names have filed to run.  The first is Terry Fields who has been in and out of political office over the years.  The second is none other than Pat Locket Felder.  Yes, Pat would love to get back on council.  Perhaps a second monument to herself will be on her new agenda.  lol

Rumblings are that Michelle Tappouni may challenge Robin Lumb for his seat.  You may remember she ran against him last time.  I hope she does go for it.  Lumb needs to be replaced in my opinion.

Some discussion also abounds with regard to Sharon Copeland running for Schellenbergs seat.

In District 9 Warren Jones will also be termed out.  Glorious Johnson has been approached by some individuals and groups to run for that seat.  She has made no commitment one way or the other.

For Mayor the name Daniel Davis is being bantered around along with Sheriff Rutherford, Jerry Holland and talk that Schellenberg want's to run.

Behind the scenes we can count on more attention, effort and funding will be coming via our firefighters and police.  T

Tappouni would be a marvelous replacement.

I am also hoping that Mike Field or Abel Harding would run.

Lumb is a very sweet man in person, but he has no business being on the Council.

This latest round of screwing the taxpayers with the Mobility Fund moratorium is proof of that.

I would love to see Abel Harding run for Gaffney's seat.  How wonderful it would be to have his competence on the council.   Mike is also an excellent choice.  What district does he live in?

Well, now I find out that Attorney Justin Spiller will run for Gaffney's seat.  Justin can easily take that race and is pretty much a lock for Dem support as well as that fact he can count on a good deal of ground troop help from the Young Democrats for whom he is currently holds the office of President. 

I hope that the little people remember Daniel Davis calling them "noise" at the last council meeting and vote accordingly

Quote from: sheclown on March 06, 2013, 08:26:50 PM
I hope that the little people remember Daniel Davis calling them "noise" at the last council meeting and vote accordingly

Very true sheclown.

I have also had confirmation that Glorious Johnson will run for Warren Jones seat on council

There is still some uncertainty about Spiller for Gaffney's seat.  I would be great if Abel would take it.

Also some word going around that Lori Boyer will not run for re-election to council.

Oh yes, the waters are boiling.  2015 will be a big electoral year.  Hopefully we can convince more than 25% of the voters to pay attention and actually vote.

I'd love to see Mike Field run.  I'd love to see Abel Harding run countywide for that At-Large seat.  Justin Spiller is one to watch.  Obviously, Glorious.  This will be a fun cycle to watch. 

Quote from: Charles Hunter on March 06, 2013, 06:44:35 PM
Heard a rumor that Clay Yarborough might quit the Council to run for Lake Ray's House seat, if Ray is selected as the Executive Director of JaxPort. 

one more reason to NOT have Ray as JaxPort Director...I say give Schleicher (sp?) a shot

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on March 06, 2013, 07:54:47 PM
Well, now I find out that Attorney Justin Spiller will run for Gaffney's seat.  Justin can easily take that race and is pretty much a lock for Dem support as well as that fact he can count on a good deal of ground troop help from the Young Democrats for whom he is currently holds the office of President. 

Spiller is a terrific choice....but I'm surprised he would run for Council....figured he was being groomed straight for Tally

If Justin runs that would be pretty cool.

Justin is not a lock on the seat yet.  He would do a good job on council in my opinion as well.  I know he would have the backing of the JFRD union and they have told me so. 

In fact the JFRD is furious and ready to clean house at City Hall.  They are not alone in this sentiment. Robin Lumb has landed himself squarely in their sights to be removed from office.  The JSO is equally furious as are members of other City unions.  I would also imagine that the GLBT community would have great interest in seeing some on this council move on to be replaced by non prejudiced individuals with leadership skills.

The amount of action and discussion this far out from the 2015 race is testament to how unhappy people are with many currently in leadership.  Of course those on this forum should also pay close attention and deeply evaluate who is running, their character, their skills etc. as it should be abundantly clear by now that Jacksonville becoming a better city will require more competent leadership and direction.

It seems Audrey Moran will not run for mayor again.  Some are saying that some bridges were burned for her last go round and fundraising would not be what it was last time around.  I expect to see the Mayor's race flesh out a bit more over the next few month's.  The R's will certainly run someone against Brown, but they had better be creative in who they choose to do so.

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on March 06, 2013, 09:29:15 PM

Quote from: sheclown on March 06, 2013, 08:26:50 PM
I hope that the little people remember Daniel Davis calling them "noise" at the last council meeting and vote accordingly

Very true sheclown.

I have also had confirmation that Glorious Johnson will run for Warren Jones seat on council

There is still some uncertainty about Spiller for Gaffney's seat.  I would be great if Abel would take it.

Also some word going around that Lori Boyer will not run for re-election to council.

I think that Lori Boyer is one of our best people on the entire council. I sure hope she runs again. It would be terrible if she was replaced.

I would agree urbanknight and at the same time can recognize why she may have pause here.  Right now it's an uphill climb for Jacksonville and if you feel like you are battling for each tiny step forward you really have to put a great deal of thought into continuing down that road.  Lori is a thinker, who reads legislation and really does a good job.  It should not be a surprise to learn that this is not the case with many in office who simply are there for the ride and a paycheck.  Knowing you must depend on folks like this to back you up can be worrisome.

This might be a good time to persuade some on this site to get ready to run for council. Aren't there a few here that talked about it? Well maybe it's time to put a game plan together. What can I do to aid in the effort?

There are already people standing by to go after Lori's seat should she not run.  If folks here want to come up with a plan, they need to do it soon.  Remember that a person needs name recognition and decent finance to make a serious run for office.

QuoteAlso some word going around that Lori Boyer will not run for re-election to council.

I hope that is not true.  She has really been a good bolt of energy and integrity on the council.

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on March 06, 2013, 01:40:53 PM
Daniels has said she will run again.  She used 100k of her own funds for her last race.  I am told she is prepared to do that again this time around.

Mike Weinstein who recently quit the office of SOE is poised to run for the constitutional seat for District 3.  He is not the man he was in personality and politics in the past and no longer has the positive support of many in the Republican party. 

For more reasons than I can count, I hope ANY BODY running against Daniels, wins.  Stephen .. PLEASE RUN ! 
Happy to hear Glorious is wanting to run again. Agree about Mike Field and Abel Harding.   Really like Robin Lumb as a person.  Disappointed in his work in Council.

I have spoken with Abel and running for office is not in his plans and believe me I understand why.  :)  Able would be a fantastic representative for the city though.  Perhaps further down the line.  He is a young man, thank the lord and has plenty of time to pursue politics.  Has anyone actually spoken with Mike to see if he is interested?

I speak to Mike about that every time I see him. It'll get through eventually.

Ennis too.

Or it could be that he has seen the inner workings of the current city hall!   lol  Abel is a bright man and frankly, spending time with his son right now is likely the best use for his time.  Perhaps down the road.  :)

Tachachal,  I have found that a person running for any political office must really want to do so based upon their own inner convictions.  If Mike isn't feeling it, the process of running and then leading can be at the very least challenging and at the worst taxing to one's spirit and body.   Whoever chooses this path also needs to be thick skinned.  A thought does occur to me though, why not run yourself, you have all the direction and support you need in a father who was a past mayor of the city?  ;) 

And another development.  Democrat Joyce Morgan (many remember her from T.V. news) is giving serious consideration to running for the District 1 seat that will be vacated by Clay Yarborough.  Joyce would be quite an asset for the city.

Word is that Carolyn Anderson, who ran against Gaffney in the past for his Dist 7 seat is thinking about a run for 2015.  This would be excellent for the district.  This lady is for real, cares about the citizens and would seriously work to represent the district.  Keep her in mind as someone to support if you live in that district.  ;) 

The first money reports are in.  Click this link to see who is getting what and from whom when it comes to financial support for their campaigns.  Note Lockett-Felder, one of her first donations coming from Daniel Davis, yes the one who said those opposing the moratorium extension were just "noise".  Keep this in mind people and know in advance how Pat would vote a moratorium issue if elected again. 

https://www.voterfocus.com/ws/WScand/candidate_pr.php?c=duval

Daniel Davis and his comment is burned into my mind.

Quote from: sheclown on April 11, 2013, 09:13:24 PM
Daniel Davis and his comment is burned into my mind.

I hope that that phrase killed any future political ambition for that asshole. He needs to be reminded of what he said every time he opens that blowhole of his.

I never liked Daniel or Pat.  Self-serving slime.

Quote from: mbwright on April 12, 2013, 01:25:21 PM
I never liked Daniel or Pat.  Self-serving slime.

What is Pat known for?

Top Ten issues for urban core council seat?

1.) Full restoration of mobility fee
2.) Vibrant urban core parks including expansion of entertainment zone
3.) Reducing the maze of one-way streets by conversion to two-way

what else?

4.) Easing Signage restrictions
5.) Reduction of Parking meters
6.) Brooklyn Skyway stop
7.) Hemming plaza public use

Daniel Davis has his foot planted firmly into politics.  This is his campaign reporting to run again for the House.  This should interest Metrojacksonville readers in that Davis and his association to N.E. Florida Builders organization will be felt when it comes to legislation and voting habits.

Quote

@Mdixon55  TU

State Rep. Daniel Davis, R-Jacksonville, raised $95,353 during the first quarter of 2013, the most among the 147 filed House candidates, according to campaign finance reports filed Thursday.

“I love Jacksonville and I’m honored to have so much support for our campaign,” Davis said.

He raised $21,100 from Jacksonville, records show, second only to the $22,500 he raised from Tallahassee addresses.

The only House candidate with more money in the bank than Davis is former state Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, who has $123,635 cash-on-hand. He did not run for re-election after being drawn into the same seat with Majority Leader Steve Precourt, R-Orlando, but is again running for the House in 2014

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/matt-dixon/2013-04-11/daniel-davis-tops-all-house-candidates-95k-fundraising

And it's important to remember that Davis's name comes up, no matter who you ask, in the list of Republicans likely to run for Mayor in 2015.  He'll cruise to re-election for his House seat next year.

Abel will not run.  I have spoken about this with him.  Frankly I don't blame him and know he will be involved in the betterment of our city in other ways.  Glorious is going to run for Warren Jone's seat and it would be blessing for Jacksonville to have her experience and independent attitude on the council.  I can say without reservation that she is both honest and serious about positive change in the City of Jax and doesn't play the special interest game.  I don't know Mike well but a lot of folks have been calling his name for a run at office.  What seat would that be?  Spiller the last time I heard was uncommitted for a run and more focused on his work within the Democrat organization.  He would be a very good rep on council if he did run.  Downtown advocates need to put some serious consideration into who will run for Gaffney and Redman's seats.  They will help make or break what happens regarding downtown growth and the serious independent efforts of folks in Springfield.  We need many more reps that are serious about our history and historic restoration.  We have lost to many opportunities and buildings in the past that would help make us great. 

Daniel Davis in the office of Mayor would be a disaster and one sure way to inject city hall with the attitudes of the past that have supported special interests over citizens concerns.   I hope he stays with the house. He is a nice, attractive guy and definitely cut from the old style Republican fabric.   Lori Boyer would be a better choice for Republican's but would receive heat from the JFRD regarding pension issues.

Quote from: urbaknight on April 12, 2013, 01:48:24 PM

Quote from: mbwright on April 12, 2013, 01:25:21 PM
I never liked Daniel or Pat.  Self-serving slime.

What is Pat known for?

Purchasing a monument for herself with taxpayer money....

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Neighborhoods/The-Eastside-October-2010/i-PNf6g6k/0/M/P1410754-M.jpg)

Pat gives me a headache when I think about her in office again.  She readily "plays the game" with the powerful while placating her supporters with T.V. sets and dinners.  The problem is the district she is running in could and may re-elect her unless a good opponent with positive name recognition is put in to run against her. 

Quote from: sheclown on April 12, 2013, 01:56:01 PM
Top Ten issues for urban core council seat?

1.) Full restoration of mobility fee
2.) Vibrant urban core parks including expansion of entertainment zone
3.) Reducing the maze of one-way streets by conversion to two-way

what else?

Thinking of urban core, I'm including everything north of downtown and South of the Trout River as well.  Major issues that stand out include:

A. Public education (the majority of schools mentioned as candidates for closure are on the Northside)

B. Public transportation (this includes better facilities and service for bus, bikes and pedestrian modes)

C. Context sensitive streets (every neighborhood has a commercial heart like Five Points or San Marco Square.  Improving the public realm in their center, encourages economic development and revitalization...In short, more streets should resemble JTA's recent Kings Road project near EWC)

D. Public ROW maintenance (its a shame how public ROW, parks, etc. are maintained in the working class urban core hoods)

E. Modifying zoning regulations (the code needs to be rewritten. Our autocentric zoning code is ripping apart the pedestrian friendly atmosphere and density of these neighborhoods. It makes access to critical services such as medical, retail, etc. more difficult without car ownership and the decreasing density makes it more difficult to attract new retail, new jobs, etc. within these neighborhoods.)

Quote from: thelakelander on April 12, 2013, 05:56:10 PM

Quote from: sheclown on April 12, 2013, 01:56:01 PM
Top Ten issues for urban core council seat?

1.) Full restoration of mobility fee
2.) Vibrant urban core parks including expansion of entertainment zone
3.) Reducing the maze of one-way streets by conversion to two-way

what else?

Thinking of urban core, I'm including everything north of downtown and South of the Trout River as well.  Major issues that stand out include:

A. Public education (the majority of schools mentioned as candidates for closure are on the Northside)

B. Public transportation (this includes better facilities and service for bus, bikes and pedestrian modes)

C. Context sensitive streets (every neighborhood has a commercial heart like Five Points or San Marco Square.  Improving the public realm in their center, encourages economic development and revitalization...In short, more streets should resemble JTA's recent Kings Road project near EWC)

D. Public ROW maintenance (its a shame how public ROW, parks, etc. are maintained in the working class urban core hoods)

E. Modifying zoning regulations (the code needs to be rewritten. Our autocentric zoning code is ripping apart the pedestrian friendly atmosphere and density of these neighborhoods. It makes access to critical services such as medical, retail, etc. more difficult without car ownership and the decreasing density makes it more difficult to attract new retail, new jobs, etc. within these neighborhoods.)

These are all questions that Metrojacksonville folks should put to candidates running for office.  Having an answer on record would be great when it comes time to vote.

QuoteD. Public ROW maintenance (its a shame how public ROW, parks, etc. are maintained in the working class urban core hoods)

I didn't know they WERE maintained.

This is a great piece from Jim Bailey of The Daily Record.  I agree with his sentiments completely and echo two of them which I have also stated myself.  One, that the financial help of Republicans and Peter Rummell is what bought Alvin Brown the office of mayor, not his politics or promises.  Second, The folks who really understand the importance of having a person of deep insight, understanding and the ability to address the serious problems of Jacksonville is terribly important to our city and the fact of the matter is we don't have that in Brown.  What we have is a guy who tags onto the efforts of others and loves the spotlight.  Other than selling himself as a salesman for the city, there is little of substance to the man or his efforts.

To read Jim's thoughts in his own words the article is posted below.

Quote
James F. Bailey Jr.
Brown’s bid for 2nd term raises funds â€" and questions
Monday, April 4, 10:39 AM EDT

From the publisher: James F. Bailey Jr.
There are 560,324 registered voters in Duval County.

With about two years before we head to the polls for the 2015 local elections, my guess is that fewer than 1,000 of those 560,324 registered voters are remotely paying attention or even care about the next mayor's race.

As one of those who pay attention, I found the first finance report filed by Mayor Alvin Brown in his re-election campaign interesting on several levels.

While nearly all first-time office holders plan to seek a second term, Brown has started his campaign earlier than most incumbents.

He's made it clear from Day One he expects to serve eight years, but there was some surprise when Brown opened his campaign account March 6.

Finance reports must be made at the end of each quarter and general political wisdom is that a candidate starts a campaign at the beginning of the quarter to take full advantage of the full three months to raise as much money as possible.

The mayor pulled the trigger with just three weeks remaining in the quarter.

Despite the short time period, many political watchers expected him to raise at least $300,000. So, when you look at his cash total of just more than $104,000 you can think Brown should have raised more â€" but the mayor collected almost $35,000 a week.

If he maintains the same pace in the second quarter he will have at least $500,000 by July 4 and he will collect almost $4 million by Election Day at that pace.

Of course, Brown is hoping to discourage potential opposition with his early fundraising start.

I think the political ideal for the mayor will be to raise a huge war chest and have a nominal opponent. That way, Brown can own the airwaves to promote his image and lay out his second-term agenda without fear of defeat.

This first finance report gives Brown traction, but does he have momentum?

Brown reported 233 contributors â€" including 33 attorneys or law firms.

Attorney and former Democrat gubernatorial candidate Steve Pajcic, along with nine other Pajcics, gave Brown $500 each.

Developer and Jacksonville Landing owner Toney Sleiman and three other Sleimans each contributed $500.

Several of Brown's appointed aides made contributions, but absent is the mayor's most visible aide, Chris Hand, Brown's chief of staff.

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan is on the list for $500.

But there are many folks missing.

It's well documented that in 2010, Brown pretty much snaked the election from Mike Hogan when many high-powered Republicans, uninspired by Hogan and led by Peter Rummell, threw their backing to underdog Brown.

Rummell's name shows up toward the end of this Brown campaign report â€" contribution 232 of 233 â€" with a $500 contribution March 31, the last day of the quarter.

Others, like Ed Burr, Steve Halverson, Marty Fiorentino and Preston Haskell also contributed $500.

But a number of the GOP's big guys, some who followed Rummell's lead in the last election, are absent.

Are they keeping their powder dry to see if anyone else enters the race?

Or, are they just planning to contribute to Brown later?

Perhaps there's a better question. Are those Republicans who contributed only a single check of $500 to Brown just trying to buy some time?

After all, some of these people are referred to as "bundlers" for their ability to amass large numbers of contributions for their favored candidates.

Brown's administration has made some financial blunders, but he's been fiscally conservative and refused to raise or impose new taxes.

But to say that the local Republican infrastructure is impressed by Brown's conservative ways or wants to see him re-elected is a gross overstatement.

While 12 of the more than 50 members of the Jacksonville Civic Council gave Brown money, rumors are persistent that many in that group want a credible candidate to run against Brown in 2015.

Yet, the old adage, "You can't beat somebody with nobody," certainly applies here.

Brown is an incumbent with reportedly high popularity poll numbers and now he appears to be on his way to banking big campaign dollars.

That makes Brown SOMEBODY.

There are a lot of folks who think the mayor has never stopped campaigning since winning in May 2010.

He generally receives high marks for self-promotion and making headlines.

He consistently shows up anywhere two or more people and news cameras are gathered.

Though, when people who pay attention to local politics come together, Brown's leadership is continuously questioned.

As we approach the end of his second year in office, many insiders question just what the mayor has accomplished.

If he wants to avoid a serious opponent in 2015, Brown should keep raising money, but he also needs to change the water-cooler conversation with strong leadership that produces concrete results.

jbailey@baileypub.com

(904) 35602466

Well said, Mr. Bailey.
Now, who is the Credible Candidate?  And the Powers That Be need to settle on one, or the opposition will be diluted.
I may vote for Mr. Brown, again, depending on who the opposition is.  For example, if it is a Mike Hogan clone, I will be back with Alvin.

I am guessing we will see a number of names come into play down the road. We are still 2 years out.  I am thinking it will be the council races that need the most focus and it is certainly not too soon to be looking for competent candidates. 

Well said, Cheshire!

If Brown were running for re-election today, what would be his legacy? Bringing 7-11 Downtown? McDonalds & Family Dollar?  Mike Hogan once said there wasn't much difference between him and Alvin. I'm beginning to see his point.

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on April 15, 2013, 12:05:55 PM
This is a great piece from Jim Bailey of The Daily Record.  I agree with his sentiments completely and echo two of them which I have also stated myself.  One, that the financial help of Republicans and Peter Rummell is what bought Alvin Brown the office of mayor, not his politics or promises.  Second, The folks who really understand the importance of having a person of deep insight, understanding and the ability to address the serious problems of Jacksonville is terribly important to our city and the fact of the matter is we don't have that in Brown.  What we have is a guy who tags onto the efforts of others and loves the spotlight.  Other than selling himself as a salesman for the city, there is little of substance to the man or his efforts.

I might agree....but from what I can tell Diane, you've never been a supporter of the Mayor....you were directly tied to Glorious Johnson when she, inexplicably, put her support behind Mike Hogan

Quote from: isphil on April 15, 2013, 09:24:10 PM
If Brown were running for re-election today, what would be his legacy? Bringing 7-11 Downtown? McDonalds & Family Dollar?  Mike Hogan once said there wasn't much difference between him and Alvin. I'm beginning to see his point.

7-Eleven, McDonalds, etc. would have came regardless of if Brown were mayor or not. He wouldn't have much of a downtown legacy outside of getting the DIA established and finding $9 million to be leveraged for DT projects.  Maybe in another year or so, things will be different if most of the proposed projects get off the ground. However, the DIA and the $9 million are two things that would not have happened with Hogan. Outside of DT, there's probably not much difference.  Both would continue to cut city services and quality-of-life offerings before raising taxes.

Quote from: tufsu1 on April 15, 2013, 09:52:50 PM

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on April 15, 2013, 12:05:55 PM
This is a great piece from Jim Bailey of The Daily Record.  I agree with his sentiments completely and echo two of them which I have also stated myself.  One, that the financial help of Republicans and Peter Rummell is what bought Alvin Brown the office of mayor, not his politics or promises.  Second, The folks who really understand the importance of having a person of deep insight, understanding and the ability to address the serious problems of Jacksonville is terribly important to our city and the fact of the matter is we don't have that in Brown.  What we have is a guy who tags onto the efforts of others and loves the spotlight.  Other than selling himself as a salesman for the city, there is little of substance to the man or his efforts.

I might agree....but from what I can tell Diane, you've never been a supporter of the Mayor....you were directly tied to Glorious Johnson when she, inexplicably, put her support behind Mike Hogan

That is true however it has nothing to do with what the Mayor has or has not accomplished since he has been in office nor does it impact the sentiment of many of the people who know what is happening at city hall under Alvin's weak leadership.  Most see Alvin as a guy in search of a spotlight, skirting by with rhetoric in place of serious reform who has so far fulfilled some of the promises he made to financial supporters regarding downtown, but none of the really serious folks see him as a leader in the truest sense.  He failed on the budget and he failed on pension reform which were two of the most important things needing reform in Jacksonville.  The only plus has been downtown financing.  It remains to be seen how well the new DIA will work out. 

There are still two more years before election time and discussion behind the scenes going on between Republicans is a desire to find a true Republican candidate to run against Alvin next time around which is why Brown's re-election efforts have begun so early.  If a strong Republican candidate comes up against him, he will need a great deal of funding to keep in the race.  It really is amazing to think about the fact that for the majority of his time in office, just under two years, he has spent most of it campaigning.  I have yet to see during his campaign anything close to real leadership although I will admit he can stir peoples hopes with his upbeat rhetoric which is why he still holds a position of public approval.  It's almost like a no news is good news sort of thing. 

I don't think there is anything wrong with being a face for the interests of the largest movers and shakers in a given city.  I don't think anyone will deny that the current mayors of Atlanta and San Francisco are anything but, however each goes about it the right way.  Also, aside from Khan and a few others, Jacksonville has some questionable yet influential "leaders" in the private (and religious) sector who hold sway politically, but who would likely not even live, work, or play in larger cities - so that's at stake.  Also, I can't speak to Brown, but myself and many hundreds of thousands others come away with generally positive or approving thoughts when watching the mayors of Atl and SF (for those of us who snobbishly consider ourselves intellectual, we don't have any reason to "look down" on our very very almost overwhelmingly smart mayors, who also get along very very well with all of the other very very smart business leaders...hence why good things get done).

It's always nice when no matter how egotistical you are, you come away feeling like the leader of your city is definitely smarter than you and likely nobody could do a better job given the current circumstances.  I don't live in Jax, but when I lived in Atlanta I looked up to Mayor Reed (still do - I think he's one of the stronger and better mayors in the country right now), and while not super popular in a pop mayor sort of way, given his background, business relationships, job experience, and what he's done thus far, I look up to Mayor Lee in SF.  Nothing worse than a mayor where you're constantly asking yourself how the hell did HE get to be mayor of 800,000+ people?!?

Quote from: thelakelander on April 15, 2013, 10:00:09 PM

Quote from: isphil on April 15, 2013, 09:24:10 PM
If Brown were running for re-election today, what would be his legacy? Bringing 7-11 Downtown? McDonalds & Family Dollar?  Mike Hogan once said there wasn't much difference between him and Alvin. I'm beginning to see his point.

7-Eleven, McDonalds, etc. would have came regardless of if Brown were mayor or not. He wouldn't have much of a downtown legacy outside of getting the DIA established and finding $9 million to be leveraged for DT projects.  Maybe in another year or so, things will be different if most of the proposed projects get off the ground. However, the DIA and the $9 million are two things that would not have happened with Hogan. Outside of DT, there's probably not much difference.  Both would continue to cut city services and quality-of-life offerings before raising taxes.

I completely agree Ennis.  The take Jacksonville to another level hasn't been such a big deal unless we consider 7/11's and McDonalds downtown as ground breaking growth.  As far as the budget and pension issues I don't believe we would have seen the sizable fails we have seen under Brown if any of the other top candidates with local government experience had gotten elected.  With these two sizable issues left unchecked you can bet that reality will come back to bite this city in a big way.  Brown has another budget cycle coming.  Let's see what he does in the next two years.  I will hope for the best because I love Jacksonville. 

Quote from: simms3 on April 15, 2013, 10:36:03 PM
I don't think there is anything wrong with being a face for the interests of the largest movers and shakers in a given city.  I don't think anyone will deny that the current mayors of Atlanta and San Francisco are anything but, however each goes about it the right way.  Also, aside from Khan and a few others, Jacksonville has some questionable yet influential "leaders" in the private (and religious) sector who hold sway politically, but who would likely not even live, work, or play in larger cities - so that's at stake.  Also, I can't speak to Brown, but myself and many hundreds of thousands others come away with generally positive or approving thoughts when watching the mayors of Atl and SF (for those of us who snobbishly consider ourselves intellectual, we don't have any reason to "look down" on our very very almost overwhelmingly smart mayors, who also get along very very well with all of the other very very smart business leaders...hence why good things get done).

It's always nice when no matter how egotistical you are, you come away feeling like the leader of your city is definitely smarter than you and likely nobody could do a better job given the current circumstances.  I don't live in Jax, but when I lived in Atlanta I looked up to Mayor Reed (still do - I think he's one of the stronger and better mayors in the country right now), and while not super popular in a pop mayor sort of way, given his background, business relationships, job experience, and what he's done thus far, I look up to Mayor Lee in SF.  Nothing worse than a mayor where you're constantly asking yourself how the hell did HE get to be mayor of 800,000+ people?!?

I don't think there is a problem with that either Simm's if good things are happening behind the scenes and if the community has a strong and competent council to balance out those special interests, but that is currently not the case here in Jacksonville.  We seem more like a ship without a rudder running on sails filled with hot air. 

But "special interests" can possibly be aligned with taking the city forward, that's what's not currently the case in Jax.  As I said, there are questionable sources of influence in Jacksonville that just don't get much say in some other cities.  (and we both know that "interests" get officials elected - you'll never have a true government for the people by the people, but it would be nice if business interests and political will interests of the people were more aligned the way we all would like)

I would think most of Khan's "special interests" are those that will see Jacksonville grow and prosper in a tangible and sustainable way so that more people can afford Jags tickets (even if prices go up :)).  His interests aren't for the further erosion of Jacksonville's core and identity in favor of cheap, suburban tract housing for low wage earners who move here from elsewhere and won't buy or be able to afford Jags tickets anyway.  He wants good, solid, high $$ job growth.  He wants to develop a generation of young people who will become devoted to the Jags when their parents take them to games (that is if the parents can afford to do so) in the hopes that a generation of lifelong fans is developed and his brand is grown and his investment grows in value.

Likewise, responsible developers (who are typically the "only" type of developers in larger, more built out cities where you don't have tract homebuilders in existence except way out in the burbs, maybe) want high $$$ job creation, as well, an influx of college educated young profs and creative types who will rent the apartments, shop in the retail stores, patronize the restaurants, etc.  These are your light rail lobbyists - developers, speculators, etc in other cities are the biggest backers of fixed transit to get these folks and increase the value of their developments!  In Jax it's the opposite, LoL.  So, see, special interests all of a sudden align!

My point is really that the makeup of the people in Jax is reflected in elected leadership.  For every smart, progressive "thinker" or do-gooder, there are 2-3 idiots who wipe that out.  It's sad.

I agree about Khan, but he is a single cog in the wheel.  My guess is that Khan will also throw some money behind another candidate or two as will some of those who recently gave to Brown.  His main support Rummell is currently retired and downtown is a focus of his, however if another candidate (especially a Republican) will meet his needs he could likely throw some money their way as well.  Of course we are still way out on this election and only us political watchers care much at this point.  lol

Let me just add that no matter who ends up being mayor next time around we darn well better have a competent and functional city council.  That is where my focus will be down the road.

Just like to clear up that you have my name wrong. I am running in Dist 7 and the names James Eddy. If your like to find out more information on me, please visit my web site at Eddy4dist7.com  I wish everyone running in District 7 the best of luck. It is hard to decide to run for public office. It takes all your free time and energy to make it happen. I look forward to next two years of meeting and learning more what the citizens of Jacksonville  want for the city. Jax2025 was a good start lets just hope the right ears were listening and working towards  making Jacksonville the best city in the South and the whole United States.

Welcome James Eddy.  Thanks for being with us.

I would like to Welcome Richard Cuff to the race for Dist 7 City Council ,he just filed in the last couple days.

Looks like Districts 7 and 8 so far will be the ones to watch. Anyone have any knowledge of who Tiffany Wingo is?

Quote
Mayor   Alvin Brown (DEM)   
Mayor   Tiffany Wingo (IDP)   
Sheriff   Tony Cummings (DEM)   
City Council, Dist. 1   Mike Anania (REP)   
City Council, Dist. 3   James Nealis (REP)   
City Council, Dist. 4   Scott Wilson (REP)
City Council, Dist. 5   Howard Barnes (DEM)   
City Council, Dist. 7   Richard Cuff (DEM)
City Council, Dist. 7   James Eddy (DEM)   
City Council, Dist. 7   Marc A. McCullough, Sr. (DEM)   
City Council, Dist. 7   Wendell Sams (DEM)   
City Council, Dist. 8   Sebastian Alexander (DEM)   
City Council, Dist. 8   Terry Fields (DEM)   Filed
City Council, Dist. 8   Pat Lockett-Felder (DEM)
City Council, Dist. 9   Glorious J. Johnson (DEM)
http://www.duvalelections.com/electioncandidates.aspx?eid=77 (http://www.duvalelections.com/electioncandidates.aspx?eid=77)

Mike Weinstein (R) has decided to run for an at large seat on the City Council. Weinstein has gone from political pillar to post since he ran for mayor against John Peyton several years back.  I have some thoughts on this but would like to know what others think before I comment.  Thoughts folks?

http://news.wjct.org/post/weinstein-files-run-jax-city-council

and

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/matt-dixon/2013-07-24/former-state-rep-mike-weinstein-running-jacksonville-city

You mean when he "ran" for Mayor for a couple weeks, before the Powers That Be promised him a safe seat in the Legislature if he dropped out of the Mayor's race?

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 24, 2013, 10:07:34 PM
You mean when he "ran" for Mayor for a couple weeks, before the Powers That Be promised him a safe seat in the Legislature if he dropped out of the Mayor's race?

Yes Charles, this would be that Mike. ;)

I like Mike Weinstein a lot...that said, was seriously disappointed when he ran against Aaron Bean recently and they were trying to out-conservative each other

Stephen, have you officially filed for the council election yet? Seems WJXT showed that you can put on a public face. Don't wait for someone else to make up their mind. Go for it.

Don't you think you have something to add to the issues that are worth voting on? Or at least debating? I would think after some 30,000 posts on MJ, you have something worth debating, yes?

Quote from: tufsu1 on July 24, 2013, 10:43:25 PM
I like Mike Weinstein a lot...that said, was seriously disappointed when he ran against Aaron Bean recently and they were trying to out-conservative each other

May I ask what you mean when you say "you like him a lot"?  Do you mean as a personality or as a politician?

^ I think he was one of the more intelligent public servants we've had in Jax. in a long time

Quote from: tufsu1 on July 25, 2013, 10:51:34 AM
^ I think he was one of the more intelligent public servants we've had in Jax. in a long time

I think it is a good thing that you framed your response to state it is how you perceived him as a public servant as what drives your opinion of him.  I have some commentary, but I want to wait until others have shared their thoughts on him as a candidate for an at large council seat.  ;)

Perhaps, the City Council will be a brave new world after the 2015 Elections.  At least 10 Council members will not be returning. 
The open seats on the Council are:  District 1 - Clay Yarborough is term limited out.  It is rumored he may run for Supervisor of Elections.  District 2 - Bill Bishop is term limited out.  District 3 - Richard Clark is term limited.  District 4 - Don Redman is term limited.  District 7 Dr. Johnny Gaffney, District 8 E. Denise Lee, and District 9 Warren Jones will also be open seats. District 11 - Ray Holt will be open.  In reality the district no longer exists, it has moved from the northside to the Southside.  District 13 - Bill Gulliford said he would only serve one term.  Only one of the At-large Council Members is term limited, Group 3 member Stephen Joost. It is this seat that Mr. Weinstein has filed papers to run in. 
SOE Jerry Holland and Property Appraiser Jim Overton are also term limited. 
Rumors of opposition for those incumbents who are not term limited pop up every day.  After Tuesday's votes to raise taxes and reject the mediated pension agreement all 19 seats could have a new representative in July of 2015.

Quote from: Uh Duh on July 25, 2013, 07:03:39 PM
Perhaps, the City Council will be a brave new world after the 2015 Elections.  At least 10 Council members will not be returning. 
The open seats on the Council are:  District 1 - Clay Yarborough is term limited out.  It is rumored he may run for Supervisor of Elections.  District 2 - Bill Bishop is term limited out.  District 3 - Richard Clark is term limited.  District 4 - Don Redman is term limited.  District 7 Dr. Johnny Gaffney, District 8 E. Denise Lee, and District 9 Warren Jones will also be open seats. District 11 - Ray Holt will be open.  In reality the district no longer exists, it has moved from the northside to the Southside.  District 13 - Bill Gulliford said he would only serve one term.  Only one of the At-large Council Members is term limited, Group 3 member Stephen Joost. It is this seat that Mr. Weinstein has filed papers to run in. 
SOE Jerry Holland and Property Appraiser Jim Overton are also term limited. 
Rumors of opposition for those incumbents who are not term limited pop up every day.  After Tuesday's votes to raise taxes and reject the mediated pension agreement all 19 seats could have a new representative in July of 2015.

Yes, Weinstein is going for Joost's seat.  Thanks for posting the breakdown on who is going and who "may" be staying.  Now the question is will we get some honest, concerned, hardworking and committed folks to run for those empty seats?  Lord, I hope so.  It will also be the job of the voters to check into the qualifications and background of those running for office. Who are they, who is behind them, who do they owe?  A simply they are a nice person and can spin a poetic yarn about the future of Jacksonville is not enough for anyone to lay down their vote.

Thankfully our sheriff is also term limited....Ken Jefferson will be running for the office

Quote from: tufsu1 on July 25, 2013, 09:52:01 PM
Thankfully our sheriff is also term limited....Ken Jefferson will be running for the office

Why do you say "thankfully"?

I think there are too many DEMS running in districts 7 and 8. maybe some of them would consider running in the suburban districts? Schellenberg has got to go! Thank God Gulliford isn't running again! Lumb has also got to go, along with Daniles. I'm in district 9, I can't forgive Johnson's support for Hogan in the last mayoral election, besides, she's been on council before. And while we're at it, let's get rid of Love as well!

Speaking of council races, I would really like to see city council elections become non-partisan.  Perhaps this is something that could be up for review by the group that is looking into our consolidated government.

Quote from: urbaknight on August 01, 2013, 03:02:51 PM
I think there are too many DEMS running in districts 7 and 8. maybe some of them would consider running in the suburban districts?

umm...you kind of have to live in the district you are running in

Quote from: tufsu1 on August 01, 2013, 04:21:23 PM

Quote from: urbaknight on August 01, 2013, 03:02:51 PM
I think there are too many DEMS running in districts 7 and 8. maybe some of them would consider running in the suburban districts?

umm...you kind of have to live in the district you are running in

As far as district council seats go, you can only vote for your own district representative (the district you live in) a council at large seat and Mayor.  Individual feelings about who one may or may not support in upcoming district races that one doesn't reside in really don't amount to much.  The only difference would be if you plan on funding or working for a candidate in an area not your own, specifically to oppose a candidate you don't like, which rarely if ever happens in district council races. Those races when challenged are usually challenged via political parties, i.e. Democrat and Republican who will funnel money to or create buzz about a candidate they support.  For the sake of discussion it would be in the districts like Redman's that impact downtown that you may see quite a bit of outside influence because of the high degree of interest in downtown revitalization.  That kind of interest will not generally be evident in other districts.

Urbaknight, what is your district? 

To find out your council district area you can use this link:

www.duvalelections.com/content.aspx?id=100

To see current council members use this link:

http://www.coj.net/city-council/city-council-members.aspx

To contact Supervisor of Elections office to ask about your district you may call (904) 630-1414

Not to split hairs, Cheshire ... no, wait, I am ... You can vote in the Council District where you live (one of 14), the Mayor, and all 5 of the At-Large seats.  The residency requirement for At-Large is for the candidates, they must live in one of 5 large areas - also mapped at the links you provided.

I don't see anything wrong with opining for or against any of the Council candidates - whether or not they are in "your" (or "my") district.

The Council and Mayor races are "unitary", where all the candidates run against each other in a primary, and the top two vote-getters face off in the general election.  Candidates can declare political parties, and parties can work for candidates.  This is different from partisan races (like State and Federal position), where there is a Democratic Primary and a Republican Primary (assuming candidates), and one from each part face in the General.  I think a non-partisan race (like the Duval School Board?) would be similar to the unitary, but parties can't be involved or declared.

Quote from: Charles Hunter on August 01, 2013, 06:44:40 PM
Not to split hairs, Cheshire ... no, wait, I am ... You can vote in the Council District where you live (one of 14), the Mayor, and all 5 of the At-Large seats.  The residency requirement for At-Large is for the candidates, they must live in one of 5 large areas - also mapped at the links you provided.

I don't see anything wrong with opining for or against any of the Council candidates - whether or not they are in "your" (or "my") district.

The Council and Mayor races are "unitary", where all the candidates run against each other in a primary, and the top two vote-getters face off in the general election.  Candidates can declare political parties, and parties can work for candidates.  This is different from partisan races (like State and Federal position), where there is a Democratic Primary and a Republican Primary (assuming candidates), and one from each part face in the General.  I think a non-partisan race (like the Duval School Board?) would be similar to the unitary, but parties can't be involved or declared.

Split away Charles.  :)  I am up late and saw your post but it's too late to get into a deeper discussion about my earlier commentary but will do so tomorrow.  I may have hit an "internal" blip on the voting for at large seats, will check my facts on that as well.  While I agree that opining is something all can and likely do regarding politics and who is running for the various districts, I think it takes more than opining to get to where we all might like to be politically in this town. It may be that there is no real consensus among voters as to what the city needs.  Which is part of why I posted the district poll above.  I hope some folks who just read may consider joining the forum so they may vote as well and we can use the info for another discussion I think might be of interest concerning who and what impacts the outcome of local races.   As far as the "unitary" status of council seats, you are correct, but if anyone thinks that the political parties are not at play in who gets support in their attempt to gain those seats, that person would be a bit naive to the reality of politics.  ;)

So far the poll lists some folks in Gaffney's district.  That district has changed, so make sure to check with the SOE to see if you a still part of the redrawn district.  :)

You are correct about everyone voting for the at large seats Charles.  My mind must have gotten stuck on the fact that the candidates had to reside in the at large district they ran in as opposed to that being a requirement for folks to vote.

From Wiki:
In the early 1990s, voters approved an unusual residency requirement for "at-large" members. The county was divided into five special districts unrelated to any other districts, solely for the purpose of providing better representation for all geographical areas of Jacksonville. This was done because a trend had developed in which all five "at large" councilmembers actually resided in one small area of town. So under the current structure, at-large council members must reside in the special district for which they are running, but are elected by the voters of the county as a whole

Heh ... didn't even see the poll until you just mentioned it.  I'm in D1, which, as redrawn, may be more competitive next time around.

It would be helpful if you could post a map so those of us who just moved here could tell which district we are in..I am certainly going to pay more attention to local races during the next cycle. I voted for Brown which seems to have been a mistake not that Hogan would have been any better but I am tired of the same old same old which seems to be the norm here. I moved here from Chicago and I had no idea how backwards Jacksonville would be.

Link to 2015 District map here...

http://www.coj.net/city-council/docs/maps/2015districtmap.aspx (http://www.coj.net/city-council/docs/maps/2015districtmap.aspx)

Thank you Traveller......I appreciate it.

I am in the 14th District.

Stephen, if you read the thread and the posts above yours prior to your inquiry, you would see that a link and phone number were posted which would give you the maps you asked for and the office of the SOE to ask questions about your district!  :)  I know people like to scan threads, but actually reading them can be very helpful.  lol

Diane ..I just moved here so 7 pages of this thread were just a bit ponderous and very boring.Thanks for the warm heartfelt welcome though. My Councilman is Love.What is he like? I'm a Democrat .

Boring, did you say boring?  lol  Actually, I am glad you responded so truthfully Stephen because your response is  a partial indicator of why it is so hard to engage the average citizen in the political process. :)  I am also a registered Democrat and Avondale resident who voted for Jim Love during the last council election.  I am not sure I would do the same next time around.  That would depend upon who is running for the district seat in 2015.  I will reserve most commentary on my opinion of him at this time not because I wish to be secretive about it but rather because I am want to see what he does with a couple of sizable upcoming issues including the redevelopment project on Fishweir.  I was not very happy with how the "Mellow Mushroom" issue was dealt with nor was I impressed by a meeting that was held to discuss the issue which apparently turned on the will of an Avondale woman who felt uncomfortable with other community members who came to the meeting and were then asked to leave.  Apparently she felt someone was "pissing" on her orange trees.  ;)

There is another thread called "What happened to Jim Love" that is an ongoing discussion by some on the forum.  You may want to take a look (or scan) that.  :)

I live in Avondale and it is difficult to find out when and where meetings are going to be held for various issues and I've also noticed that a small group of folks think that they run the area and God forbid any new people come in and have opinions or ask questions.Make sure however that you join RAP though. But please shut up.

Quote from: Stephen on August 02, 2013, 01:25:41 PM
I live in Avondale and it is difficult to find out when and where meetings are going to be held for various issues and I've also noticed that a small group of folks think that they run the area and God forbid any new people come in and have opinions or ask questions.Make sure however that you join RAP though. But please shut up.

Well....welcome to Avondale.  Your mission should you choose to accept it is to remind those who think they run Avondale that they in fact do not.  Something I do as often as I can.  ;)

I accept the mission. I actually am kind of glad Mellow Mushroom is opening although I also thought a tasteful 7-11 would have been nice.There really isn't a good convenience store in the area although a 7-11 did open on Riverside Ave and the world did not come to an end

There is a convenience store right on the corner of Hershel, across from Fishweir Elementary School.  There is even a small post office inside as well.  Do you know where the little drive through Flower shop is?  It's in that little center.  I can't think of what it is called right now.  Perhaps someone else can chime in with the name.

As far as finding out when meetings are you can look on the RAP website for their schedule  http://www.riversideavondale.org/

For information about meetings at city hall contact 630-CITY and ask for legislative services.  They can explain all the ins and outs to you about how meetings are noticed and posted.  You can also call Jim Love at (904) 630-1390      and speak to his assistant Kevin who can let you know if Love has called any special meetings. 

By the way.  I am pleased to have Mellow Mushroom in our community.  ;)

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on August 01, 2013, 04:48:58 PM

Quote from: tufsu1 on August 01, 2013, 04:21:23 PM

Quote from: urbaknight on August 01, 2013, 03:02:51 PM
I think there are too many DEMS running in districts 7 and 8. maybe some of them would consider running in the suburban districts?

umm...you kind of have to live in the district you are running in

As far as district council seats go, you can only vote for your own district representative (the district you live in) a council at large seat and Mayor.  Individual feelings about who one may or may not support in upcoming district races that one doesn't reside in really don't amount to much.  The only difference would be if you plan on funding or working for a candidate in an area not your own, specifically to oppose a candidate you don't like, which rarely if ever happens in district council races. Those races when challenged are usually challenged via political parties, i.e. Democrat and Republican who will funnel money to or create buzz about a candidate they support.  For the sake of discussion it would be in the districts like Redman's that impact downtown that you may see quite a bit of outside influence because of the high degree of interest in downtown revitalization.  That kind of interest will not generally be evident in other districts.

Urbaknight, what is your district?

I live in district 9.

I hope someone other than Johnson runs (not a good ol boy) but someone else that's more progressive and urbam-minded.

My thinking is that if we can find someone in the suburbs that is sympathetic to the urban core, run that person against the incumbent because none of those suburban reps care about downtown. They just want their own districts to thrive and will never vote for anything that benefits the core. For example, if we can get a candidate from the friends of the library to run against schellenberg and hopefully win, That person is likely to be an ally for downtown as well. Plant progressive tolerant people in those suburban districts and we just might be able to overwhelm the good ol boy majority and their puppets.

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on August 02, 2013, 01:37:10 PM
There is a convenience store right on the corner of Hershel, across from Fishweir Elementary School.  There is even a small post office inside as well.  Do you know where the little drive through Flower shop is?  It's in that little center.  I can't think of what it is called right now.  Perhaps someone else can chime in with the name.

As far as finding out when meetings are you can look on the RAP website for their schedule  http://www.riversideavondale.org/

For information about meetings at city hall contact 630-CITY and ask for legislative services.  They can explain all the ins and outs to you about how meetings are noticed and posted.  You can also call Jim Love at (904) 630-1390      and speak to his assistant Kevin who can let you know if Love has called any special meetings.

St. Johns Flower Market http://www.stjohnsflowermarket.com/

Quote from: If_I_Loved_you on August 02, 2013, 02:34:42 PM

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on August 02, 2013, 01:37:10 PM
There is a convenience store right on the corner of Hershel, across from Fishweir Elementary School.  There is even a small post office inside as well.  Do you know where the little drive through Flower shop is?  It's in that little center.  I can't think of what it is called right now.  Perhaps someone else can chime in with the name.

As far as finding out when meetings are you can look on the RAP website for their schedule  http://www.riversideavondale.org/

For information about meetings at city hall contact 630-CITY and ask for legislative services.  They can explain all the ins and outs to you about how meetings are noticed and posted.  You can also call Jim Love at (904) 630-1390      and speak to his assistant Kevin who can let you know if Love has called any special meetings.

St. Johns Flower Market http://www.stjohnsflowermarket.com/

Thaks IILU  This will help Stephen locate the little center with the convenience store.  Love this little Flower Marked as well.  Fresh flowers, tasteful styling and very good prices.  :)

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on August 02, 2013, 02:49:51 PM

Quote from: If_I_Loved_you on August 02, 2013, 02:34:42 PM

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on August 02, 2013, 01:37:10 PM
There is a convenience store right on the corner of Hershel, across from Fishweir Elementary School.  There is even a small post office inside as well.  Do you know where the little drive through Flower shop is?  It's in that little center.  I can't think of what it is called right now.  Perhaps someone else can chime in with the name.

As far as finding out when meetings are you can look on the RAP website for their schedule  http://www.riversideavondale.org/

For information about meetings at city hall contact 630-CITY and ask for legislative services.  They can explain all the ins and outs to you about how meetings are noticed and posted.  You can also call Jim Love at (904) 630-1390      and speak to his assistant Kevin who can let you know if Love has called any special meetings.

St. Johns Flower Market http://www.stjohnsflowermarket.com/

Thaks IILU  This will help Stephen locate the little center with the convenience store.  Love this little Flower Marked as well.  Fresh flowers, tasteful styling and very good prices.  :)

Your Welcome CC :)

Who's the other Arlingtonian (?) in District 1?

Note*  Please vote the poll at the beginning of this thread if you have not done so.  Thanks much.

Some new tidbits regarding the council races for 2015.  The first little bit of info just has me shaking my head.  lol That bit is that Gaffney's brother, Reginald Gaffney is supposedly poised to run for his District 7 seat.  Why am I shaking my head you may ask?  Well, first because Johnny Gaffney was voted into office twice in spite of the fact that he has accomplished next to nothing during his time in office.  Secondly because Johnny was voted into office even though it was made public that prior to his original run, he had been charged with medicare fraud to which he plead guilty and folks gave him a pass.  Now Reginald Gaffney want's to carry the fraud/run for council anyway torch by attempting to fill the seat his brother must vacate.  Reginald Gaffney you may remember recently had his "charity" charged with illegally overbilling medicare to the tune of 1.4 million. Sure....lets put him in office. 

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-05-16/story/state-reggie-gaffneys-nonprofit-overbilled-medicaid-nearly-14-million

Next tidbit is that there is apparently a political "bullseye" on the back of Group one's Kimberly Daniels.  Certain parties want her out of office after this term.  Will it be easy to boot her?  Not so sure.  She is now BFF's with Corrine Brown, affectionately known as "Coco", who will do all that she can to help her friend keep her seat on the council.  Apparently there may be a Republican challenger named Marc Hardesty, a local private injury attorney who worked with the planning commission challenging her and a JSO officer by the name of Terry Reed who is a Democrat. 

Will keep you all updated.  :)

Another filed candidate for District 7.  This makes 5 that have officially filed to run for the seat.  The newest person to file is Siretta Williams who is the
mother of NFL's Lavernues Coles. (Redskins)
Things are going to be interesting for Springfield folks. 

If you would like to know about my campaign for City Council Dist 7 please visit my website at www.Eddy4dist7.com or if you have any questions email mail me at eddy4dist7@gmail.com
Keep theses post coming this is great that people are watching the races already. But do not to forget to watch closely what City Council is doing now. It shapes the city we all call home.

Glad to hear from you James. :)

Quote from: James Eddy on September 12, 2013, 11:07:54 PM
Think Kimberly Daniels now has a chance to be kicked off the Council. Orlando Robles has filed and with Hispanic vote and backing he may be able to rally.

James Eddy

I checked out your website and am glad that someone like you running. I wish I lived in your district so I can vote for you. You seem to have a social concious, which no one on council has . I like that you see the value in having a great downtown, no one on council does. But what really stands out to me is the fact that you're not originally from here, that's a huge plus! People from here have no concept of how a real city should be built, ran and/or maintained, with the exception of the people here on metro jacksonville of course.

Good luck on your campain!

Lets just make sure we get Jim Love out of District 14 and vote someone in who cares about every citizen in the district

James Eddy
Will you vote in favor of a Human Rights Ordinance so Jacksonville can join the 21st Century?

Quote from: Stephen on September 13, 2013, 02:06:41 PM
James Eddy
Will you vote in favor of a Human Rights Ordinance so Jacksonville can join the 21st Century?

Curious to hear this answer myself...as well as his stance on the general anti-business caterwauling that's been going on around Riverside.

I'm pretty sure Mr. Eddy got in the race partially because of the HRO debacle

Sorry not been on busy weekend. To answer you question about the HRO change. This is very close to my heart. I am currently part of the Jacksonville Committee for Equality that is a team working on bring this back up in front of Council in 2015. When I win and am honored  enough to serve the voters of Dist 7 and the rest of Jacksonville. I will get this bill on the floor and get it passed.With the help of everyone that believes in Equality. I am want to get other that are running on board as a mission to make this happen. Orlando Robles running for at large group 1 is one of them. Also to bring many faces and back grounds to the council. I believe in Equality for all not Equality for some. I believe in bringing my brother and sisters from all ethnic back grounds, religious, and sexual orientations together. If we work together as a city it can be an example to others not just a city to drive through to get to Tampa, Orlando or Miami. To answer about the question on the businesses need you to clarify the question. I want to answer it. I will be truthful I know I don't have all the answers but I know if we put the pieces together like a safer city, a cultured city , a growing downtown, a city for the future but also remembering our good past Jacksonville can be the city people want to Live, play and work in.   

That is great news James...I wish we could get someone of your calibre to run in District 14..Jim Love needs to go..

To clarify about the business issues, there is a small but extremely vocal minority of riverside residents who feel the solution to pretty much every perceived problem is to enact parking restrictions, zoning moratoriums, call code on noise complaints, oppose outdoor restaraunt seating variances, and pretty much whatever they have to do in order to stifle commercial growth. The alleged reasons for this have been as varied as they are stupid, apparently somebody peed on somebody's orange tree, and primarily the homeowners of some of the bungalows who have 3 cars for a 1 car garage have taken to feeling that the public street parking in front of their house belongs to them, rather than the public. The solution to this, according to this faction, has been stifling business growth. Jim Love in fact enacted a moratorium on new restaurants. What is your stance on this issue?

A moratorium on new restaraunts? We should welcome any new business we can get our hands on..Jobs, money and a better quality of life..That is exactly why Jim Love needs to go..who will run against him and if he doesn't run how do we make sure we don't get another clone of him?

I am very pro business but do have to put the citizens in the mix. I understand why home owner feel the way they do but community change and grow. At one time downtown was the place to shop now its not. Before the Mathews bridge Arlington was nothing. When I moved here 15 years ago there was nothing after the regency mall going down Atlantic to the beach now there is. The south side near tinsel town had nothing. Now look at the town center. Two years ago river city market place was the airport Wall mart now its exploding. Things change some times for the good some times for the bad. It is hard to decide who right but to have jobs you have to have business and Jacksonville needs a strong economic base.

This is one of those I am going to laugh instead of cry moments.  Look at what just happened to the fella who is challenging Kimberly Daniels for her at large seat on City Council.  lmao  This should be scary but consider this truth, Johnny Gaffney was busted for defrauding Medicare to the tune of 130k and was elected twice.  Lord help us Jacksonville.

(http://i.imgur.com/o28Rouc.jpg)

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=540755

QuoteRobles-Santana
City Council candidate arrested for insurance fraud
Friday, October 11, 11:20 AM EDT
by David Chapman, Staff Writer

A City Council candidate filed to run for At-Large Group 1 was arrested Wednesday on charges of filing a false insurance claim.
Orlando Robles-Santana, of 6169 Faulkner Circle, was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office after an investigation by the Florida Department of Financial Services.

The arrest was announced by Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on Thursday through a news release, which said Robles-Santana reported his 2004 Jaguar sedan stolen after a carjacking by two men. He then filed a theft report and insurance claim for reimbursement of full value of the vehicle.

Officers found the vehicle a year later during a routine inspection of a local salvage yard. The business owner explained he knew Robles-Santana and had been asked to watch the vehicle while he was out of the country, according to the release.

"We will not stand by and let individuals like this steal the hard-earned money of honest Floridians," Atwater said in the release.

Robles-Santana was booked in Duval County Jail on Wednesday and posted bond Thursday. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.

He could not be reached for comment Thursday or Friday.

Robles-Santana filed to run against council member Kimberly Daniels in the 2015 elections. He has raised no money as of today

QuoteA moratorium on new restaurants? We should welcome any new business we can get our hands on..Jobs, money and a better quality of life..That is exactly why Jim Love needs to go..who will run against him and if he doesn't run how do we make sure we don't get another clone of him?

You seem to be consistent in bashing Jim Love. You should throw your hat in the ring and offer up an alternative! The easy part for every city council person is getting elected, its governing that is the challenge.

By Steve Patterson Thu, Jan 2, 2014 @ 7:33 pm

QuoteAs 2014 starts, three former Jacksonville City Council members are already looking ahead to next year's city elections and their bids to return to office. Terry Fields, Glorious Johnson and Pat Lockett-Felder each left after serving the two back-to-back terms local law allows.

After some time on the political sidelines, they've decided to try again.

"I love politics. I love government and I love working with people. ... I guess it's a real passion," said Fields, a longshoreman who left the council in 1999, served eight years in the Florida House and ran unsuccessfully for a state Senate seat.

Not many people are worked up yet about the 2015 elections, but getting in the race now might have strategic value, said a longtime observer of local politics.

"We're still a long way away. I think maybe the veterans that are running are sending a message," Matt Corrigan, a University of North Florida political scientist, said recently. "I think it's hard to run a campaign this far away. ... It's probably hard to raise money right now, but you open an account and you see what happens."

Fields and Lockett-Felder are both seeking the council's District Eight seat, representing an area from Main Street at the Trout River to the Nassau County line. They're among four people, all Democrats, contending for the seat.

Fields had raised $16,000 by the time the latest campaign report was filed in early December, elections records showed. Lockett-Felder had collected $12,221, with grassroots candidates Lynn Sherman and Katrina Brown reporting $600 and $500, respectively.

Lockett-Felder, who left the council in 2007, did not return messages left by a reporter.

Johnson is seeking the District Nine seat, whose territory will reach from Myrtle Avenue northwest of downtown to Blanding Boulevard near the Clay County line. Johnson, who was an at-large council member until 2011, had raised $3,770 as of the last campaign report, which included a series of donations by district residents ranging from $10 to $50.

The district seat is also being sought by Garrett Dennis, who like Johnson is running as a Democrat.

Nine of the council's 19 members will have to leave in 2015 because of term limits, which voters in Jacksonville first embraced a generation ago. Three current members – John Crescimbeni, Warren Jones and Denise Lee – each left office after serving two terms, then were elected again years later.

Saw this, for Anna Brosche for City Council At-Large Group 1
http://voteannabrosche.com/

Not much substance, yet, but there's more than a year to go.

^Thanks for the heads up Charles.

I don't like the idea of the same ole people circulating through different districts of CC. What have they really done for the urban core in the past few decades? Please hear me, we should NOT vote any of them in again!

Quote from: Charles Hunter on January 03, 2014, 06:49:07 AM
Saw this, for Anna Brosche for City Council At-Large Group 1
http://voteannabrosche.com/

Not much substance, yet, but there's more than a year to go.

She's an amazing lady! Don't know much about her political leanings or her perspective on many local issues, but I can attest to her as a person. Sure hoping her views align with mine cause I'd love to support her.

https://www.facebook.com/events/265830703567707/ (https://www.facebook.com/events/265830703567707/)

New Facebook page for Jason Tetlak, running for District 14 seat.

Is Jim Love running ?

Yes, Love is running for a 2nd term.

Quote from: Kay on January 06, 2014, 05:02:09 PM
Yes, Love is running for a 2nd term.

He's gonna have a lot of 'splaining to do...

I am starting to love how some of the races are heating up. District 7 is all fired up with myself and five others running. I think its very important to keep issues out there. If you believe in an issue make sure you find out how the candidates sway on an issue. I look forward to learning and growing in this race to help improve Jacksonville. Visit my website www.Eddy4dist7.com 

Seriously, Is there any candidate Past, Present, and Future that can tell us all where there is more Public Access and Economic Opportunity to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone that is from the Fuller Warren Bridge to the Mathews Bridge?

Quote from: ProjectMaximus on January 03, 2014, 05:22:57 PM

Quote from: Charles Hunter on January 03, 2014, 06:49:07 AM
Saw this, for Anna Brosche for City Council At-Large Group 1
http://voteannabrosche.com/

Not much substance, yet, but there's more than a year to go.

She's an amazing lady! Don't know much about her political leanings or her perspective on many local issues, but I can attest to her as a person. Sure hoping her views align with mine cause I'd love to support her.

Spent a good deal of time with Anna today and it seems she is a socially progressive republican. Her platform is primarily built around smaller government, business development, and better education. Not sure where she would stand or how much she understands about urban development/planning/growth, but she does have a good grasp of attracting businesses and creating a pro-business environment that can create positive results in the community. Sorry I don't have much else to share, but I suppose the best news is she is running to

TAKE KIMBERLY DANIELS' SEAT!!!

Had Mattox Hair run,and likely won Mayor race some years ago,everything would be at least a little wee bit different today.

What a "Duval Delegation" era waste..............

Quote from: Intuition Ale Works on January 06, 2014, 07:53:47 PM

Quote from: Kay on January 06, 2014, 05:02:09 PM
Yes, Love is running for a 2nd term.

He's gonna have a lot of 'splaining to do...

What's that saying?  You can't please all of the people all of the time.  Love has his weaknesses, as do all of us.  But just some of the things he's done and doing are:  funding half the dog park; provided funds to Stockton Park, will be kicking in significant cash towards Memorial Park renovation; got us the weekend night trolley, totally supportive of the 5 Points pedestrian improvements and is committed to getting the City to fund the construction projects.  He listens to everyone.  He's trying really hard to find a good balance between what residents want and what businesses want.  When it comes to new development in the neighborhood, no one ends up getting everything they want--residents or business owners.  We've got a neighborhood of engaged citizens and that's a good thing.  While it can seem messy and controversial, it is set up as a democratic process (zoning).

New city council members have a huge learning curve.  I've come to really appreciate Love.  He cares, is accessible and will continue to learn and grow in the role.

Quote from: Kay on January 16, 2014, 07:36:16 AM

Quote from: Intuition Ale Works on January 06, 2014, 07:53:47 PM

Quote from: Kay on January 06, 2014, 05:02:09 PM
Yes, Love is running for a 2nd term.

He's gonna have a lot of 'splaining to do...

What's that saying?  You can't please all of the people all of the time.  Love has his weaknesses, as do all of us.  But just some of the things he's done and doing are:  funding half the dog park; provided funds to Stockton Park, will be kicking in significant cash towards Memorial Park renovation; got us the weekend night trolley, totally supportive of the 5 Points pedestrian improvements and is committed to getting the City to fund the construction projects.  He listens to everyone.  He's trying really hard to find a good balance between what residents want and what businesses want.  When it comes to new development in the neighborhood, no one ends up getting everything they want--residents or business owners.  We've got a neighborhood of engaged citizens and that's a good thing.  While it can seem messy and controversial, it is set up as a democratic process (zoning).

New city council members have a huge learning curve.  I've come to really appreciate Love.  He cares, is accessible and will continue to learn and grow in the role.

Love isn't in my District but I've been very impressed in his time on Waterways and other issues. He was instrumental with the Boat Ramp master plan 2013-380 along with Waterways Commission member Scott Shine and yesterday at the full Board meeting 1/15/14 of the DIA Board member Mike Saylor will be the representative assigned to work with Waterways. He has returned phone calls and emails and from an observational standpoint has represented the constituents in a very open process.

PS. We also kayaked Hogans Creek.

Who's next?

Quote from: Kay on January 16, 2014, 07:36:16 AM

Quote from: Intuition Ale Works on January 06, 2014, 07:53:47 PM

Quote from: Kay on January 06, 2014, 05:02:09 PM
Yes, Love is running for a 2nd term.

He's gonna have a lot of 'splaining to do...

What's that saying?  You can't please all of the people all of the time.  Love has his weaknesses, as do all of us.  But just some of the things he's done and doing are:  funding half the dog park; provided funds to Stockton Park, will be kicking in significant cash towards Memorial Park renovation; got us the weekend night trolley, totally supportive of the 5 Points pedestrian improvements and is committed to getting the City to fund the construction projects.  He listens to everyone.  He's trying really hard to find a good balance between what residents want and what businesses want.  When it comes to new development in the neighborhood, no one ends up getting everything they want--residents or business owners.  We've got a neighborhood of engaged citizens and that's a good thing.  While it can seem messy and controversial, it is set up as a democratic process (zoning).

New city council members have a huge learning curve.  I've come to really appreciate Love.  He cares, is accessible and will continue to learn and grow in the role.

His stance on the HRO pissed off just about everybody under age 35 who lives in his district, and many of the older ones. If you can't honor this country's 250 year old commitment to the separation of church and state and are unable to avoid putting your personal religious beliefs over what your constituents want, then you don't deserve to hold public office. I think you're underestimating the number of people who are still hacked off over that.

QuoteWhat's that saying?  You can't please all of the people all of the time.  Love has his weaknesses, as do all of us.  But just some of the things he's done and doing are:  funding half the dog park; provided funds to Stockton Park, will be kicking in significant cash towards Memorial Park renovation; got us the weekend night trolley, totally supportive of the 5 Points pedestrian improvements and is committed to getting the City to fund the construction projects.  He listens to everyone.  He's trying really hard to find a good balance between what residents want and what businesses want.  When it comes to new development in the neighborhood, no one ends up getting everything they want--residents or business owners.  We've got a neighborhood of engaged citizens and that's a good thing.  While it can seem messy and controversial, it is set up as a democratic process (zoning).

New city council members have a huge learning curve.  I've come to really appreciate Love.  He cares, is accessible and will continue to learn and grow in the role.

I....can't.....believe....I....am, no I like Kay and love what she has done with RAP and I am in agreement with her on Jim Love. I actually asked to help him with his re-election campaign. Yes, Vox, I did that, I know, I know....

He has done a lot of good for the locals here. Had Corrigan been awake and watching the developments of Mojo, he could have done some heavy lifting before the whole Mellow issue came to a head. Jim did what he could for it, no one is going to win on every issue. I am a BIG fan of Intuition, but I also have lost at Zoning meetings, I don't hold it against my neighbors. Stuff happens. Jim was instrumental in getting $130,000 for the dog park in Memorial Park, I don't think Corrigan did anything of that magnitude in all the time of his representation of Dist 14. The PCT Riverside Avondale Trolley, he was instrumental in this working with the developer of the app to make that happen. Say what you want about the guy, he delivers for the masses in HIS district. Yeah, I wanted him to pass the equal rights amendment, but maybe we can get him to change his mind for next term!

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on January 16, 2014, 08:22:48 AM

Quote from: Kay on January 16, 2014, 07:36:16 AM

Quote from: Intuition Ale Works on January 06, 2014, 07:53:47 PM

Quote from: Kay on January 06, 2014, 05:02:09 PM
Yes, Love is running for a 2nd term.

He's gonna have a lot of 'splaining to do...

What's that saying?  You can't please all of the people all of the time.  Love has his weaknesses, as do all of us.  But just some of the things he's done and doing are:  funding half the dog park; provided funds to Stockton Park, will be kicking in significant cash towards Memorial Park renovation; got us the weekend night trolley, totally supportive of the 5 Points pedestrian improvements and is committed to getting the City to fund the construction projects.  He listens to everyone.  He's trying really hard to find a good balance between what residents want and what businesses want.  When it comes to new development in the neighborhood, no one ends up getting everything they want--residents or business owners.  We've got a neighborhood of engaged citizens and that's a good thing.  While it can seem messy and controversial, it is set up as a democratic process (zoning).

New city council members have a huge learning curve.  I've come to really appreciate Love.  He cares, is accessible and will continue to learn and grow in the role.

His stance on the HRO pissed off just about everybody under age 35 who lives in his district, and many of the older ones. If you can't honor this country's 250 year old commitment to the separation of church and state and are unable to avoid putting your personal religious beliefs over what your constituents want, then you don't deserve to hold public office. I think you're underestimating the number of people who are still hacked off over that.

I hear you.  Maybe some of his constituents could ask for a meeting with him to discuss that topic.

QuoteI don't think Corrigan did anything of that magnitude in all the time of his representation of Dist 14.

Mr. Corrigan did pay to have the pond in Riverside Park cleaned out so that it no longer looks and smells like a huge bowl of spoiled green pea soup.  Those of us who use the park are very grateful.

Does such a candidate exist who will be the voice of the people represent the community to the best of their abilities?
Can he or she posses high ethical and moral values, and listen to the poor working class? Am I asking for too much?

Jim Love seems to lack honor by selling out the GLBT community.

he sacrificed the GLBT community on the altar of the First Baptist Church

QuoteJim Love seems to lack honor by selling out the GLBT community.

I have friends who are part of the GLBT community same as I have friends from the Baptist community. My comment still remains, "Until you have walked a mile in another man's shoes, you have no idea what you are talking about".

With the mayor and some council spots running unopposed, how much time is left before the filing deadline? At what point does the mayor not even have to campaign?

We're still a year out from the qualifying dates. Most of those offices will be opposed.

Quote from: Tacachale on January 27, 2014, 05:29:36 PM
We're still a year out from the qualifying dates. Most of those offices will be opposed.

Thanks Tac, that's at least a little comfort

I would like to welcome Carolyn Anderson into the District 7 race.

Joyce Morgan has filed for District 1 - "West" Arlington  (no web presence, yet)

Lisa King for District 2 - East Arlington, and the area north of the St. Johns that is east of Main Street http://kingforcouncil.nationbuilder.com/

Good idea with the "poll".

I'm District 2. Lisa King sounds interesting.

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on January 16, 2014, 08:22:48 AMHis stance on the HRO pissed off just about everybody under age 35 who lives in his district, and many of the older ones. If you can't honor this country's 250 year old commitment to the separation of church and state and are unable to avoid putting your personal religious beliefs over what your constituents want, then you don't deserve to hold public office. I think you're underestimating the number of people who are still hacked off over that.

Quote from: BoldBoyOfTheSouth on January 21, 2014, 12:16:32 PM
Jim Love seems to lack honor by selling out the GLBT community.

Quote from: Stephen on January 21, 2014, 12:18:14 PM
he sacrificed the GLBT community on the altar of the First Baptist Church

As a member of the LGBT community, and a person who was very involved with 2012-296, I think you guys are beating up way too much on Jim Love here.  He was supportive of the bill.  He actually voted in favor of the substituted version.  His problems with 296 as drafted had nothing to do with the substance of the bill.  He didn't like that the bill removed references to the US Constitution from the various human rights ordinances.  Lawyers (or anyone) can and do quibble over whether such references belong in the city code, but he told us early on that, as a veteran, that the language made him uncomfortable.  Councilman Love didn't get a "shout out" at FBC during their victory lap.  He's not a hater.  He was and is a friend of the LGBT community as far as I'm concerned. 

I don't get it.  He voted the same way as other respected Councilmembers like Lori Boyer, John Crescimbeni, and Greg Anderson.  They voted for the substitute but against the original bill.  No one else seems to be taking the flak he's taking over that vote.  The only two profiles in courage on 12-296 belong to Warren Jones and Denise Lee as far as I'm concerned.

The challenger in the district 14 race, Jason Tetlak, has impressed me a great deal as I've seen him campaign.  But there's not much to distinguish these gentleman on the HRO issue.  As best as I can tell they're both in favor of a comprehensive amendment to the ordinance that adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to the list of protected categories... which is exactly what the LGBT community and our allies is hoping to achieve in the HRO work.

To those of you quoted above, what did you see that I missed?

Quote from: Jimmy on March 08, 2014, 10:39:40 PM

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on January 16, 2014, 08:22:48 AMHis stance on the HRO pissed off just about everybody under age 35 who lives in his district, and many of the older ones. If you can't honor this country's 250 year old commitment to the separation of church and state and are unable to avoid putting your personal religious beliefs over what your constituents want, then you don't deserve to hold public office. I think you're underestimating the number of people who are still hacked off over that.

Quote from: BoldBoyOfTheSouth on January 21, 2014, 12:16:32 PM
Jim Love seems to lack honor by selling out the GLBT community.

Quote from: Stephen on January 21, 2014, 12:18:14 PM
he sacrificed the GLBT community on the altar of the First Baptist Church

As a member of the LGBT community, and a person who was very involved with 2012-296, I think you guys are beating up way too much on Jim Love here.  He was supportive of the bill.  He actually voted in favor of the substituted version.  His problems with 296 as drafted had nothing to do with the substance of the bill.  He didn't like that the bill removed references to the US Constitution from the various human rights ordinances.  Lawyers (or anyone) can and do quibble over whether such references belong in the city code, but he told us early on that, as a veteran, that the language made him uncomfortable.  Councilman Love didn't get a "shout out" at FBC during their victory lap.  He's not a hater.  He was and is a friend of the LGBT community as far as I'm concerned. 

I don't get it.  He voted the same way as other respected Councilmembers like Lori Boyer, John Crescimbeni, and Greg Anderson.  They voted for the substitute but against the original bill.  No one else seems to be taking the flak he's taking over that vote.  The only two profiles in courage on 12-296 belong to Warren Jones and Denise Lee as far as I'm concerned.

The challenger in the district 14 race, Jason Tetlak, has impressed me a great deal as I've seen him campaign.  But there's not much to distinguish these gentleman on the HRO issue.  As best as I can tell they're both in favor of a comprehensive amendment to the ordinance that adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to the list of protected categories... which is exactly what the LGBT community and our allies is hoping to achieve in the HRO work.

To those of you quoted above, what did you see that I missed?

I agree 100% with this.

I was also highly involved with 2012-296, and what Jimmy   Midyette says about Jim Love is true.  His initial concern was about the bill language that removed references to the Constitution.  The bigger problem I have with Jim Love is that he never publicly advocated for the HRO, nor offered any solutions to his drafting concerns. I went to numerous council meetings and think it would be fair to say Jim Love's silence on the topic mirrored that of Mayor  Brown. Given the high number of LGBT residents in his district, this silence was unacceptable. I doubt Jill Dame would have been silent.

Right on to what FlowerPower said.  Jim Love and Lori Boyer should have been leading on 12-296, not sitting back and passively supporting the effort.  There are large numbers of LGBT residents in Districts 5 and 13 as well.  In one, the Councilmember was silent about the issue aside from required votes.  And in the other, the Councilmember was against to the HRO and did get a shout-out at the FBC victory lap service.

It's unfair to hold Mr. Love to a different standard.  And it's really unfair to say he was part of the First Baptist effort against the bill - because he most certainly was not.  And it's beyond unfair to call him a bigot, at least on LGBT issues.  There's nothing I've seen to support that charge.

Quote from: Jimmy on March 08, 2014, 10:39:40 PM

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on January 16, 2014, 08:22:48 AMHis stance on the HRO pissed off just about everybody under age 35 who lives in his district, and many of the older ones. If you can't honor this country's 250 year old commitment to the separation of church and state and are unable to avoid putting your personal religious beliefs over what your constituents want, then you don't deserve to hold public office. I think you're underestimating the number of people who are still hacked off over that.

Quote from: BoldBoyOfTheSouth on January 21, 2014, 12:16:32 PM
Jim Love seems to lack honor by selling out the GLBT community.

Quote from: Stephen on January 21, 2014, 12:18:14 PM
he sacrificed the GLBT community on the altar of the First Baptist Church

As a member of the LGBT community, and a person who was very involved with 2012-296, I think you guys are beating up way too much on Jim Love here.  He was supportive of the bill.  He actually voted in favor of the substituted version.  His problems with 296 as drafted had nothing to do with the substance of the bill.  He didn't like that the bill removed references to the US Constitution from the various human rights ordinances.  Lawyers (or anyone) can and do quibble over whether such references belong in the city code, but he told us early on that, as a veteran, that the language made him uncomfortable.  Councilman Love didn't get a "shout out" at FBC during their victory lap.  He's not a hater.  He was and is a friend of the LGBT community as far as I'm concerned. 

I don't get it.  He voted the same way as other respected Councilmembers like Lori Boyer, John Crescimbeni, and Greg Anderson.  They voted for the substitute but against the original bill.  No one else seems to be taking the flak he's taking over that vote.  The only two profiles in courage on 12-296 belong to Warren Jones and Denise Lee as far as I'm concerned.

The challenger in the district 14 race, Jason Tetlak, has impressed me a great deal as I've seen him campaign.  But there's not much to distinguish these gentleman on the HRO issue.  As best as I can tell they're both in favor of a comprehensive amendment to the ordinance that adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to the list of protected categories... which is exactly what the LGBT community and our allies is hoping to achieve in the HRO work.

To those of you quoted above, what did you see that I missed?

As I pointed out earlier in the thread, Lumb was the one who accepted the FBC shout out, not Love. Someone confused that, no doubt because the names are so similar, I corrected them. However, Love could have and should have voted for the un-watered down version of the HRO, rather than the compromise bill that was intended to (and did) fracture support and ensure that nothing passed. I presume he's sufficiently sophisticated to have seen what was occurring. And aside from religious beliefs, what reason does anyone ever really have on these HROs? It always boils down to that in the end.

Quote from: stephendare on March 09, 2014, 12:47:37 PM
apparently everyone was more sophisticated about politics Chris.  Except of course the supporters of the bill.

And Jimmy no one holds you responsible for the bill not passing.  You guys were just outmaneuvered and outwitted.  Welcome to the world of the Mobility Fee for us.

So there is no reason for you to carry water for these people by claiming that there was some illusory 'partial' success in order to make yourself (or anyone else for that matter) feel better about what happened.

But there have to be consequences for representing a very very gay district and voting against the best interests of your constituents, and I find it very odd that you would continue to provide cover for a person who participated in the HRO being defeated.

Love tried to play all sides simultaneously, as he has on several issues.  It backfired. Let it backfire and stop trying to put yourself in front of the paint bomb.

Looking at the map for District 14 I think that it is more appropriate to characterize it as "gayer than most others" instead of "very gay", that is most likely one of the reasons that Love tried to split the baby on the HRO.

http://www.coj.net/city-council/docs/district-14/2007district14map.aspx

There is no "federal HRO."  At least not respecting the LGBT community.  Congress has tried and failed to get the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) passed since the 90s with no success.  Last year the Senate passed a version but it has no hope of even getting a vote in the House until there's a new Speaker.

People clearly have their axes to grind on other issues (mobility fee, development, RAP issues) and that's part and parcel of politics.  But when it comes to the HRO vote, I'd prefer to stick to the facts and avoid misinformation.  It doesn't serve the LGBT community to muddy this water when it's very likely that Mr. Love will be in a position to vote again in favor of amending the HRO in the months or years to come.  My only interest here is in keeping the record straight on the HRO, if you'll pardon the pun.

I want whoever represents District 14 to be able to make the right decision to amend the HRO without all this unrelated baggage.  Whether that's Mr. Love, Ms. Dame, or Mr. Tetlak, or whoever is behind Door #4. 

I am so very glad this election is keeping the HRO front and center. I felt Jim Love did not stand up for the HRO. He did support the bill with no meat to it. Having talked to many in the different races I have learned  about them and how they feel about Jacksonville. In District 14 Jason Tatlak is in full support of HRO with gender identity and express as part of the bill. Please check him out. The HRO is a Jacksonville issue. We have candidates on both sided in favor.
I think this race will bring great change to this city. But check out the candidates and who is giving to them you be very surprised or maybe not.   It is also very nice to see Kimberly Daniels a preacher by trade doing so well she can lend $70,000 to herself. I thought that a church was suppose to give back not line the pockets of the preacher.

Jimmy, you've got a little brown on your nose, sweetie. If Jim Love isn't busy drafting a new bill right now he does not deserve a dime from the gay community, nor does he deserve to be reelected. He of all people should be a champion for including LGBTQ protections in the HRO, bottom line.

Until we have a Mayor who's not at best indifferent and at worst hostile to the concept, and commitments from many, many Councilmembers to reconsider their vote, it would be foolish for anyone (including Jim Love) to file a new HRO bill.  A second defeat would be a body blow to our cause.  The bill we want failed not 9-10, but 2-17.  That's a tall hill to climb, but there are signs of progress along the way.  I just want the Coalition for Equality to be able to work with whoever is the Councilmember for District 14 when the time comes to make another push, whether that's before or after the elections next spring. 

No Lumb !  No Love ! No LumbLove !

I'm with you on no Lumb, for reasons that should be obvious (http://www.jaxalliance.org/about-us/).

I hope that race attracts a serious challenger who can win county-wide.

Jimmy,

Sorry that I am so uninformed, but could you explain to me the difference between the original version and the "watered down" version of this bill?

Quote from: Jimmy on March 12, 2014, 07:54:02 AM
Until we have a Mayor who's not at best indifferent and at worst hostile to the concept, and commitments from many, many Councilmembers to reconsider their vote, it would be foolish for anyone (including Jim Love) to file a new HRO bill.  A second defeat would be a body blow to our cause.  The bill we want failed not 9-10, but 2-17.  That's a tall hill to climb, but there are signs of progress along the way.  I just want the Coalition for Equality to be able to work with whoever is the Councilmember for District 14 when the time comes to make another push, whether that's before or after the elections next spring. 

What's right is rarely expedient. None of what you've posted in this post really has anything to do with the need to file a new bill, every year, "just because." Time and history are on your side, and the worst thing you can do is try to play politics with people whose positions you neither respect nor agree with. At least let's be intellectually honest about all of this. Pandering weakens you, not them, leave the political expediency consideration out of it and just keep doing what's right. Eventually you will prevail.

Filing a new bill every year even if it was defeated would smoke out the hypocrites and weak spined.  It  would keep the issue in front of the voters and emphasize the importance of the HRO.  Having it defeated again and again would make the voters aware of the games the council people play to keep from being responsible for their votes.

The GOP U.S. House has introduced legislation about 50 times (literally) to repeal Obamacare since they took back the majority.

I don't think it has accomplished a damn thing for either party.  Everybody knows Democrats support it by in large and Republicans don't.  It is all political theater/grandstanding that hasn't changed anyone's mind or moved either side toward the other. 

Politics, which is what this is no matter how noble the cause, it about picking your battles, including the timing of those battles.  Biding your time until your troops are refreshed, and the circumstances have evolved (hopefully to your favor) is  all part of the process of getting to ultimate victory.           

Quote from: Jimmy on March 12, 2014, 07:54:02 AM
Until we have a Mayor who's not at best indifferent and at worst hostile to the concept, and commitments from many, many Councilmembers to reconsider their vote, it would be foolish for anyone (including Jim Love) to file a new HRO bill.  A second defeat would be a body blow to our cause.  The bill we want failed not 9-10, but 2-17.  That's a tall hill to climb, but there are signs of progress along the way.  I just want the Coalition for Equality to be able to work with whoever is the Councilmember for District 14 when the time comes to make another push, whether that's before or after the elections next spring.

It was foolish of you not to have sued the pants off of Clay Yarborough, but I don't think you are really all that big of a fighter. Alvin Brown is as equally stupid as most of the council for not lacing this issue up right out of the gate. I'm guessing it would have been long forgotten by now, and could have really put Jacksonville on another "level". If he or the Jacksonville Democratic Party had any sense they'd stop what they are doing right now and get this issue taken care of. The way I see it, Jim Overton now has the same advantage Alvin enjoyed last go around. It will be interesting watching the fight again come election time, that's for sure.

Quote from: vicupstate on March 12, 2014, 06:43:10 PM
The GOP U.S. House has introduced legislation about 50 times (literally) to repeal Obamacare since they took back the majority.

I don't think it has accomplished a damn thing for either party.  Everybody knows Democrats support it by in large and Republicans don't.  It is all political theater/grandstanding that hasn't changed anyone's mind or moved either side toward the other. 

Politics, which is what this is no matter how noble the cause, it about picking your battles, including the timing of those battles.  Biding your time until your troops are refreshed, and the circumstances have evolved (hopefully to your favor) is  all part of the process of getting to ultimate victory.   

This is a civil rights issue, something always worth fighting for.     

Quote from: vicupstate on March 12, 2014, 06:43:10 PM
The GOP U.S. House has introduced legislation about 50 times (literally) to repeal Obamacare since they took back the majority.

I don't think it has accomplished a damn thing for either party.  Everybody knows Democrats support it by in large and Republicans don't.  It is all political theater/grandstanding that hasn't changed anyone's mind or moved either side toward the other. 

Politics, which is what this is no matter how noble the cause, it about picking your battles, including the timing of those battles.  Biding your time until your troops are refreshed, and the circumstances have evolved (hopefully to your favor) is  all part of the process of getting to ultimate victory.           

Bad advice.

This isn't politics, it's civil rights.

On what basis would you sue Clay Yarborough?  Being a religious zealot?  And he will be Council President starting in July.

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on March 12, 2014, 08:17:36 PM

Quote from: vicupstate on March 12, 2014, 06:43:10 PM
The GOP U.S. House has introduced legislation about 50 times (literally) to repeal Obamacare since they took back the majority.

I don't think it has accomplished a damn thing for either party.  Everybody knows Democrats support it by in large and Republicans don't.  It is all political theater/grandstanding that hasn't changed anyone's mind or moved either side toward the other. 

Politics, which is what this is no matter how noble the cause, it about picking your battles, including the timing of those battles.  Biding your time until your troops are refreshed, and the circumstances have evolved (hopefully to your favor) is  all part of the process of getting to ultimate victory.           

Bad advice.

This isn't politics, it's civil rights.

+1 that's what I thought I did above

Quote from: Charles Hunter on March 12, 2014, 08:46:18 PM
On what basis would you sue Clay Yarborough?  Being a religious zealot?  And he will be Council President starting in July.

Clay accused Jimmy of trying to bribe him for his vote on the HRO. A total crock of shart, but that's Clay for you. Something tells me that one is going to end up like Matt Shirk one day.

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on March 12, 2014, 08:17:36 PM

Quote from: vicupstate on March 12, 2014, 06:43:10 PM
The GOP U.S. House has introduced legislation about 50 times (literally) to repeal Obamacare since they took back the majority.

I don't think it has accomplished a damn thing for either party.  Everybody knows Democrats support it by in large and Republicans don't.  It is all political theater/grandstanding that hasn't changed anyone's mind or moved either side toward the other. 

Politics, which is what this is no matter how noble the cause, it about picking your battles, including the timing of those battles.  Biding your time until your troops are refreshed, and the circumstances have evolved (hopefully to your favor) is  all part of the process of getting to ultimate victory.           

Bad advice.

This isn't politics, it's civil rights.

The Civil Rights movement was as big a political issue than anything you can name during the last 150 years.  But for LBJ and a few others, there would still be  'colored' restrooms in Dixie today.  Thanks for proving my point.

Quote from: vicupstate on March 13, 2014, 06:35:22 AM

Quote from: ChriswUfGator on March 12, 2014, 08:17:36 PM

Quote from: vicupstate on March 12, 2014, 06:43:10 PM
The GOP U.S. House has introduced legislation about 50 times (literally) to repeal Obamacare since they took back the majority.

I don't think it has accomplished a damn thing for either party.  Everybody knows Democrats support it by in large and Republicans don't.  It is all political theater/grandstanding that hasn't changed anyone's mind or moved either side toward the other. 

Politics, which is what this is no matter how noble the cause, it about picking your battles, including the timing of those battles.  Biding your time until your troops are refreshed, and the circumstances have evolved (hopefully to your favor) is  all part of the process of getting to ultimate victory.           

Bad advice.

This isn't politics, it's civil rights.

The Civil Rights movement was as big a political issue than anything you can name during the last 150 years.  But for LBJ and a few others, there would still be  'colored' restrooms in Dixie today.  Thanks for proving my point.

You're confusing it with a political issue merely because a politician ended the dispute. Logic fail.

LBJ's actions during the civil rights era were unpopular everywhere but the northern states and in large part contributed (together with the bogged down Vietnam war) to his poor performance in the primaries and having to drop out of the race for reelection. Despite contributing to his being unelectable he still did the right thing. The fact that he was a politician has nothing to do with the underlying issue, nor did he act like a politician costing himself a second term to do what he felt was right. If Lincoln and LBJ followed your logic we'd still have slavery.

The Jacksonville Daily Record recently gave us this update on the status of candidates and funding in the upcoming 2015 City Council races in February.  Here is what they had to share.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=542261

Interesting patterns emerging in City Council races


Monday, February 17, 3:37 PM EST
By David Chapman, Staff Writer

The only certainty of the 2015 City Council elections is that there will be several new faces in the group.
How many will be determined over the next several months, leading to the first election in March.

While still more than a year out, all 19 seats have drawn candidates. As of this morning, 40 to be exact.

Three currently sitting in the seats already have drawn opposition. Three other incumbents haven't filed for their seats — or anything at all. There are three familiar faces who have served eight years each and seek a return. And there's another three trying to secure their first seat after coming up short in 2011.

Nineteen seats, 19 stories being drafted — but the first chapter has been written.

Facing early competition

The majority of council members who can run again have filed to do so. Only three have drawn opposition.

Kimberly Daniels is one of them.

The At-Large Group 1 representative has drawn a couple of opponents, but said Friday she welcomes the competition.

"Everybody is a part of it. I love the process ... it's part of the liberty we have," she said.

Her race so far also is one of the higher-funded.

In the past several months, Daniels has picked up $51,000, mainly through a $50,000 self-loan. Her closest opponent is local businesswoman Anna Brosche, who raised $40,000 in January — her first month of reporting.

"Money doesn't win a race," Daniels said. "Dollars don't count, votes count."

She said she is concentrating on her role with council, specifically public health and safety issues, and hasn't begun to raise money.

"If you worry about it, it will run away from you," she said. "If you do your job, it will come to you."

Her At-Large Group 5 colleague Robin Lumb also has drawn multiple challengers, but said his only surprise was how early people have entered his race.

"I think what would surprise me is if I didn't draw opponents," he said.

In District 14, incumbent Jim Love also has drawn early opposition. He expected the challenge, given the rarity of council races that are unopposed.

Only At-Large Group 3 representative Stephen Joost was unopposed in 2011.

Love, like Lumb, said he was "a little surprised" at how early candidates have filed but he expected competition. He said he expects one or two more people to eventually enter the race, but that he's been here before.

"I have already done it the hard way, running against five others (in 2011)," he said.

Love said he'll be better prepared this time, but the trade-off is that a re-election campaign effectively will be a third job — the others being his business and council.

Council members Matt Schellenberg, Doyle Carter, Bill Gulliford and Greg Anderson are other incumbents who have filed for re-election, but none are yet opposed.

In or out?

Three current council members eligible to again run aren't opposed or unopposed — they haven't filed to receive those distinctions.

One will be in soon, though.

"My intention is to file the first week of March," said Lori Boyer, District 5 representative.

The timing isn't to her liking, though.

"Frankly, I'd like to wait another six months," she said.

Boyer said once she files she then becomes a candidate who will have to fundraise and have certain restrictions placed on her. She said she'd rather focus on her council work and put off campaigning, but has received pressure to file "sooner rather than later."

District 5 has one candidate so far, but Boyer said she wouldn't be surprised if others emerged from the San Marco area that "often has a lot of candidates."

Council members Reggie Brown and John Crescimbeni also have not filed.

Both have been on council for more than one term but are eligible for another after winning elections in 2008 to replace others.

Neither returned phone calls seeking their intentions.

Hoping to return

The list of candidates across the races has many new names, but there are some familiar faces, as well. Three, in particular.

Terry Fields and Pat Lockett-Felder both have council experience after serving eight years apiece. Fields served District 7 from 1991-99 before being elected to the Florida House of Representatives.

When he left, Lockett-Felder was elected to the district and served from 1999-2007.

Now, the two are squaring off to succeed term-limited Denise Lee in District 8.

Fields said Friday he has spent most of his adult life in public service and "loves" the role. A return to council would mean he can push for economic development and Downtown revitalization, he said.

"I still believe there is so much to do," he said. "I'd like to continue that work."

Lockett-Felder did not return a call for comment.

The two are among five candidates running for the office.

Elsewhere, Glorious Johnson is seeking a return to council after four years away. She's trying to replace term-limited Warren Jones in District 9.

Johnson previously served At-Large Group 5 from 2003-11. A call seeking comment was not returned.

If elected, Fields or Lockett-Felder along with Johnson would be serving their third term.

Others are again trying for their first after coming up short in 2011.

Trying another time

Danny Becton is a Southside guy looking to lead what will be a Southside-only district starting in 2015.

In 2011, when what will be District 11 contained the Beaches, Becton came up short against Gulliford.

This time, he said he thinks he's more prepared.

"It never hurts to have done this before," Becton said. "That was the first toe in the water for a process of which I was a novice. ... I didn't like it (the results) but always learned to take a negative and turn it into a positive, and that's what I have done."

After the defeat, Becton said he helped lead a group that pushed for changes when council went through a once-a-decade redistricting plan in 2011.

He also became more involved in organizations within the area and learned the leadership of the city, all with an eye toward 2015 and the possibility of becoming the first representative of the new district.

"I wouldn't be here if I hadn't done this three years ago," he said.

Lindsey Brock was another who came up short in 2011, falling to Clay Yarborough in District 1 in a runoff. He's trying again for 2015, this time in a reshaped District 2 for an open seat.

"I still believe Jacksonville needs solution-based leadership. That's why I ran last time," Brock said.

District 2 now crosses the St. Johns River, but Brock said he doesn't think the reconfiguration changes much in his goal — he has ties to the Northside and the Fort Caroline area, where he lives.

An attorney with a master's degree in maritime law, Brock also said having Blount Island in the newly shaped district will be key for growth and development.

He said he learned during his 2011 run that "there are a lot of good people in Jacksonville that care about their city and neighborhood." Now, he said he wants to tap into that passion for his current run.

Like Brock, Marc McCullough will not have to worry about an incumbent this time around.

He was the lone challenger against then-incumbent Johnny Gaffney in 2011, who won by a 72-28 percent margin. Gaffney is term-limited.

Though there is no sitting council member, McCullough will have challengers — District 7 has seven candidates, the most of any council race.

Filling blank chapters

The term "early" was a common refrain from many candidates about fundraising or even the races themselves.

Lumb said he knows of at least another 10 people who are "very serious" about making a run.

Boyer said seats across the county could have more candidates as interest groups, such as those pushing for a human rights ordinance or tax decreases, are recruiting candidates.

As the months unfold, more characters will enter, crowding some races. Other candidates will bow out.

The story of early 2014 won't be the same as early 2015 — but many of those in now will be a part of the tale.

dchapman@baileypub.com

As indicated in the article above, there are some new names vying for political office and some old ones as well.  While we think about the political atmosphere we most desire after the next round of elections is finished we need to keep some important factors in mind. 

First if Mayor Alvin Brown is re-elected next time around, it will be more important than ever to have a clear thinking, strong and well organized city council in place.

Secondly, while passions will be inflamed behind various candidates, you individually as a registered voter will only be able to vote for one district council person and one person for the at large council seats.  So while many have impassioned views about who they like or don't like, the only concrete power you or any of us have in elections is your vote. 

I know the last elections cycle there was a lot of debate about individual candidates but to my view when it comes to this forum, special focus should be on District one and the at large seat that impacts downtown as well as District 7 and who holds that at large seat.  Something to remember is that many of those on the forum who are most passionate about town can personally vote for neither of the candidates that have the most impact there.  So my suggestion is that you thoroughly know your own district candidates and clear their opinions about downtown issues, Springfield etc and see where they stand.  Don't take anyone at their word, but rather look at their own records of employment, public service etc to see where they have come down on important issues in the past. Focus for everyone should be on the at large seats.  As far as my district 14, Jim Love will win that seat without a problem.  I know some don't like that but it is what it is.  :)

The dreamers, creators and lovers of Jacksonville often despise the very fact that everyone of their dreams and aspirations for downtown will in the end turn on who is in office and what our city finances are.  Too often it is about charisma and personalities as opposed to what the candidate brings to the table when it comes to skills and political capital.  Politics drives every aspect of revitalization and social impact in this town in some way.  That is a fact.  Get used to that reality.

Several seats have folks vying for positions who have held office before.  While the sentiment is often held that re-electing folks who have held office before is a bad idea, one should look at the record of that person before deciding who is the best candidate.  If their previous time in office has seen them supporting issues that are important to you weigh that in your decision making.

It's also important to understand who the voters are in the various districts when deciding who might get the most support when it comes to winning any particular seat.

Just some early thoughts on the process.  :)

Rumors abound that more than one lobbyist is considering a run for council.  One name that comes up is Jim Catlett.  I have not confirmed that yet.  Not a fan of lobbyists on the council myself. 

There is a very good chance that Kim Daniels will lose her seat in the next election.  That is going to be a heated race.  Her opponent businesswoman Anna Brosche is coming in with some sound financial backing.  My vote would be with Brosche.

Learn about her here.  http://voteannabrosche.com/

Note for District 7 Voters.  Just say no to Pat-Lockett Felder.  Her past time in office was riddled with questions from everything to corruption to using tax dollars to put up a monument to herself.   I don't think that is what Springfield needs.  The one to beat in this race will be Terry Fields who has been immersed in local politics for decades.  He may not be the best candidate in the race however, but he will be the one to beat.  The ballot for this district is heavily loaded with names so it will be challenging to separate a viable worthwhile platform from one filled with promises and hype.   I don't envy District 7 that task.  I do however expect the number of candidates to drop over the next few months. 

CC, you can vote in the Kim Daniels race, it is At-Large, which means county-wide.  The "district" is only for where the candidates have to live. 

And a hearty "hear hear" on keeping Locket-Felder out of office again.

So, perhaps I stand corrected on this Charles.  Are you saying everyone can vote in all of the district races or that my district falls within hers?  If so, you know what my vote will be.  :)

From Wiki.  Now let me verify who votes the at large seats.  Stand by.  :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_City_Council

The Jacksonville City Council is composed of nineteen members who are elected for a four-year term and serve as part-time legislators. In May of each year, the Council elects a President and Vice President to serve one-year terms beginning the first of July.

The nineteen members are not all elected in the same manner; some are elected from districts, and others are elected at large. However, once elected, there is no distinction between council members elected at-large and from regular districts. Both have equal rights and responsibilities.

Regular districts[edit]
The city is divided into 14 districts; each of these districts elects a single council member who resides in the district. Like virtually all legislative districts at all levels in United States, these districts are redrawn every ten years following the decennial census. In Jacksonville, since reapportionment of the 1990s, four of these districts have been gerrymandered to increase the likelihood of electing an African-American council person.

At-large groups[edit]
In the early 1990s, voters approved an unusual residency requirement for "at-large" members. The county was divided into five special districts unrelated to any other districts, solely for the purpose of providing better representation for all geographical areas of Jacksonville. This was done because a trend had developed in which all five "at large" councilmembers actually resided in one small area of town. So under the current structure, at-large council members must reside in the special district for which they are running, but are elected by the voters of the county as a whole.

One at-large seat was vacated in 2007 because of a violation of this residency requirement; "Jay" Jabour was elected as the at-large councilman from the 2nd special district, but evidence later arose indicating that he actually lived in the 3rd special district. A judge subsequently invalidated the election, and the seat became vacant.[1]

Everyone votes in the at-large races. The candidates just have to live within the at-large districts so we don't get 5 people from Mandarin or whatever. You also vote for your own district councilperson.

Thanks for the clarification Tacachale.  I truly suffered a brain blip on the at large voting criterion.  What confused in further is the fact that a map exists for at large districts showing the areas that the at large seats are supposedly attached to.  But you and Charles are both correct in that the maps simply point out where the candidate pools are located.  Here is the map.  http://www.coj.net/city-council/council-district-maps/redistricting-map-city-council-at-large.aspx

Charles, corrected my posting in line with the reminders from you and Tach.  It is true, we can lodge a vote for mayor, our council district and all of the at large districts as well.  :)

Regarding the at large seats, only two of the five members are being termed out.  That leaves three who are seeking re-elections.  Crescimbeni and Joost are termed out.
   
At-Large   City Council Members      
Group 1   Kimberly Daniels   Democrat   
Group 2   John R. Crescimbeni   Democrat   
Group 3   Stephen C. Joost   Republican   
Group 4   Greg Anderson   Republican   
Group 5   Robin Lumb   Republican   

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on April 21, 2014, 09:28:20 PM
Note for District 7 Voters.  Just say no to Pat-Lockett Felder.  Her past time in office was riddled with questions from everything to corruption to using tax dollars to put up a monument to herself.   I don't think that is what Springfield needs.  The one to beat in this race will be Terry Fields who has been immersed in local politics for decades.  He may not be the best candidate in the race however, but he will be the one to beat.  The ballot for this district is heavily loaded with names so it will be challenging to separate a viable worthwhile platform from one filled with promises and hype.   I don't envy District 7 that task.  I do however expect the number of candidates to drop over the next few months.

Cheshire Cat neither  Pat or Terry is in the district 7 race. This was Pat Lockett Felder old district. They are in District 8. District 7 has the following candidates. The most of any race with 9 candidates at present time.

City Council, Dist. 7    Carolyn Anderson (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Bennie Cooper (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Richard Cuff (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    James Eddy (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Marc A. McCullough, Sr. (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Tracy Rigdon (NPA)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Wendell Sams (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    George A. Spencer (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Sirretta Williams (DEM)

I agree with you from a former posting that this race will come down to down town and Springfield but all areas are important and hope the turn out is great.
To move Jacksonville onward in the right direction to grow downtown to be a beacon. A place to work, live and play. To be the beating heart of Jacksonville that flows the life blood to all the other areas of Jacksonville.
To see Jacksonville be what we can be as the Art Capitol of the South. To have a river you can swim, fish and boat in. A river that wild life can prosper. A city that can be safe to walk and bike in. A city that is safe and not the murder capitol of Florida. A city that has a great transportation system. One where we have the most parks but parks that are taken care of. A city that has kids that want to learn and move on in higher education and stay here after graduation. A city that believes in equality. A city that respects all beliefs.A city where business and job growth is the top in Florida. A city I call home Jacksonville.   

Good catch James.  I knew they were District 8 but that didn't stop me from goofing up the district in my post.  Thanks for correcting it.  That's the good thing about posting on MJ, if you make a mistake, someone will point it out.  lol  Appreciate it friend.

No Lumb   No Love  No LumbLove
Jacksonville needs to "Aim High"..

Quote from: James Eddy on April 30, 2014, 11:27:46 PM

Quote from: Cheshire Cat on April 21, 2014, 09:28:20 PM
Note for District 7 Voters.  Just say no to Pat-Lockett Felder.  Her past time in office was riddled with questions from everything to corruption to using tax dollars to put up a monument to herself.   I don't think that is what Springfield needs.  The one to beat in this race will be Terry Fields who has been immersed in local politics for decades.  He may not be the best candidate in the race however, but he will be the one to beat.  The ballot for this district is heavily loaded with names so it will be challenging to separate a viable worthwhile platform from one filled with promises and hype.   I don't envy District 7 that task.  I do however expect the number of candidates to drop over the next few months.

Cheshire Cat neither  Pat or Terry is in the district 7 race. This was Pat Lockett Felder old district. They are in District 8. District 7 has the following candidates. The most of any race with 9 candidates at present time.

City Council, Dist. 7    Carolyn Anderson (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Bennie Cooper (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Richard Cuff (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    James Eddy (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Marc A. McCullough, Sr. (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Tracy Rigdon (NPA)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Wendell Sams (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    George A. Spencer (DEM)    Filed
City Council, Dist. 7    Sirretta Williams (DEM)

I agree with you from a former posting that this race will come down to down town and Springfield but all areas are important and hope the turn out is great.
To move Jacksonville onward in the right direction to grow downtown to be a beacon. A place to work, live and play. To be the beating heart of Jacksonville that flows the life blood to all the other areas of Jacksonville.
To see Jacksonville be what we can be as the Art Capitol of the South. To have a river you can swim, fish and boat in. A river that wild life can prosper. A city that can be safe to walk and bike in. A city that is safe and not the murder capitol of Florida. A city that has a great transportation system. One where we have the most parks but parks that are taken care of. A city that has kids that want to learn and move on in higher education and stay here after graduation. A city that believes in equality. A city that respects all beliefs.A city where business and job growth is the top in Florida. A city I call home Jacksonville.   

WELCOME TO OUR FORUM JAMES EDDY !!!

//

Thanks It's great to have this information here. You can learn so much about the candidates and there views.

What area does District 7 cover Mr.Eddy I'll see if I have any friends who live in your area and tell them to seek you out..I am in Jim Love's district..

No Lumb  No Love No LumbLove    Jacksonville needs to Aim High

Robin Lumb has drawn a serious challenger.  Michelle Tappouni filed moments ago.

DOXI SI THEOS which is Greek for Thank God !

No Lumb No Love   No LumbLove...Jacksonville needs to Aim High

Stephan District 7 is All of Down Town from the river to 95, all of Springfield from 95 to the river , after MLK goes to the right side of Main Street to the St Johns River up to parts of Ocean way loops up by the airport back down past New Kings road, and also the Brooklyn area to 95 and 10. This is the new area for 220 Riverside and Unity Plaza.

Here's a map of all 14 districts
http://www.coj.net/city-council/docs/maps/2015districtmap.aspx (http://www.coj.net/city-council/docs/maps/2015districtmap.aspx)

(can't figure out how to embed the picture)

Tappouni should be able to take down Lumb this time.

QuoteTappouni should be able to take down Lumb this time.

+1

Go Michelle! I'm rooting for you. In fact I feel strongly enough about this particular race that I'd break my normal habit of just sending a check and would actually go hold signs or whatever else you need.

I would volunteer for Michelle too and I told my friends who live in Springfield or Downtown about Eddy...now if someone good would just run against Love.

No Lumb ...No Love    No LumbLove     Jacksonville needs to Aim High.

Quote.now if someone good would just run against Love.

No love for Jason Tetlak? https://www.facebook.com/Tetlak2015

Local boy from Murray Hill. I wish he would post more out here on his ideas for District 14.

I will try to learn more about Jason Tetlak...Thanks for the information

No Lumb   No Love No LumbLove        Jacksonville needs to Aim High

Thanks mtraininjax for mentioning me and plugging my Facebook page! Stephen, you can learn more about me and the issues I support on my website, www.tetlak.com

I'm also very open to comments and suggestions. If you have an idea to help make Jacksonville better, or an issue you think needs resolved please let me know by emailing me directly at jason@tetlak.com

I just read your material and you certainly have my vote. Please post any announcements of meetings here.It would be nice if you and Love could have a debate. I " liked" your Facebook page too.

No Lumb   No Love No LumbLove                    Jacksonville needs to Aim High

Quote from: Jtetlak on May 02, 2014, 01:51:43 PM
Thanks mtraininjax for mentioning me and plugging my Facebook page! Stephen, you can learn more about me and the issues I support on my website, www.tetlak.com

I'm also very open to comments and suggestions. If you have an idea to help make Jacksonville better, or an issue you think needs resolved please let me know by emailing me directly at jason@tetlak.com

Thanks for posting.  Keep us informed.

I'm going to be having a Community Dialogue event at Cafe Freda on June 9. If anyone is interested in learning more about me, discussing issues, or just supporting a great local business check out the information here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1431134723810586/

Jason is one of the good ones to hold meetings in the district and help businesses. Last even I attended was at 1171 Edgewood. I hope he adds more locally or at least once a month this summer.

Good way to get engaged with what is happening in District 14!

What has Jason done in the community?  How has he been involved in making it better?

thanks @mtraininjax, I am planning on having these dialogue events on a more regular basis. If you have suggestions for a location please let me know!

@kay, great question! I have been active in communicating concerns about bike safety, public transportation, energy and waste management to city officials, I've spent time doing community clean up events, I've been meeting with community leaders, business owners and non-profit groups, and I've been working to develop ideas for better ways to utilize public space, particularly downtown, so that it is more accessible and enjoyable.

Quote from: Jtetlak on May 14, 2014, 04:19:34 PM
thanks @mtraininjax, I am planning on having these dialogue events on a more regular basis. If you have suggestions for a location please let me know!

@kay, great question! I have been active in communicating concerns about bike safety, public transportation, energy and waste management to city officials, I've spent time doing community clean up events, I've been meeting with community leaders, business owners and non-profit groups, and I've been working to develop ideas for better ways to utilize public space, particularly downtown, so that it is more accessible and enjoyable.

I'm very impressed by Jason Tetlak and looking forward to learning more about him.

(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/Ocklawaha/TRANSIT%20STREETCARS%20TROLLEYS/ScreenShot2013-04-08at103050PM_zps092fdc65.png)

B E L I E V E !!!

Not sure this is how you want to encourage people to follow you in your election race:

Quote
Elect Jim Love

Jacksonville is so fortunate to have such a beautiful City Hall. Please come visit us on the 2nd or 4th Tuesday at 5 p.m. and watch the City Council in action.

From their Facebook page.

How we get to know candidates will have changed from the last City Council race. Social media will play a bigger roll with facebook, twitter among others. Google the people running in your district is an easy way to find out what they been doing. With me it is easy Eddy4dist7.com twitter Eddy4dist7  and FB is James Eddy for City Council Dist 7 and email Eddy4dist7@gmail.com
The topics that come out of the City Council Race and Mayors race can help shape greatly the next 10 years or more in our great city.

Quote from: James Eddy on May 16, 2014, 11:27:35 PM
How we get to know candidates will have changed from the last City Council race. Social media will play a bigger roll with facebook, twitter among others. Google the people running in your district is an easy way to find out what they been doing. With me it is easy Eddy4dist7.com twitter Eddy4dist7  and FB is James Eddy for City Council Dist 7 and email Eddy4dist7@gmail.com
The topics that come out of the City Council Race and Mayors race can help shape greatly the next 10 years or more in our great city.

Thanks for making yourself so available. Social media is huge and a very important piece of the political landscape. I hope all the other candidates are also aware of its usage.

In addition to the Cafe Freda event I am having June 9, which I have posted about before, I also encourage you to check out my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Tetlak2015/events) for information on a few family fun events I am having, including a Jacksonville Sharks game and a cosmic bowling event, both of which include discount prices. I look forward to seeing you at these and other upcoming events, and I encourage you to email me if you have any questions or comments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4CSiFJrg8E&feature=youtu.be

Check out my new youtube  spot.

Looking forward to the event at Cafe Freda,,what time is it ?

No Lumb      No Love     No LumbLove      Jacksonville needs to Aim High

Cafe Freda starts at 6PM. Thanks for the interest!

Great spot James!

Quote from: James Eddy on May 29, 2014, 12:23:00 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4CSiFJrg8E&feature=youtu.be

Check out my new youtube  spot.

Solid ad.  What is your solution for the concerns expressed in it?

Just as I expressed it is time for the citizens to speak out about what they have seen.  JSO are there to clean up after the crime. Yes it helps when there are more boots on the ground but with the budget we have to work with now their is not the money. I do want to see our Mayor be a leader and say this city is not a killing city and we are not going to let criminals just shot down our brothers, sister, mother and fathers in the streets. We have to take our city back. If you know any thing call crime stoppers. We need a safer city and we can make it happen. I will admit I do not have all the answers but will work the ones that do to make it happen. Its time to make some noise.

James - So we get on the right side of the murder issue, where exactly are MOST of the murders occurring in 2014? Are they the same general areas as 2013, 2012, 2011...........

My limited desk jockey knowledge leads me to believe that most of these killings are drug related in the same locations over and over and over again. So I ask you, why should I really want to make a change if I live in Mandarin or Durban Crossing or Cecil Field, if I have my own issues in my neighborhood, but they do not involve gang on gang violence with a gun over drugs?

From my personal friends with the JSO, we only hear 10% of what is really happening in our city, most of the horrific stuff never gets sent to the media, but buried in the stats.

The idea of pulling resources out of Zones to go and have JSO uniforms go door to door in the NW district is a joke. The crime stoppers system is a joke, none of the people want to come forward out of sheer terror of saying anything about the people who have the real power in the areas. The local leaders and pastors are no better than the mayor who gets on TV and says "we need to do better", this all starts in the home. The walking the streets with the Sherriff programs should be a daily, weekly. This issue cannot be fixed at city hall with more resources, the citizens in the neighborhoods with the issues are the ones who must resolve these issues, with help from JSO, pastors, local leaders. We should not be sending the JSO in, alone, to try and resolve neighborhood issues.  Its not what the JSO does best.

What do the Challengers think of
2014-305
2014-306?

Quote from: mtraininjax on June 01, 2014, 07:06:09 AM
James - So we get on the right side of the murder issue, where exactly are MOST of the murders occurring in 2014? Are they the same general areas as 2013, 2012, 2011...........

My limited desk jockey knowledge leads me to believe that most of these killings are drug related in the same locations over and over and over again. So I ask you, why should I really want to make a change if I live in Mandarin or Durban Crossing or Cecil Field, if I have my own issues in my neighborhood, but they do not involve gang on gang violence with a gun over drugs?

From my personal friends with the JSO, we only hear 10% of what is really happening in our city, most of the horrific stuff never gets sent to the media, but buried in the stats.

The idea of pulling resources out of Zones to go and have JSO uniforms go door to door in the NW district is a joke. The crime stoppers system is a joke, none of the people want to come forward out of sheer terror of saying anything about the people who have the real power in the areas. The local leaders and pastors are no better than the mayor who gets on TV and says "we need to do better", this all starts in the home. The walking the streets with the Sherriff programs should be a daily, weekly. This issue cannot be fixed at city hall with more resources, the citizens in the neighborhoods with the issues are the ones who must resolve these issues, with help from JSO, pastors, local leaders. We should not be sending the JSO in, alone, to try and resolve neighborhood issues.  Its not what the JSO does best.

You're pretty close to the mark here. Sending JSO to clean up the streets after things have occurred or are occurring is too late. Social and infrastructure changes need to be made at the front. We need to be proactive and these areas of town need to get our love and our money from the get-go.

However, I believe this is a Jacksonville problem, we should put our money where our reputation is. If our city is getting a bad rap, that effects all of its citizens and our awareness needs toe be raised unilaterally.

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Jacksonville-Florida.html#ixzz33Rwhe8TU

Homicides in Jacksonville we are currently at 42 as on the May 1, 2013-115 , 2012-108, 2011-86, 2010- 99. The numbers are going up not down. Yes some of theses are drug related, yes some theses are do to economic problems but it is a problem in our city all over not just one area. Yes the West side has been more active in the last few months but the problem is every where. Some thing has to give and no one is leading in city hall. 

To answer the question on the two bills will have to get back to you. I could not get them open on my system but if you want to email them to me I can get back to you. Eddy4dist7@gmail.com I will post my answers on here also.

Hey Noone! If I'm correct, 2014-305 looks to "change the time limit for docking at Pearl Street for designated passenger loading and unloading zones from ten to thirty minutes." My first thought is that I don't see a problem with this proposal, do you foresee an issue with this?

2014-306 seems like an effort to streamline procurement and to combine two types of non-competitive awards. I'm very much in favor of making our city government more simple and efficient. Why did you ask about this bill?

Jtetlack, thanks for the response back. I foresee a huge issue with 2014-305 going forward. Councilman Love did an excellent job in addressing an issue of a constituent that is in his district and the business was in another district. So he held a noticed meeting 4/2/14 and the result was this legislation that extends the time limit for docking at Pearl St for designated passenger loading and unloading zones from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. Cool. Very positive.

The concern going forward is the vibrancy that this community is wanting to embrace with an engaging, exciting, active Downtown waterfront. So at this same meeting it was announced that the yet to be built brand new floating dock on the Southbank Riverwalk will now have one vendor with a 10 year no compete clause. Do you support that? there was some shock as that was announced. So Don Redman the Chair of Waterways the city councilman who's district includes the Southbank Riverwalk and we are lucky that 2014-190 the funding for a completed Southbank Riverwalk is now included so we weren't shorted that 900'. So anyway. We will have a new DIA zone and this new Authority will have TOTAL control over the River in a new 4.8 mile zone.

But just using this one example. And please find out the answer. If we launch my kayak and you are paying me from the official Mayor Brown Kayak launch at RCB and I took you to the new floating dock on the Southbank and dropped you off so that you can visit the new craft beer establishments in San Marco would I be in violation of the docking rules and then my kayak could be seized and impounded like a car? Yes or No?

If Yes. Then should amendments be included in this legislation that would take care of of the existing and new areas in this CRA/DIA zone? Councilman Love at this meeting asked some great questions and this meeting accomplished what he was looking to do for his constituent and the specific issue that got addressed. but at the same time other issues and concerns were raised and he had suggestions that can make the river more vibrant and active if some additional changes are made.

As to 2014-306 it is over 200 pages where 305 is just 3 pages. I'm trying to get through 305 right now.

I would like to know what will be done to make Avondale/Riverside more accessible from downtown by public transportation.

No Lumb No Love    No LumbLove                       Jacksonville needs to Aim High

I'm very excited that an agreement was reached to finish the Southbank Riverwalk, but I do not support the idea of a no compete clause. As discussed in another thread about the water taxi, competing businesses are good for markets, and the city should refrain from awarding contracts for individual companies.

Ideally I would like to see more access to the river for our citizens. I've spoken with the Riverkeeper about how we need more public boat ramps and floating docks for citizens like yourself to launch kayaks, how I'd like to see a park with a beach downtown so people can enjoy the river rather than just drive over it on a bridge, and I've even been in contact with a company called +Pools in New York about the idea of creating a floating pool in the river, which you can learn more about at http://www.pluspool.org.

For companies that are interested in operating on the water, however, I think the city should issue permits for qualified companies rather than awarding contracts to operate without competition. Limiting competition eliminates the incentive for businesses to adapt to the market, and in my opinion its not the city's responsibility to regulate the number of ferry operators any more than it's their responsibility to regulate the number food trucks on the street.

@stephen, public transportation is very complicated because of Jacksonville's unique layout. There are ideas for extending the skyway to Riverside, and from what I understand there are changes coming to the JTA bus routes to try and create faster service, but I think there needs to be a comprehensive plan before anything will work. I met with Mr. Ford at JTA a few months ago and they are creating a BRT system, or Bus Rapid Transit, that will hopefully service longer routes faster. The success of the Trolley in Riverside may make it a viable option as well. Do you have a specific idea you think would work best or a particular issue you are having with the current system?

I have a cousin who lives in NYC and the floating pools are great,,,,,having one in Riverside would be so cool...You just got my vote .....again....I used to live in Chicago...I know how to vote several times.

No Lumb No Love   No LumbLove                   Jacksonville needs to Aim High

Quote from: Jtetlak on June 03, 2014, 11:57:22 AM
I'm very excited that an agreement was reached to finish the Southbank Riverwalk, but I do not support the idea of a no compete clause. As discussed in another thread about the water taxi, competing businesses are good for markets, and the city should refrain from awarding contracts for individual companies.

Ideally I would like to see more access to the river for our citizens. I've spoken with the Riverkeeper about how we need more public boat ramps and floating docks for citizens like yourself to launch kayaks, how I'd like to see a park with a beach downtown so people can enjoy the river rather than just drive over it on a bridge, and I've even been in contact with a company called +Pools in New York about the idea of creating a floating pool in the river, which you can learn more about at http://www.pluspool.org.

For companies that are interested in operating on the water, however, I think the city should issue permits for qualified companies rather than awarding contracts to operate without competition. Limiting competition eliminates the incentive for businesses to adapt to the market, and in my opinion its not the city's responsibility to regulate the number of ferry operators any more than it's their responsibility to regulate the number food trucks on the street.

Wrote a bunch and it got pulled.

Today at Finance and RCD 2014-305 was deferred. At RCD at the end was a presentation by Tera Meeks on the water taxi.

Just keep in mind that the completed Southbank Riverwalk floating dock will be finished before the elections. So it is and should be one of the biggest campaign issues in the state of Florida.

Visit Jacksonville!

Would you like to kayak and fish Downtown?

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=543173 not sure if anyone say this but it mentions the city councils races:

An update on some other races in the 2015 election:

• The race for the next sheriff has seven candidates, most of whom collected more than $10,000 in May. Mike Williams raised the most with $19,610, followed by Jimmy Holderfield with $13,254, Jay Farhat with $13,050 ($2,000 coming from a self-loan), Rob Schoonover with $11,810 and Ken Jefferson with $9,275. Overall, Farhat leads contributions with $119,358 ($7,000 through self-loans) with four months of fundraising.

• The City Council race for At-Large Group 1 between incumbent Kim Daniels and challenger Anna Brosche continues to lead the pack in terms of money raised. Daniels has $114,685 in contributions, although more than $83,000 comes through self-loans, while Brosche now tops the $100,000 mark.

• Council Districts 7 and 8 remain the most crowded, drawing nine candidates apiece. In District 7, the race to succeed Johnny Gaffney, Richard Cuff leads fundraising with more than $21,000, all of it through self-loans. The next highest is Marc McCullough at $7,801, but he hasn't raised funds for three months. In District 8, Terry Fields, a former legislator and council member, heads the field with $40,250 after raising $7,150 in May. Former council member Pat Lockett-Felder is next highest at $17,500 followed by Lynn Sherman at $11,695. The group is vying to succeed Denise Lee.

• Several races still have sole entrants. Danny Becton has raised $72,000-plus for District 11 on the Southside; council President Bill Gulliford has raised $87,400 for District 13 and the Beaches; council member Matt Schellenberg has more raised more than $82,000 in his quest for a repeat for District 6 in Mandarin; while James Nealis has raised $24,620 in the race for District 3 in the Intracoastal West area. The races for property appraiser, tax collector and supervisor of elections also have one candidate.

• Council District 2 has five candidates now, with several having contribution increases over the past couple of months. After three months of fundraising, Lisa King has raised close to $40,000 ($5,000 through a self-loan), followed by Lindsey Brock's almost $23,000 ($10,000 through a self-loan) and Al Ferraro's $18,000. Other candidates are Robert Philips ($5,300) and Bobby Taylor ($1,300).

and a more lengthy list of candidates:

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2014/06/12/what-does-the-cantor-brat-race-have-in-common-with.html

Anna Brosche   REP   City Council At Large Group 1   $100,040.00
Kimberly Daniels   DEM   City Council At Large Group 1   $114,685.00
Terry Reed   DEM   City Council At Large Group 1   $2,209.41
Dave Barron   REP   City Council At Large Group 2   $80,375.00
Geoff Youngblood   REP   City Council At Large Group 3   $84,885.12
Jesse Wilson   REP   City Council At Large Group 3   $685.00
Jim Catlett   REP   City Council At Large Group 3   $8,850.00
Latanya Peterson   REP   City Council At Large Group 3   $2,240.00
Mike Weinstein   REP   City Council At Large Group 3   $8,105.00
Greg Anderson   REP   City Council At Large Group 4   $60,400.00
Juanita Powell-Williams   DEM   City Council At Large Group 4   $1,200.00
Michelle Tappouni   REP   City Council At Large Group 5   $15,250.00
Robin Lumb   REP   City Council At Large Group 5   $31,650.00
Eddie Christian   REP   City Council District 1   none reported
Joyce Morgan   DEM   City Council District 1   $6,502.00
Melody Shacter   DEM   City Council District 1   $1,820.00
Mike Anania   REP   City Council District 1   $12,600.00
Al Ferraro   REP   City Council District 2   $18,020.00
Bobby Taylor   DEM   City Council District 2   $1,300.00
Lindsey Brock   REP   City Council District 2   $22,700.00
Lisa King   DEM   City Council District 2   $39,843.97
Robert Phillips   REP   City Council District 2   $5,347.96
James Nealis   REP   City Council District 3   $24,620.00
Ramon Day   DEM   City Council District 4   $1,375.00
Scott Wilson   REP   City Council District 4   $21,110.00
Howard Barnes   DEM   City Council District 5   $200.00
Lori Boyer   REP   City Council District 5   $56,300.00
Matt Schellenberg   REP   City Council District 6   $82,125.00
Bennie Cooper   DEM   City Council District 7   $10.00
Carolyn Anderson   DEM   City Council District 7   $100.00
James Eddy   DEM   City Council District 7   $1,765.00
Marc McCullough   DEM   City Council District 7   $7,801.00
Richard Cuff   DEM   City Council District 7   $21,269.00
Sirretta Williams   DEM   City Council District 7   $2,525.00
Tracy Rigdon   NPA   City Council District 7   $100.00
Wendell Sams   DEM   City Council District 7   $1,290.00
Ansonio Mitchell   DEM   City Council District 8   $20.00
Cherron \'CC\' Newby   REP   City Council District 8   none reported
Diallo-Sekou Seabrooks   DEM   City Council District 8   $420.90
James M. Breaker   DEM   City Council District 8   none reported
Katrina Brown   DEM   City Council District 8   $9,900.04
Lynn Sherman   DEM   City Council District 8   $11,695.00
L\'Euna Shaban   DEM   City Council District 8   none reported
Pat Lockett-Felder   DEM   City Council District 8   $17,500.00
Terry Fields   DEM   City Council District 8   $40,250.12
Garrett Dennis   DEM   City Council District 9   $7,267.15
Glorious J. Johnson   DEM   City Council District 9   $13,973.92
Ju\'Coby Pittman   DEM   City Council District 9   $23,414.00
Nancy Walker   INT   City Council District 9   $10.00
Patricia Gee-Jones   DEM   City Council District 10   $99.00
Reginald Brown   DEM   City Council District 10   $7,000.00
Danny Becton   REP   City Council District 11   $72,286.03
Doyle Carter   REP   City Council District 12   $21,090.00
Bill Gulliford   REP   City Council District 13   $87,400.00
Jason Tetlak   DEM   City Council District 14   $1,400.00
Jim Love   REP   City Council District 14   $27,395.00
La\'garall Bates   DEM   City Council District 14   $50.00

oh man its looking like another insane free for all in some of these districts. Does anyone know if this is it as far candidates go ?

Qualifying for City races does not begin until January 12, unless going the petition route - they must be turned in by December 15.  More candidates will likely enter, and some of those listed above will probably drop out.

Chart of qualifying fees or petitions: file:///C:/Users/Jim/Downloads/2015%20qualifying%20and%20petition%20chart.pdf

Quote from: jaxlore on June 12, 2014, 04:08:10 PM
and a more lengthy list of candidates:

http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2014/06/12/what-does-the-cantor-brat-race-have-in-common-with.html

Anna Brosche   REP   City Council At Large Group 1   $100,040.00
Kimberly Daniels   DEM   City Council At Large Group 1   $114,685.00
Terry Reed   DEM   City Council At Large Group 1   $2,209.41

Dave Barron   REP   City Council At Large Group 2   $80,375.00

Geoff Youngblood   REP   City Council At Large Group 3   $84,885.12
Jesse Wilson   REP   City Council At Large Group 3   $685.00
Jim Catlett   REP   City Council At Large Group 3   $8,850.00
Latanya Peterson   REP   City Council At Large Group 3   $2,240.00
Mike Weinstein   REP   City Council At Large Group 3   $8,105.00

Greg Anderson   REP   City Council At Large Group 4   $60,400.00
Juanita Powell-Williams   DEM   City Council At Large Group 4   $1,200.00

Michelle Tappouni   REP   City Council At Large Group 5   $15,250.00
Robin Lumb   REP   City Council At Large Group 5   $31,650.00

Eddie Christian   REP   City Council District 1   none reported
Joyce Morgan   DEM   City Council District 1   $6,502.00
Melody Shacter   DEM   City Council District 1   $1,820.00
Mike Anania   REP   City Council District 1   $12,600.00

Al Ferraro   REP   City Council District 2   $18,020.00
Bobby Taylor   DEM   City Council District 2   $1,300.00
Lindsey Brock   REP   City Council District 2   $22,700.00
Lisa King   DEM   City Council District 2   $39,843.97
Robert Phillips   REP   City Council District 2   $5,347.96

James Nealis   REP   City Council District 3   $24,620.00

Ramon Day   DEM   City Council District 4   $1,375.00
Scott Wilson   REP   City Council District 4   $21,110.00

Howard Barnes   DEM   City Council District 5   $200.00
Lori Boyer   REP   City Council District 5   $56,300.00

Matt Schellenberg   REP   City Council District 6   $82,125.00

Bennie Cooper   DEM   City Council District 7   $10.00
Carolyn Anderson   DEM   City Council District 7   $100.00
James Eddy   DEM   City Council District 7   $1,765.00
Marc McCullough   DEM   City Council District 7   $7,801.00
Richard Cuff   DEM   City Council District 7   $21,269.00
Sirretta Williams   DEM   City Council District 7   $2,525.00
Tracy Rigdon   NPA   City Council District 7   $100.00
Wendell Sams   DEM   City Council District 7   $1,290.00

Ansonio Mitchell   DEM   City Council District 8   $20.00
Cherron \'CC\' Newby   REP   City Council District 8   none reported
Diallo-Sekou Seabrooks   DEM   City Council District 8   $420.90
James M. Breaker   DEM   City Council District 8   none reported
Katrina Brown   DEM   City Council District 8   $9,900.04
Lynn Sherman   DEM   City Council District 8   $11,695.00
L\'Euna Shaban   DEM   City Council District 8   none reported
Pat Lockett-Felder   DEM   City Council District 8   $17,500.00
Terry Fields   DEM   City Council District 8   $40,250.12

Garrett Dennis   DEM   City Council District 9   $7,267.15
Glorious J. Johnson   DEM   City Council District 9   $13,973.92
Ju\'Coby Pittman   DEM   City Council District 9   $23,414.00
Nancy Walker   INT   City Council District 9   $10.00

Patricia Gee-Jones   DEM   City Council District 10   $99.00
Reginald Brown   DEM   City Council District 10   $7,000.00

Danny Becton   REP   City Council District 11   $72,286.03

Doyle Carter   REP   City Council District 12   $21,090.00

Bill Gulliford   REP   City Council District 13   $87,400.00

Jason Tetlak   DEM   City Council District 14   $1,400.00
Jim Love   REP   City Council District 14   $27,395.00
La\'garall Bates   DEM   City Council District 14   $50.00

Edited for easier reading ... just because

Quote from: Charles Hunter on June 12, 2014, 09:23:33 PM
Qualifying for City races does not begin until January 12, unless going the petition route - they must be turned in by December 15.  More candidates will likely enter, and some of those listed above will probably drop out.

Chart of qualifying fees or petitions: file:///C:/Users/Jim/Downloads/2015%20qualifying%20and%20petition%20chart.pdf

Ahhh thats good to know so we still have a bit of time before we see who shakes out.

Hi, my name is Tracy Rigdon, I'm new to the boards, and I'm also running for Jacksonville City Council District 7 in 2015. I'm a resident of Downtown's Urban Core, born and raised in Jax and I look forward to getting to know you all here!

Hi, my name is Tracy Rigdon, I'm new to the boards, and I'm also running for Jacksonville City Council District 7 in 2015. I'm a resident of Downtown's Urban Core, born and raised in Jax and I look forward to getting to know you all here!

The race is starting to heat up. Qualifying is Dec 15 with it all set Jan 15, 2015. Love to hear feed back from people in District 7.

Per my friends at the JSO, there is another candidate announcing in December to yet add another log to the Sheriff's race.

I agree with what James Eddy said, "the race is starting to heat up." I think the MOCA controversy has focused some attention on the city council races, and people are starting to realize that our local elections are very important. Who we chose to represent us in city council and the mayors office has a huge impact on the direction of Jacksonville's future.

Does this mean Clay did the right thing for the wrong reasons?

Bafoonery followed by more rigorous electorate?

Creative way to put it Stephen. However you say it though, voters are starting to realize based on events like #MOCAgate and the great Food Truck debacle that the people they vote for shape our city and influence our identity and our priorities. It's been my experience so far that voters are looking for Jacksonville to become more forward thinking, and I think we'll see that at the polls in March.

This city needs to move onward and upward. We have all the key pieces to be one or if not the best city in the whole state. We do have lots of work to do. First we need to get control of the shootings/murders and the gang/drug activity. We as council need to give JSO the tools to do this. If I do not feel safe going to store or restaurant why would a business want to build in that location. We must pass an HRO to give companies even more reason to relocate or build in Jacksonville. We must have the money to keep the libraries open and the parks clean safe and maintained. We must promote promote promote Jacksonville as a Place to LIVE, PLAY AND WORK. We must grow our down town to bring it back to life while not forgetting the other areas of the city. We need an aquarium  that put us on the map but make a district of downtown that offers many great things. Lets move this City in the right direction.   We are the Rivers, The beach, sports, community, churches and many cultures we can work together.   www.Eddy4dist7.com