In an article just posted to the Times-Union, Visit Jacksonville CEO Pete Astleford speaks out after a year on the job and he holds back no punches.
(http://jacksonville.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/12587434.jpg)
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-09-02/story/visit-jacksonville-ceo-city-leaders-unintentionally-hindering-tourism?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JacksonvillecomsNewsSportsAndEntertainment+%28Jacksonville%27s+Most+Recent+Headlines+-+Jacksonville.com+and+The+Florida+Times-Union%29 (http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-09-02/story/visit-jacksonville-ceo-city-leaders-unintentionally-hindering-tourism?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JacksonvillecomsNewsSportsAndEntertainment+%28Jacksonville%27s+Most+Recent+Headlines+-+Jacksonville.com+and+The+Florida+Times-Union%29)
Paul Astleford, who was appointed CEO of Visit Jacksonville this year, said if the city wants to attract more tourists, it's time for a major philosophical overhaul from community leaders.
Astleford said Jacksonville can be "a destination of not only the national but the global market." He said it would be "so much fun to be part of the emergence. There's no reason it shouldn't already be there."
Astleford took over the tourism and visitor agency nine months ago. As the end of his first summer tourism season draws to a close, he said some of the major players supporting Jacksonville may be the city's unintentional worst enemies, stunting the city's progress in breaking out into a major destination for tourism, commercial conventions and other events.
"I see a huge opportunity for Jacksonville and, also at the same time, a huge challenge for the leadership of this community," he said.
Astleford is no novice in the tourism industry. He ran tourism and visitor bureaus in both Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago over the past two decades. Prior to that, he was vice president of sales and marketing from 1986 to 1994 at Disney Resorts in Orlando.
While he recognized the tourism opportunity in the "natural water wonderland" that is Jacksonville on his first trip here (during his interview for the job last year), he said community leaders may be too inward looking to recognize it.
Astleford met with leaders from various Jacksonville civic groups, government agencies and commercial organizations this year. He said he then realized that leadership is running the community as if it were operating in a corporate environment with a phenomenon known as "siloing."
"In a corporation, the big boss is able to say, 'Here's my vision. Now who would like a paycheck?' Now, in a community, you cannot do that," Astleford said, insisting that building a community's tourism brand has to start with the entire community, not just the leaders.
"When a community feels ownership, it builds a level of pride. It builds a level of energy. And pride and energy are critical to having a community want to display itself to the world," he said. "The pride and ownership by the broad aspects of the community has been missing."
After engaging with 32 Jacksonville organizations and their representatives beginning in January, Astleford said, it's evident the sense of ownership in the community is limited to the leaders of those groups, who have good intentions. But each of those groups has its own agenda.
"It's been inward looking in this silo way," Astleford said. "What they are unconscious of is the mantra that eventually evolves: 'My project can live, but only if your project dies.' "
And that's been preventing a collaborative brand that should be showcasing Jacksonville, he said.
Astleford declined to list specific groups that might be competing against each other. But one notable public display was over a project designed to draw more tourism.
In 2011, Jacksonville water enthusiast and activist Tom Ingram asked the Jacksonville Waterways Commission for more public access into the St. Johns River. He recommended adding eco-friendly activities at nine different locations to support kayaking and canoeing. Florida Inland Navigation District officials expressed interest in funding the proposal.
But by the end of the year, Mayor Alvin Brown seized the concept and had an official press event Dec. 20, 2011, at Blue Cypress Park in Arlington to announce his initiative to bring more water access to Jacksonville. Brown then paddled into the river in a kayak with other kayakers joining him as cameras were rolling. There was little mention of Ingram at the event.
'LACK OF CONNECTION'
George Gresham, associate professor of marketing at Jacksonville University, said he was surprised at Astleford's willingness to publicly identify Jacksonville's weakness in attracting more visitors. But he said Astleford is on target.
"The challenges are formidable when you think about the different splinters that we have here," Gresham said. "It's kind of hard to think about a Jax brand isn't it?"
At the minimum, Gresham said, there's been no significant branding or marketing of the very heart of Jacksonville — the St. Johns River. That could be the centerpiece that brings a marketing message together.
"There seems to be a lack of connection," Grehsam said. "A lot of people want to feel what the experience is. They want exclusivity in some type of tourism, some type of event that you can go to. Something that they can engage in and be part of and something they can be emotionally attached to."
Gresham said the river can attract tourists and convention visitors to Jacksonville, but said the Riverwalk has been under-developed.
"You go with what resources you have here. We've always played up the river. But to me, having lived here a few years and having lived on rivers on all my life, I find this is one of the least-engaging rivers," Gresham said.
Sure, people take taxies across the river, make a dinner date and visit The Jacksonville Landing. But Gresham said there's no adequate mass transit to shuttle visitors from Jacksonville International Airport straight into downtown on the banks of the river.
"That's a great divider for everyone. It's a difficult problem," Gresham said. "But I think you need to address it. And quite often it's the outside person who can see the forest where we can't, because we're too close to the trees. He [Astleford] will see things we don't."
'SO MUCH TO OFFER'
JAX Chamber President Daniel Davis bristled at Astleford's observations.
"We all understand the special place we live; we have so much to offer," Davis said. "In some cases, we're the envy of many locales around the state because they see the continuity of Jacksonville's business community. I understand that there's always room to improve."
Davis was asked if he's witnessed the siloing effect in Jacksonville that Astleford described.
"I believe we should work to be on the same sheet of music when we're singing our praises," Davis said. "I think that we're doing a good job, but we can always improve ... I think we should work to have the right consistent message and I think that we are doing that right now."
Astleford said there is a solid foundation for attracting tourists and visitors to Jacksonville. Visit Jacksonville is already engaged in partnerships with tourism agencies in St. Johns and Nassau counties to offer package deals. To attract more European visitors, Visit Jacksonville organized a contingent traveling to the United Kingdom next month. The Jacksonville Jaguars play the San Francisco 49ers Oct. 27 in London.
Astleford said Jacksonville should emulate the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the Beaches Visitor and Convention Bureau, which "gets it" in terms of global marketing.
'HISTORIC COAST'
Richard Goldman is the executive director of the agency in St. Johns County and helped develop the branding of the "Historic Coast" that has increased hotel occupancy since the marketing plan began three years ago, only a year after Goldman was appointed to the position.
Goldman said that while tourism is part of the fabric of St. Augustine and surrounding areas, he agreed with Astleford that competing interests in the community remain the biggest barrier to broadening success, even in a traditionally tourism-rich location such as the nation's oldest city.
"While everyone wants more visitors, some people want them all to come to their place and get jealous when they go to someone else's," Goldman said.
Goldman said that after he took the St. Johns County job and left the post of chief marketing director at Amelia Island Plantation, he had to hold meetings with civic leaders in St. Augustine, just as Astleford is doing in Jacksonville. But even in a city that's heavily dependent on the tourism dollar, there were serious obstacles.
"We had, just as exists in Jacksonville, provincial interests both geographically and within different industries," Goldman said. "Overcoming those by finding the areas of agreement among the various stakeholders is what needs to be done."
After teaming with Astleford on several regional tourism projects, Goldman said he's impressed with the Visit Jacksonville CEO. Goldman said he's convinced Astleford can pull off a visitation overhaul in Jacksonville.
"It's a bigger challenge [than St. Augustine], I would argue," Goldman said. "The way you break through provincial interests is to remind everybody what the customer wants, not what we want."
Astleford said he has community leaders from various organizations buying into collaborative marketing. But the goal of changing Jacksonville into an outward-looking city inviting the world will have to come from community leaders themselves, not from him.
"With a bit of a transformation," he said, "Jacksonville and its leadership could be taking this community where it should have been years and years ago."
Astleford - Just do your job man! No need to air the dirty laundry to the media. Just do your job and build the best solutions with what you have available to you. Build then plan, then work the plan. If you have been successful in other jobs in other cities, there is no reason to doubt you will not be successful here. Just do it! like the slogan says!
^This could be a part of him doing his job. Maybe we do need a reality check sometimes?
^ +1
It seems to me that the same issues that hold Jacksonville back in terms of mast transit, equality and commercial development in downtown are the same ones that hold us back from being a more prominent tourist destination. Things like lack of fixed rail like Street cars, a walk-able and vibrant downtown and better use of the river. It is the same special interest groups that worry more about themselves than the city as a whole. And Davis saying anything? Come on, who is more at the beck and call of the special interests that do harm to this city than he is? We need something more than a reality check. Some need a kick in the proverbial pants and some need to be shown the door out.
I completely agree with him and have had experience with members of our community that want to "silo" their ideas.
There tends to be a lot of "copycatting" of ideas in this city. The "copycats" are motivated by profit and typically miss the reason why the original idea was created.
On similar note, why does our city not embrace and promote our growing brewing industry?
There are many examples of cities that have embraced their brewing industry as a tourist destination and have reaped the rewards.
I'm proud of him.Sometimes the truth needs to be told.The Good old boy network is what keeps this city down and not moving forward. He did an excellent job in Chicago and I hope he will do the same here..The Dragon Boat Festival coming up is an excellent idea and a great start. How about a 3 or 4 Bridge Run...? A Marathon which would take a route which would take them over several bridges..a different number of bridges by mileage which each participant would choose....Lets show this city off.
I have had the same question in my head when I moved here three years ago: This place has amazing amenities- What is holding Jacksonville back?
Just food for thought, but I hear this so much from outsiders when they visit.
I don't think we have to look to hard to find out our leaders are causing the problems around here. I am glad he is saying something publicly. I don't think it will change anything, but the more the word is out, the less chance these people have of getting back into office. I think if anything changes for the better around here, it will be due to grass roots efforts.
Shoot, I love him telling the truth and emptying the box marked "Jacksonville's Political Dysfunction"! He is saying what needs to be said and my response is "tell it man, tell it"! ;)
The thing to do then would be to vote the people out who are holding this city back..why keep them? You get the politicians you deserve...
Quote from: Stephen on September 03, 2013, 01:11:46 PM
The thing to do then would be to vote the people out who are holding this city back..why keep them? You get the politicians you deserve...
The problem is that folks have been "trying" to vote these self serving politicians out for a long time. The reality is that the local power players fund their people well and then work to see them gain or keep control via the various offices. To change the game, voters have to be "told the truth" about the dysfunction caused when they leave the future of our city in the hands of political parties and private agenda's. This is what is refreshing about this man. He is telling the truth that many have refused to acknowledge or even want discussed. Long overdue revelations and they need to keep coming. ;)
^I think his words extend past our political leaders. Seems he's talking about everything from political leaders to various civic groups and business leaders.
Quote from: thelakelander on September 03, 2013, 01:28:00 PM
^I think his words extend past our political leaders. Seems he's talking about everything from political leaders to various civic groups and business leaders.
The issue is more pervasive than just the City Council. Jacksonville seems to lack a unifying vision and is in desperate need of a real leader/champion, politician or otherwise.
Quote from: thelakelander on September 03, 2013, 01:28:00 PM
^I think his words extend past our political leaders. Seems he's talking about everything from political leaders to various civic groups and business leaders.
He is Ennis but you know for me and my understanding that the political thing has always been a thorn in the side of Jacksonville. He is correct in his evaluation of all that you listed as well. :)
Quote from: icarus on September 03, 2013, 01:49:54 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on September 03, 2013, 01:28:00 PM
^I think his words extend past our political leaders. Seems he's talking about everything from political leaders to various civic groups and business leaders.
The issue is more pervasive than just the City Council. Jacksonville seems to lack a unifying vision and is in desperate need of a real leader/champion, politician or otherwise.
Absolutely agree!
Quote from: mtraininjax on September 03, 2013, 03:37:23 AM
Astleford - Just do your job man! No need to air the dirty laundry to the media. Just do your job and build the best solutions with what you have available to you. Build then plan, then work the plan. If you have been successful in other jobs in other cities, there is no reason to doubt you will not be successful here. Just do it! like the slogan says!
I have mentioned before on this site how I think we, as a community, let people in positions of power "get away with stuff" way too much. We rarely hold them to account and seem to be afraid of calling them out. In a constructive way, Astleford is bucking that trend. I welcome it.
And mtrain, old friend.... If it is dirty laundry, it is the people's dirty laundry and we should all be able to see how it was soiled. That's the whole point of a free media .....
^I don't buy that argument. Folks harp on the people in "positions of power" over the smallest things, whether or not it's actually their fault. In fact, this contributes to a lot of good people never pursuing such positions because they don't want the headache, which thereby often leaves them to people who just don't care. Our real problems are consistently identifying and supporting good leadership, and our identity problems articulated by Astleford.
Quote from: Tacachale on September 03, 2013, 03:23:15 PM
^I don't buy that argument. Folks harp on the people in "positions of power" over the smallest things, whether or not it's actually their fault. In fact, this contributes to a lot of good people never pursuing such positions because they don't want the headache, which thereby often leaves them to people who just don't care. Our real problems are consistently identifying and supporting good leadership, and our identity problems articulated by Astleford.
This is also true. So what in your view needs to happen to change the dynamic?
It is a dynamic that needs to be changed and is cited in various discussions hereon including the Consolidation thread.
Jacksonville is more or less a republic of smaller communities. Each community has its own interests and its own priorities at heart. Which is essentially what he said in the article but even more broad than that as it relates to civic, religious and business groups.
What we need is something or someone that can unite us as one. I had hoped the Jaguars would have been a catalyst for that but I think the Jaguars have shown it needs to be more pervasive than one singular thing or person. No, it is not all the politicians fault and no, this is not some minute thing. Its a big issue and we need some real leadership not another photo op.
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on September 03, 2013, 03:26:42 PM
Quote from: Tacachale on September 03, 2013, 03:23:15 PM
^I don't buy that argument. Folks harp on the people in "positions of power" over the smallest things, whether or not it's actually their fault. In fact, this contributes to a lot of good people never pursuing such positions because they don't want the headache, which thereby often leaves them to people who just don't care. Our real problems are consistently identifying and supporting good leadership, and our identity problems articulated by Astleford.
This is also true. So what in your view needs to happen to change the dynamic?
Oh, where to begin. In terms of politics, I think there are some systemic issues that may not result in us keeping the best leaders. I've heard compelling arguments that term limits may limit our potential, since we cycle through elected officials too quickly to identify the truly good ones and see that their projects are carried through. Additionally, Bill Gulliford says that since the actual elected leaders come and go every few years, the "institutional knowledge" is held by advisers and lobbyists who may have their own agendas.
I also think we may have some elected positions that really should be appointed, so we don't just have various independent offices lobbying for their own ends. Having off-cycle elections may reduce turnout, and having party affiliations known in elections may encourage people to just vote party line. In the end, it's really the voters' prerogative to identify and elect good people.
Beyond politics, I think there are some cultural issues; Astleford may have identified some. "Siloing" is probably a good term for what sometimes happens between the various local entities. It definitely feels like we're not all shooting at the same target. On this front, though, I think it's a bigger issue that we haven't had consistently strong leadership articulating a consistent vision for Jacksonville, and that holds us back.
Those are some good insights. :)
Great points.
Quote from: jcjohnpaint on September 03, 2013, 08:11:01 PM
Great points.
Tach did make some good points. I would like to say though that local and state politics do impact what gets done in Jacksonville in unexpected ways. In spite of the fact that local offices are not supposed to be chosen based on political party, the truth is that the power players in politics will go out of their way to keep a lousy politician in office in order to have some degree of party control and as such to execute some personal agendas. So I agree with Tach but I also "know" that politics does in fact hold Jacksonville back in many ways.
^^Jax seems to be one of the more ideologically run cities in the country. I see the benefits of consolidation, but I also see a population that is a little more divided politically than most cities, which provides an impetus for the parties to come in and wage war for control. As we have seen in real wars in this country and others, the war machine, whether political or military in nature, takes resources and energy. The resources and energy that people devote to the party-line and/or ideological war in Jax only takes away from the energy and resources those people have to actually accomplish things.
I would love to see Jax politics (public and private sector) become more pragmatic, even Machiavellian to be blunt. I just want to see shit get done without the imbecilic shenanigans that I read about on this site/local news.
Quote from: simonsays on September 03, 2013, 02:32:12 PM
Quote from: mtraininjax on September 03, 2013, 03:37:23 AM
Astleford - Just do your job man! No need to air the dirty laundry to the media. Just do your job and build the best solutions with what you have available to you. Build then plan, then work the plan. If you have been successful in other jobs in other cities, there is no reason to doubt you will not be successful here. Just do it! like the slogan says!
I have mentioned before on this site how I think we, as a community, let people in positions of power "get away with stuff" way too much. We rarely hold them to account and seem to be afraid of calling them out. In a constructive way, Astleford is bucking that trend. I welcome it.
And mtrain, old friend.... If it is dirty laundry, it is the people's dirty laundry and we should all be able to see how it was soiled. That's the whole point of a free media .....
The Public Trust has just been totally crushed in this community. I say Congratulations to Mr. Astleford. I've never met the man. Now I want to meet him more than ever. So who have we had before? Kitty Ratcliffe, John Reyes, Dan O'Byrne and now Astleford.
You have to love the new guy.
Vitti at the Jax 2025 and he arrived late because he got lost but left with a standing ovation that just brought the house down.
Another new guy is Aundra Wallace with the DIA.
Then we have the old guard.
Palms Fish Camp next to a FIND project and the guy is getting a million bucks and you never even opened up the door.
FSCJ and a midnight email for an EXTRA, EXTRA, half a million bucks and then voted on by the Board the next day.
JTA and Blaylock and another proud Chamber of Commerce moment of a golden parachute delivered by a Board.
My favorite a convicted child molester gets a pension from the PFPF with Board approval. Our tax dollars. I just want to throw up.
Does anyone know the first name of one of the victims? I'm serious.
There are more examples. Add your own.
Jeannie Miller
Ron Barton
Don Shea
John Culbreath
Mr. Astleford is a new hope that rejuvenates a sense of optimism for the people of this community that has seen and been a part of a restricted process.
Let's really tell the world to VISIT JACKSONVILLE!
Id love to see examples of a successful downtown thats being run by the southern baptist convention and its people...i cant see anything good successful or definitely not ...end that rein and i cen see it......i say the city pay to get th toobe out to the westside or somewhere else...those people scare everyone away....
^^Can you find something else to say? Did you know that the Southern Baptist Convention is based in downtown Nashville as well as Lifeway Christian stores, that doesnt seem to be holding their city back. It is much bigger than simply faulting the presence of a church for the lack of a vibrant downtown.
Quote from: Garden guy on September 04, 2013, 08:06:14 AM
Id love to see examples of a successful downtown thats being run by the southern baptist convention and its people...i cant see anything good successful or definitely not ...end that rein and i cen see it......i say the city pay to get th toobe out to the westside or somewhere else...those people scare everyone away....
Hell Salt Lake City has a decent downtown and they have the Mormon Tabnacle sitting 2 blocks from the state capital.
John, I think you may have met Paul Astleford -- he was at the JAX2025 meetings and was highly engaged in the process. Great guy who sees the potential of Jacksonville and what we should become, especially if/when we harness the positive energy and action in the community and work together on a shared vision.
If you didn't invite him to kayak with you, I'm sure it's not too late ...
Quote from: stephendare on September 04, 2013, 12:02:36 PM
Quote from: fsquid on September 04, 2013, 11:59:13 AM
Quote from: Garden guy on September 04, 2013, 08:06:14 AM
Id love to see examples of a successful downtown thats being run by the southern baptist convention and its people...i cant see anything good successful or definitely not ...end that rein and i cen see it......i say the city pay to get th toobe out to the westside or somewhere else...those people scare everyone away....
Hell Salt Lake City has a decent downtown and they have the Mormon Tabnacle sitting 2 blocks from the state capital.
And highly discourage the 20th century from happening around them. That is with the exception of sock hops and spiffy looking short sleeve shirts and neckties. ;)
To be honest, I loved Salt Lake City. All the preternaturally healthy, chipper people. the sheer vibrant health of the place gave it more of a sensual feel than any amount of misplaced social starchiness could overcome.
SLC is a beautiful city, but I remember when they were giving away space to anyone who wanted to open restaurants or other retail in their downtown so it didn't look empty when they hosted the Winter Olympics, then within the year most closed because they learned most Mormons would not visit a non-Mormon owned establishment. I think FBC is just another downtown church, but then again I'm a transplant and most of the rhetoric stems from decade old stories/legends/myths.
Quote from: Garden guy on September 04, 2013, 08:06:14 AM
Id love to see examples of a successful downtown thats being run by the southern baptist convention and its people...i cant see anything good successful or definitely not ...end that rein and i cen see it......i say the city pay to get th toobe out to the westside or somewhere else...those people scare everyone away....
Okay GG, Let's try NASHVILLE, HOME OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION!
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-oct-downtown-revitalization-nashville
...DING!
Why do we keep responding to that overt troll?
My only complaint about FBC is that I wish they could have done more with the 1st floor of their facilities to make the several blocks they occupy more inviting. The few blocks behind City Hall seem pretty stark. Back to silos, everyone needs to be engaged. I am sure FBC would like to see the homeless issue addressed and a more vibrant downtown just as much as the rest of us.
Quote from: Ben Warner on September 04, 2013, 01:12:21 PM
John, I think you may have met Paul Astleford -- he was at the JAX2025 meetings and was highly engaged in the process. Great guy who sees the potential of Jacksonville and what we should become, especially if/when we harness the positive energy and action in the community and work together on a shared vision.
If you didn't invite him to kayak with you, I'm sure it's not too late ...
If/When- How about NOW! So JCCI is one of the organizations that he engaged. Who are the other 31? The Public Trust has just been destroyed and crushed in this community. What team is he on with the JCCI follow up? Put me down I'll be there. let's open up the SILO.
There is a Waterways meeting 9/10 at 9:30 am or it's 10 on River Issues. Next day 9/11/13 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting. The DIA will have a new CRA for the USA and that Public process is going on. Will JCCI be there? Before you harness the positive energy and action you have to get rid of the out of control corruption. What do you do when you have been ignored by your elected legislative representative for years? Hogans Creek cleanup Sept. 21 behind the Historical Society and Casket Company.
Palms Fish Camp next to a FIND project. A million bucks! How do you sign up for this stuff. 2013-384 - Will an amendment be attached for Hogans Creek for 24/7 Public Access? It's in LUZ right now. ACTIVE PENDING LEGISLATION RIGHT NOW! Ben, How about a letter from JCCI to council on that friendly amendment? Maybe Mr. Astleford if he reads Metrojax will do the same thing and just like that you have created a Public/Private/Partnership. An economic organic node of recreational and commercial infill that will spawn connectivity through a sustainable park system that will engage residents, visitors and tourists on tours of our Emerald Necklace ( Chan Kreiger and Associates,DVI) that leads to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone.
Quote from: Noone on September 05, 2013, 04:18:04 AM
The Public Trust has just been destroyed and crushed in this community.
John, how do you propose the trust be restored?
Quote from: stephendare on September 04, 2013, 11:50:17 AM
Quote from: fsujax on September 04, 2013, 11:40:56 AM
^^Can you find something else to say? Did you know that the Southern Baptist Convention is based in downtown Nashville as well as Lifeway Christian stores, that doesnt seem to be holding their city back. It is much bigger than simply faulting the presence of a church for the lack of a vibrant downtown.
Not to mention that three of the biggest tourism events in the downtown are sponsored by first baptist and wouldnt come here without them.
Its not first baptist that scares people away, fsu. Its people like Garden Guy having the vapors every thirteen minutes about those cannibal baptists that ate his entire family and enslaved their dog.
I think that any of the downtown churches would welcome more people living downtown. They may not care about bars and night clubs being opened, but people living downtown are potential church members and people they could reach out to.
Quote from: Tacachale on September 03, 2013, 05:09:42 PM
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on September 03, 2013, 03:26:42 PM
Quote from: Tacachale on September 03, 2013, 03:23:15 PM
^I don't buy that argument. Folks harp on the people in "positions of power" over the smallest things, whether or not it's actually their fault. In fact, this contributes to a lot of good people never pursuing such positions because they don't want the headache, which thereby often leaves them to people who just don't care. Our real problems are consistently identifying and supporting good leadership, and our identity problems articulated by Astleford.
This is also true. So what in your view needs to happen to change the dynamic?
Oh, where to begin. In terms of politics, I think there are some systemic issues that may not result in us keeping the best leaders. I've heard compelling arguments that term limits may limit our potential, since we cycle through elected officials too quickly to identify the truly good ones and see that their projects are carried through. Additionally, Bill Gulliford says that since the actual elected leaders come and go every few years, the "institutional knowledge" is held by advisers and lobbyists who may have their own agendas.
I also think we may have some elected positions that really should be appointed, so we don't just have various independent offices lobbying for their own ends. Having off-cycle elections may reduce turnout, and having party affiliations known in elections may encourage people to just vote party line. In the end, it's really the voters' prerogative to identify and elect good people.
Beyond politics, I think there are some cultural issues; Astleford may have identified some. "Siloing" is probably a good term for what sometimes happens between the various local entities. It definitely feels like we're not all shooting at the same target. On this front, though, I think it's a bigger issue that we haven't had consistently strong leadership articulating a consistent vision for Jacksonville, and that holds us back.
Good post. I also think that a major issue is mayoral appointments. For instance, Mayor Brown demoted Bill Killingsworth from Planning Director, who had worked for years in the COJ Planning Department. He had a ton of institutional knowledge and was by all accounts very good. He just so happens to now head a major department at the Florida Department of Econonomic Opportunity (old DCA). That's ridiculous. The person Brown replaced him with, Calvin Burney is to put it politely, challenged. That is just one example, but I believe there are several other poor department head level appointments by Brown.
The citizenry doesn't really see it, but Department heads are the backbone of a local government. They can make a Mayor look very good and government run much more smoothly. Sure, Mayoral Appointments are council approved, but does anyone really think council would shoot down appointments early in a mayor's term?
If they knew the person was challenged and/or incompetent and the councilperson had any guts they would. Thats the problem here....no one wants to be bold. Don't rock the boat...our gravy train may derail..
Not too many out there that do these things because of ideals, because of values – to really do what is needed to make things better for everyone. There are some. If you count apathy as evil, the balance of power does not leave much room for optimism.
Quote from: tufsu1 on September 05, 2013, 08:44:47 AM
Quote from: Noone on September 05, 2013, 04:18:04 AM
The Public Trust has just been destroyed and crushed in this community.
John, how do you propose the trust be restored?
Start with some openness.
how open should things be? I mean, aren't there hundreds of meetings you attend each year?
C'MON MAN, What's your favorite Scandel?
You go to meetings too!
There are dozens and dozens of examples.
Shipyards III Scott Wilson I'm sitting right next to him and this is Pre Aundra Wallace and Pre RFI or RFP on Shipyards and the question was asked if ANYONE wanted to use the existing floating dock at Shipyards for PUBLIC or COMMERCIAL use can they and DIA Board member and OED former JEDC guy Paul Crawford said NO! NO! NO! NO! Absolutely NO!
So here we have today's TU headlines on the Southbank Riverwalk. I would have loved to have attended.
Did Redman who is now chair of Waterways send out a notice to any of the Waterway members about this exciting announcement? Did any of the Waterway partners know about this? Is there a Public floating dock component to this project? Seriously is there a floating dock with this project? I couldn't tell you. But HEY! We have a Waterways meeting in 5 days and lets all be in total shock together as everyone is asked did you know about this Regional announcement.
Did Mr. Astleford know about it? Maybe he was there. Let's all remember that the RAM dock is only open when RAM is open. 2013-384 it's in LUZ has an amendment been attached to allow for 24/7 access to Hogans Creek.
What are we trying to Transform again.
Please add your own.
Quote2013-384 it's in LUZ has an amendment been attached to allow for 24/7 access to Hogans Creek.
x384 is the $1 lease for the Armory Building to the Sons of Confederacy. There is nothing in the bill regarding Hogans Creek access. Where are you seeing that?
^Just went to the coj website and the legislation is now in Finance and TEU. So what was the vote in LUZ? it doesn't give you that information. Mike do you support an amendment for 24/7 Public Access to Hogans Creek? Does Ben and JCCI? Does Mr. Astleford and VISIT JACKSONVILLE? Is this another one of those protective organizations? There is nothing now in the bill about Hogans Creek Access but there should be and isn't that what the PUBLIC HEARING is supposed to be all about? After the Public hearing the applicant was supportive of a friendly amendment. The applicant supports an amendment.
Now contrast that with the RAM dock only opened when RAM is open. Not good.
Now contrast that with the existing floating dock at Shipyards and during the Downtown Experience Committee of the DIA and sitting next to Scott Wilson Dist.4 and asked before the 30 day RFI, RFP on Shipyards if an amendment would be attached to allow for Public or commercial access to this 40 plus acre property. This is the ONLY Acess from the Waterway. OED- Paul Crawford and DIA Board member Tony Allegretti responded with a euphoric NO! NO! NO! Absolutely NO! remember Shipyards I? Remember Shipyards II? Now Shipyards III.
Who gets and deserves the state of Florida FBI RICO award for our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone.
Open the Silo. Mr. Alstleford is doing that with identifying the 30 plus organizations. Congratulations Mr. Astleford.
Back to Visit Jax....yesterday I picked up some copies of their new visitor's guide (not the Where? or Travel Host versions) and it is very good.
^Please share the tourism positives.
I put in at Hogans today to catch up with the flotilla heading from JU to RAM.
That said, if the Sons of the Confederacy want to put something in their lease regarding access to Hogans(which would be great), they need to do it themselves.
Frankly though, the Mayor could easily make one of the dozens of parcels the City owns along the banks of Hogans a designated kayak launch.
Very cool. Where did you put in at? Sept. 21 is the International Coastal Cleanup and there will be a roll up dumpster for Hogans Creek behind the Jacksonville Historical Society and Casket Company. Special shout out props to the Historical Society for permission.
Bingo with the Sons of the Confederacy putting in an amendment that would allow for 24/7 Public Access to Hogans Creek. City council can also do it. The Mayor can request it and do it. Paul Astleford CEO with VISIT JACKSONVILLE! can make a call that would help in promoting tourism. The applicant was receptive to it at the Public Hearing.
Ben- JCCI All I know is that we need to kayak Downtown before 2025.
Quote from: Noone on September 07, 2013, 04:00:38 PM
^Please share the tourism positives.
I think it gives as much (if not more) props to the urban core neighborhoods as it does to Town Center, beaches, and golf
Behind JHS. Called and got permission on the way over.
Two residents of Hogans Creek Estates asked me where I put in at as I floated by. Told them at the Jerry Spinks Memorial Kayak Beach.
Quote from: tufsu1 on September 07, 2013, 07:59:33 PM
Quote from: Noone on September 07, 2013, 04:00:38 PM
^Please share the tourism positives.
I think it gives as much (if not more) props to the urban core neighborhoods as it does to Town Center, beaches, and golf
Beaches are mentioned. Anything about our vibrant St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone that will make Downtown a Destination and not a pass through?
Quote from: fieldafm on September 07, 2013, 09:57:35 PM
Behind JHS. Called and got permission on the way over.
Two residents of Hogans Creek Estates asked me where I put in at as I floated by. Told them at the Jerry Spinks Memorial Kayak Beach.
The Jerry Spinks Memorial Kayak Beach is an awesome idea. Is that the plan of JHS? Bring in the food trucks. It's not just a launch it's a beach.
I agree that there are quite a few silos in our city. I may be mistaken, but the article stops short of naming the specific silos. What 'silos' exist today and how do they interfere with each other?
^Who is your favorite Silo? Astleford engaged 32 Jacksonville organizations. VISIT JACKSONVILLE!
So in the spirit of RICO and our new OED ( Office of Economic Dispair), Jaguars opener, it was time for a BOLD (Building Our Local Divide) Urban Core Tactical Paddle from PS4 JAX'S Tiki Taki Beach in Dist. 4 that still needs a Mayor Brown Kayak logo which would join VISIT JACKSONVILLE CEO Paul Astleford in promoting tourism in our new highly restricted DIA zone.
Weather conditions were perfect. I launched at 8:30 am and my goal was to do a Vivian Harrell Blue bag cleanup and leave it on the Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier 2010-604 which is next to the Jim Love, Kevin Kuzel 26' Berkman floating dock compromise that was misrepresented by OGC during the 2013 FIND grant application process.
The river traffic was light. Dolphins were breaking the surface at channel marker 81 and it was an incoming tide that allowed for a relaxed paddle to the Northbank. I took it by Metro Park Marina and counted 7 boats. This is the type of information that needs to be known not only at Waterways but the next Downtown Experience Committee meeting of the DIA. 2 boats in the Berkman Marina.
Continuing on to the Shipyards property and the floating dock and that has to be a priority. Because you can't access it. NO TOURISM here.
The next stop on the cleanup paddle was Hogans Creek. It was still an incoming tide and the shopping cart depth meter chart was showing one wheel half exposed. There were a couple of guys on the bank and wished them a good morning. I took it as far as the Jerry Spinks Memorial kayak beach and was doing a floating debris cleanup the whole time.
Back in the river the water levels high and still an incoming tide it was a pleasant paddle to the Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier. I left the blue bag on the pier and if any MJ'er posts a pic I'll treat to a meal at Tommy's or Chpstick Charley's. Saw Cat with Kent Justice on WJXT promoting Hole in the Wall Food joints. Has anyone noticed that Chopsick Charley's is remodeling the outside?
The paddle back was catching the slack tide and the boat traffic had picked up slightly. The paddle was just over an hour.
Ben-JCCI we need to kayak Downtown before 2025.
I am Downtown and why you aren't
Who's next?
Does anyone else feel sorry for the Baltimore guys 2014-412? No River pass for you. Uber and Lyft on the agenda for the 2/17/15 Rules agenda meeting.
We all want to say Visit Jacksonville.
You can watch this live on coj.net right now. Nice crowd in council chambers.