Stephen Dare: Why I am voting for Alvin Brown
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Politics/Mayoral-Race-2015/i-dft7xRx/0/O/brown1*1200xx6000-3375-0-313.jpg)
Stephen Dare lays out his reasoning for voting for Alvin Brown's second term as Mayor of Jacksonville.
Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-mar-why-i-am-voting-for-alvin-brown (http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-mar-why-i-am-voting-for-alvin-brown)
I get the idea that you aren't supporting Bishop to a significant degree based on perceived electability, or the lack thereof. It should come as no surprise that Bishop isn't campaigning in the black community. Everyone knows that the uber majority of the black community is going to vote for Brown. There is no scenario in which Brown doesn't make the runoff, the only question is who is there with him. With Bishop at 11% and Curry at 25% (the last poll I saw, which is quite out of date), Bishop must overtake Curry. In a race where undecided is tied for second place, it really isn't impossible for Bishop to do so. It is certainly less implausible than Brown winning four years ago, which he did.
Is this a METROJACKSONVILLE endorsement of Alvin Brown? With the headline on the main page, and the thread title, it certainly appears so:
"Why I'm Voting For Alvin Brown - started by MetroJacksonville"
Once you click on the link, you see it is by Stephen Dare.
Unless it IS a MetroJacksonville endorsement, shouldn't this just be under Stephen's byline, not the board/organization?
Excellent article Stephen! I think both fact and opinion was spot on in this article and I agree with you 100%.
Quote from: Charles Hunter on March 23, 2015, 06:43:10 AM
Is this a METROJACKSONVILLE endorsement of Alvin Brown? With the headline on the main page, and the thread title, it certainly appears so:
"Why I'm Voting For Alvin Brown - started by MetroJacksonville"
Once you click on the link, you see it is by Stephen Dare.
Unless it IS a MetroJacksonville endorsement, shouldn't this just be under Stephen's byline, not the board/organization?
No. We haven't discussed making endorsements as a group. To eliminate any confusion, I added Stephen's name to the title.
Frankly, I think this article perfectly illustrates why Jacksonville Politics remain the same year after year. Sad, really, but foreseeable.
Well said, strider.
The premise of the original poster's personal opinion is that we should re-elect Mayor Brown because he hasn't been as bad as Mike Hogan might have been. I have no idea if that's true or false because Alvin has governed like a hard-right conservative from the beginning, including the peppering of his administration with right-wing figures like Rick Scott's right-hand and the brother of Senator Marco Rubio. Add to this his social ideology that's indistinguishable from Ben Carson or Mac Brunson and I'm not so sure, really, where we came out ahead.
So, the idea here is: Bill Bishop would be great in 2019. Let's elect Alvin because we're only stuck with him for 4 (more long) years. And don't elect Lenny Curry because he'd stick around until 2023.
I have read every word of the original poster's opinion piece. He leaves out two of the most important issues facing the City of Jacksonville. And completely flubs the 3rd.
No mention of the unfunded pension liability. How can you select or endorse a Mayor without consideration of the major issue that hangs over our heads? The Brown "solution" still leaves no funding mechanism unless JEA kicks in. And I'm sure everyone is excited about the prospect of higher utility bills. Bishop supports the half-cent sales tax to deal with the pension issue. I think that makes more sense.
No mention of the issues surrounding the port and dredging the St. Johns. That's another very expensive potential boondoggle that Messieurs Brown and Curry reflexively support, but neither offer a way to pay for it or an understanding if it will or won't wreck the ecology of our already robust economic engine known as the river. Yeah, I'd skip any mention of it, too, if I was trying to prop up the Mayor.
The HRO. It's been reported in the press and confirmed that the Mayor didn't want the HRO anywhere near his desk during his first term. He undertook three attempts to kill the HRO, the third of which being the "charm" with great thanks, from the 4th Floor, to Dr. Gaffney. We may never have actually gotten a vote on the HRO in August 2012 had President Bishop not wielded the gavel. Bishop voted for the watered down version, offered by CM Jones for reasons I still don't understand, but has since beefed up his HRO bona fides. We had a beer together at Incahoots yesterday afternoon, the Brooklyn institution formerly known as the Third Dimension. A gay bar. Bishop is no hater.
Anyway... I didn't set out to write as much as the original poster. Our mixed up, messed up unitary election system means one thing to me: vote for the very best candidate, the candidate you want to see elected, in the First Election on Tuesday. Don't vote based on party or strategy or compromise or anything of the sort. Just for the best candidate. And if he or she doesn't make it, you get a mulligan (a do-over) on Tuesday, May 19, when you can vote for the second-best, compromise, least-harm-y (maybe) candidate.
Not much of a surprise, but I'm with Bill Bishop on Tuesday. And I hope the rest of you will join me.
Stephen said he was enthusiastic about Brown as more than just a place holder. I am guessing Jimmy, Strider and vicupstate are just spinning the article rather than misunderstanding because Stephen finishes by stating that plainly.
I think Brown will do a better job in his second term, which is going to happen. I find myself leaning toward Bishop and scared to death of Curry.
My issue's with Mayor Brown revolve around the first 2 issues Jimmy discusses. Brown is so "right wing like" he will not consider/support any tax increases to stabilize pension fund and promote further economic development, whether it is the port or DT. The city needs additional capital funds (bonding) and income to support these. I have lived in several regions of the country and have never been taxed so low at a state and local level. It is good to have a vision, but no financial plan to support it is just words. Action requires leadership.
As always Stephen, very well written piece. Well, except for length. Maybe you should consider a different editor. ;-)
I voted (early) for Bishop. I like his limited government leanings and electability has no influence on my choices.
"And this is tendentious with Bill. He understands and agrees with a lot of things that modern people passionately believe in. But his political ideology has led him to vote against many of the laws or projects that he claims to support.
"Last time we checked, 'support' translates to 'votes' in politics."
I disagree. Stephen may want the taxpayers to fund specific projects, but there is nothing inconsistent about supporting those projects, but not voting to fund them. Politicians can support things by helping with zoning, permitting, and encouraging private investment. Support does not always mean "pay for".
I doubt Bishop has a chance, but I voted for him anyway, since I can't support a mayor whose chief accomplishment to date is to make no decisions that might risk his next position as Congressman or a member of Hillary's senior staff.
If anyone is listening to Mayor Brown on the Melissa Ross show right now... wow. He's dancing around the HRO. No answer to any of the three questions asked by the caller, the tweeter, or Melissa.
To Melissa's great credit, she did remind listeners that Mr. Bishop is in support of the HRO.
Quote from: Jimmy on March 23, 2015, 08:30:54 AM
Well said, strider.
The premise of the original poster's personal opinion is that we should re-elect Mayor Brown because he hasn't been as bad as Mike Hogan might have been. I have no idea if that's true or false because Alvin has governed like a hard-right conservative from the beginning, including the peppering of his administration with right-wing figures like Rick Scott's right-hand and the brother of Senator Marco Rubio. Add to this his social ideology that's indistinguishable from Ben Carson or Mac Brunson and I'm not so sure, really, where we came out ahead.
So, the idea here is: Bill Bishop would be great in 2019. Let's elect Alvin because we're only stuck with him for 4 (more long) years. And don't elect Lenny Curry because he'd stick around until 2023.
I have read every word of the original poster's opinion piece. He leaves out two of the most important issues facing the City of Jacksonville. And completely flubs the 3rd.
No mention of the unfunded pension liability. How can you select or endorse a Mayor without consideration of the major issue that hangs over our heads? The Brown "solution" still leaves no funding mechanism unless JEA kicks in. And I'm sure everyone is excited about the prospect of higher utility bills. Bishop supports the half-cent sales tax to deal with the pension issue. I think that makes more sense.
No mention of the issues surrounding the port and dredging the St. Johns. That's another very expensive potential boondoggle that Messieurs Brown and Curry reflexively support, but neither offer a way to pay for it or an understanding if it will or won't wreck the ecology of our already robust economic engine known as the river. Yeah, I'd skip any mention of it, too, if I was trying to prop up the Mayor.
The HRO. It's been reported in the press and confirmed that the Mayor didn't want the HRO anywhere near his desk during his first term. He undertook three attempts to kill the HRO, the third of which being the "charm" with great thanks, from the 4th Floor, to Dr. Gaffney. We may never have actually gotten a vote on the HRO in August 2012 had President Bishop not wielded the gavel. Bishop voted for the watered down version, offered by CM Jones for reasons I still don't understand, but has since beefed up his HRO bona fides. We had a beer together at Incahoots yesterday afternoon, the Brooklyn institution formerly known as the Third Dimension. A gay bar. Bishop is no hater.
Anyway... I didn't set out to write as much as the original poster. Our mixed up, messed up unitary election system means one thing to me: vote for the very best candidate, the candidate you want to see elected, in the First Election on Tuesday. Don't vote based on party or strategy or compromise or anything of the sort. Just for the best candidate. And if he or she doesn't make it, you get a mulligan (a do-over) on Tuesday, May 19, when you can vote for the second-best, compromise, least-harm-y (maybe) candidate.
Not much of a surprise, but I'm with Bill Bishop on Tuesday. And I hope the rest of you will join me.
Thanks! And you have said things much better than I could.
I guess it depends on what drives you to vote in what order?
For me the priority is:
Leadership
Service to the people
Understand finances
Healthy relationship with council
Political ideaology is pretty far down the list. Everyone has their preferences, I just dont get hung up it at the Mayoral level.
Has Brown been asked in a prominent way (i.e. in a published or recorded interview, not a private conversation) whether he will commit to serving a full second term? If Hillary Clinton is elected POTUS, he would no doubt be considered for a position. Also, I could see Jeb giving him a position as well, given how conservative he is.
If he were to resign mid-term, how is the vacancy filled?
Bill Bishop is a Republican. First and foremost. If he was, in any way, concerned for the sincerity of his platform, it would have come after the REC meeting. Where, in no uncertain terms, he was kicked to the curb by the Duval Republican Party. Which was just as bad as having Jesse Smith kicked out of the REC meeting.
He should have left the Republicans then. If only to run as a NPA. Or even as a Democrat, as the Duval Democrats dont endorse (democratic) candidates in unitary elections. Instead, he stayed and even attended the Duval Republican fundraiser, with keynote speaker Sen Ted Cruz.
Bishops actions speak definitively for not just himself. But for the Republican party today.
Bishop raised taxes in the Great Recession. Only because the Democrat refused. And Bishop proposes to raise taxes again, concerning the Pension plan. Because, again, the Democrat refused.
The Republican party of 2015 is not about conservatism vs liberalism.
Its about nothing more than anti Democratic Party.
Quote from: stephendare on March 23, 2015, 11:31:00 AM
unless of course it gets in the way of them doing the actual job. Like you wouldn't want an anarchist handling City Financing. (or at least I wouldn't)
And I like Brown for libertarian reasons downtown. For the first time in my life, citizen created events like ONE SPARK, Friends of Hemming Park and GastroFest have been on the forefront of downtown redevelopment instead of bloated agencies and bureaucracies. Its made us a stronger city and a better urban core, owned by the citizens for once in a freaking blue moon.
Does Brown deserve credit, or is this a result of a grassroots entrepreneurial wave? Brown had years and years to endorse the concept of the USS Adams, but didn't utter a peep until it was clear the public was overwhelmingly for it. I wonder, Stephen, if you could explain why this administration never seems to take the lead on initiatives or developments. Why, for example, is he not leading on issues such as a development RFP on the old courthouse? Why did he not begin Shipyards remediation years ago after the $13M settlement? It just seems to me that the guy is incredibly reluctant to lead or take risks.
Quote from: -jerrycornwell on March 23, 2015, 01:05:41 PM
The Republican party of 2015 is not about conservatism vs liberalism.
Its about nothing more than anti Democratic Party.
and some could argue the Democratic Party is about nothing more than being Anti-Republican. Surely, the Mayor does not fit in with mainstream Democratic positions.
Well written article, Stephen. You articulated your position well and I'll admit, after I voted last week, I did tell someone "I voted with a clear conscience. I find the arguments about differences between Bishop & Brown to be almost moot at this point. I hope people have already voted or have already researched enough to know who they will vote for tomorrow.
If after Tuesday, Brown is in run off with Bishop, Many of us may take a long view of how we voted and change. If Brown is in a run off w/ Curry, I personally think Mayor Brown will get much more support and votes in run off. If that is the case, I hope the Democrats can get back together and support the Mayor.
So Stephen, I'm right there with you on the lack of transparency thing. Maybe it's justified, but it's damned frustrating.
But at least you can spill the beans on what you know about Berkman 2. I'm told that Khan's people are actively talking to Choate, but I'd sure like to know the details and progress...
What are my chances??
Alvin has not been a complete disaster in my mind, but he hasn't been transformational either. My biggest concern with him is his financial platform-a bit shaky. I cast my vote Saturday for Bishop. Alvin makes the runoff, and I'm hoping that Bishop can beat Curry. One on one I think Bishop beats Alvin.
Quote from: vicupstate on March 23, 2015, 11:50:57 AM
If [the mayor] were to resign mid-term, how is the vacancy filled?
In the event the mayor resigns, the president of the City Council becomes the acting mayor, which is how Jake Godbold became mayor. (The order of succession is: council president, council vice president, chair of rules...) As far as what happens next...
"...(b) In the event that a vacancy in the office of mayor occurs other than as provided in subsection (a), then such a vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by election of a mayor at a special election to be called pursuant to resolution of the city council and held on a date no sooner than 1 month and no later than 6 months after the vacancy occurs."
http://jacksonville.eregulations.us/code/coor_apxid175752_ptA_art6_sec6.06
Quote from: Steve on March 23, 2015, 02:09:01 PM
Alvin has not been a complete disaster in my mind, but he hasn't been transformational either. My biggest concern with him is his financial platform-a bit shaky. I cast my vote Saturday for Bishop. Alvin makes the runoff, and I'm hoping that Bishop can beat Curry. One on one I think Bishop beats Alvin.
I totally agree Steve and a poll a week ago showed the ranks were closing and it is totally possible for this to end up being a race between Bishop and Brown.
enquiring (purposeful spelling) minds want to know...why did the cover picture for the article change?
This came in from the Brown camp yesterday. The questions were put together by Kristen Pickrell:
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Politics/Mayoral-Race-2015/i-9v2vtwv/0/X2/Metro%20Jacksonville%20Questionnaire%20-%20Mayor%20Alvin%20Brown_Page_1-X2.jpg)
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This has to be the biggest case if a YAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWN i've ever seen on this board. You are abdicating four more years of blase, four more years of passing the buck at 117 West Duval Street. Four more years of talking out of both sides of his mouth. Forget governing for both sides, this is a man who does not even govern after he has a budget created and to my knowledge has NEVER seen the inside of the City Council chambers to fight fo his budgets. He lets others do work for him, then takes the credit to appear as a pauper to the citizens.
More of the same blase "I'm with Alvin" crowd, who say they are looking for change, but in reality are happy with a guy who has more waffles than a house of pancakes. Really a poor choice based on his inability to lead Jacksonville.
Stephen,
You are a passionate young activist, which is admirable. You are more than entitled to your opinion in the Mayor's race. However, I hope for the sake of your own credibility you will correct some of your comments related to the Duval REC.
I will give you a timeline of the events of the REC...
1. As Robin Lumb was preparing for his first meeting as REC Chair, he began receiving emails from members concerned that the party could not spend money for Lenny Curry unless they endorsed, so they asked to hold a vote at the next REC meeting to endorse Lenny. Robin Lumb set a threshold and informed the members that if what constituted as a quorum emailed him requesting an endorsement vote, the REC would hold one. The 10 day notice was sent out once this threshold was met by 70+ members requesting an endorsement vote.
2. At the REC meeting, three new members were sworn in at the beginning of the meeting. These were a Filipino couple and a very young UNF student- you know, the minorities and young people that you claim hate Lenny Curry and the GOP. These members had applied months before, back when everyone believed that the Tea Party candidate Michael Jackson would be REC Chair, and long before any endorsement vote was even discussed. There was no packing of the party for this vote, these were 3 organic new members who are passionate about politics and are beginning to get involved. These new members were sworn in and then told they could not vote.
3. The REC moved on to the endorsement process and gave both candidates equal time to speak. Then the membership (minus the 3 new members who were wrongly denied a vote), were allowed to vote. At the first vote count (which Jerry Holland presided over) it came back that not enough members voted for Lenny Curry for their to be an endorsement (the numbers were somewhere between 60-70 for Lenny vs. under 20 for Bishop, the exact numbers escape me.) As you can see the vote was not even close. The REC never voted to endorse Bill Bishop, as you claim. If the vote which Jerry Holland announced stood, there simply would be NO endorsement. However, Jerry handled the under votes in a way he would for a public election, but was incorrect in his interpretation under Roberts Rules of Order. Lenny was actually the endorsed candidate under Roberts Rules of Order, but this was not realized until later as the REC unfortunately did not have anyone there versed on Roberts Rules, which is admittedly a huge mistake.
4. After this, Lenny Curry's supporters began to question why the three new members were not allowed to vote, since they were sworn members of the REC. They then began asking for a revote. At this point, Bill Bishop supporters began running out of the room, led by their Tea Party crazy Michael Jackson (why the Tea Party members support a pro-HRO, tax raiser escapes me. Perhaps it goes back to Herman Cain, but I digress), in order to deny a quorum for a second vote in an attempt to disenfranchise these new members.
5. Ultimately, Jerry Holland requested that they do a new vote, which Lenny ultimately won.
So, I say all of that to say these few takeaways...
1.) The three new members of the REC were wrongfully denied their right to vote.
2.) Jerry Holland was wrong in his initial interpretation of the election results, and Lenny was ENDORSED in the first ballot, and Bill Bishop never was.
3.) If Robin Lumb is guilty of anything it is incompetence of how to run a meeting (it was his first meeting, so I cut him some slack here). He is not guilty of being some maniacal puppet master for Lenny Curry.
4. ) Bill Bishop's supporters are just of guilty of playing games in the REC meeting, as Curry's supporters- they just happened to be on the losing end of it, so now they get to portray themselves as victims. It's called politics, and in this instance they lost.
I hope this will clarify some things, and that you will make a correction to your post to reflect what really happened.
Have a nice day.
Well Stephen you just got called young so that means I am barely middle aged. I like it. lol
Thank you Stephen. Sorry if I unfairly directed that at you. Perhaps, I should have more generically said "Democrats."
Also, one other point of clarification....I do not mean for my statements to be disparaging towards Jerry Holland. He came in as a favor to the REC, was placed in the middle of what was a very uncomfortable and awkward situation for him, and one of his rulings was a genuine, honest mistake, which we are all capable of making. Jerry Holland is a great Supervisor of Elections but simply wasn't terribly informed on the process of elections under Robert's Rules, as they are different.
Thanks.
Quote from: ghostt on March 24, 2015, 10:44:01 AM
(why the Tea Party members support a pro-HRO, tax raiser escapes me. Perhaps it goes back to Herman Cain, but I digress),
For the 9 plus paragraphs being posted, the whole answer is between the paragraphs i e "between the lines". If literally!
Then again, I'm a Democrat.
I'm glad I voted for Bill Bishop in the First Election.
I'm sad I voted for Alvin Brown in the General Election, but am glad, as it turns out, that Lenny Curry won. It's early days, not even a year into his term, but I see him exerting real leadership. I don't agree with every decision he makes, but I respect him because he's honest. Mayor Curry may earn my vote in 2019.