Bill Delaney: Why I’m Voting for Lenny Curry
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Bill Delaney, a long time Metro Jacksonville regular, explains why he's voting for Lenny Curry.
Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-may-bill-delaney-why-im-voting-for-lenny-curry
Well said
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on May 19, 2015, 07:51:52 AM
TL;DR: "This time around, I'm throwing in with Lenny Curry. Lenny has two qualities that will be essential in getting us back on the right path: he knows how to manage a budget, and he knows how to manage people. isn't Alvin Brown." What a ringing endorsement.
It's pretty sad. As a matter of fact not opportunity, that section of pavement that fell into the river was known to every administration I have had contact with going back to John Delaney. This is not an excuse for Brown's inept management team. I am not a fan of Alvin Brown. I think he is arrogant and self-serving. Further, he has spent 3+ years cozying up to the Tea Baggers of Northeast Florida.
That said, voting for Lenny Curry and his vitriolic message of "us versus them" which underpins his entire campaign is unconscionable to me. I cannot reward someone whose campaign is predicated on "the black man has made Jacksonville and me and my beautiful, white family will make it safe again by chasing chickens in your backyard"
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on May 19, 2015, 07:51:52 AM
TL;DR: "This time around, I'm throwing in with Lenny Curry. Lenny has two qualities that will be essential in getting us back on the right path: he knows how to manage a budget, and he knows how to manage people. isn't Alvin Brown." What a ringing endorsement.
Funny - "not the other guy" endorsement is the only reason AB has a job in this town.
Quote from: DuvalHusky on May 19, 2015, 08:51:07 AM
campaign is predicated on "the black man has made Jacksonville and me and my beautiful, white family will make it safe again
Unless I missed something, Curry hasn't made it about race at all. I'm not a Curry supporter, but that's not fair to project racism on to him.
QuoteUnless I missed something, Curry hasn't made it about race at all. I'm not a Curry supporter, but that's not fair to project racism on to him.
+1, nope, been a good race of what each candidate can do for people for the next 4 years. Brown is more of the same, and Curry, having never been in local office, is the only breath of fresh air, that same wind that carried Brown 4 years ago...change.
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on May 19, 2015, 07:51:52 AM
TL;DR: "This time around, I'm throwing in with Lenny Curry. Lenny has two qualities that will be essential in getting us back on the right path: he knows how to manage a budget, and he knows how to manage people. isn't Alvin Brown." What a ringing endorsement.
Ha! Well, unfortunately, sometimes we're voting for the better candidate rather than the best one.
FWIW I really do believe that, though. Curry has strengths in management and accounting that Alvin just doesn't, and that's been a large part of his problem.
Quote from: stephendare on May 19, 2015, 08:28:30 AM
Hope you will join us for coverage all day today!
You know it!
I am sorry, but I cannot vote another fear monger into office. This city is not burning to the ground, there is no chaos as city hall. There is no mad max in Hemming Park. I am by no means Alvin Browns biggest fan but no matter how you skew the numbers things have really improved over the last four years in Jacksonville.
Quote from: Tacachale on May 19, 2015, 09:22:23 AM
FWIW I really do believe that, though. Curry has strengths in management and accounting that Alvin just doesn't, and that's been a large part of his problem.
Honest question, Taca: Do you sincerely believe that Curry will be able to balance our budget without raising taxes?
Follow up: In your opinion, what steps do you think Curry will take to create a net-zero budget?
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on May 19, 2015, 09:30:06 AM
Quote from: Tacachale on May 19, 2015, 09:22:23 AM
FWIW I really do believe that, though. Curry has strengths in management and accounting that Alvin just doesn't, and that's been a large part of his problem.
Honest question, Taca: Do you sincerely believe that Curry will be able to balance our budget without raising taxes?
Follow up: In your opinion, what steps do you think Curry will take to create a net-zero budget?
I can't say what exactly he'll do, but I do believe he'll balance the budget (without forcing the Council to do it all). There's likely to be a lot more streamlining and waste that can be eliminated, but it won't cover all the shortfalls. Balancing it may involve another tax increase, it may involve other cuts, or it may be a combination of both. Tough decisions in any case, and Brown has shown over the last four years that he won't or can't make them.
Additionally, resolving the pension will save us a lot in the long run, which will make budgets easier to meet down the road. I think we stand a better chance at getting there with Curry.
Quote from: Tacachale on May 19, 2015, 09:43:19 AM
I can't say what exactly he'll do, but I do believe he'll balance the budget (without forcing the Council to do it all). There's likely to be a lot more streamlining and waste that can be eliminated, but it won't cover all the shortfalls. Balancing it may involve another tax increase, it may involve other cuts, or it may be a combination of both. Tough decisions in any case, and Brown has shown over the last four years that he won't or can't make them.
A dyed-in-the-wool, business owning republican has been adamant about not raising taxes, yet you sincerely believe that he may have to in order to balance the budget. Hmmmm.....
I'm more of the opinion that he'll be so staunchly opposed to any tax increase and will absolutely streamline many programs.
Let's start with assistance programs and Parks and Rec. I look forward to hearing this refrain if elected, "There's no reason people can't pay a little more in order to enjoy these...." But no new taxes.
Let's move to Small Business ventures and their tax incentives: "Well I was able to found my company without any help (you know, convenient amnesia). If they're going to be viable, they should be able to do it themselves and not need the assistance from the taxpayers."
Let's finish on the HRO: "There's no discrimination in this city. We don't need to push any legislation that's outright looking to say we do and it needs correction."
Quote from: Tacachale on May 19, 2015, 09:43:19 AM
Additionally, resolving the pension will save us a lot in the long run, which will make budgets easier to meet down the road. I think we stand a better chance at getting there with Curry.
Maybe; maybe not. He hasn't said enough about it for me to really have an opinion on what I think he may or may not do. His appealing to the JSO and their needs and wants without considering the available facts leads me to believe that the city will take a huge hit, though, but 'in the name of safety!!!'
Quote from: stephendare on May 19, 2015, 09:46:15 AM
Taca, why shouldn't the Council have the responsibility of being honest about the budget? I still don't get his whole claim that we voted for nineteen people on council so that they could stand around waiting to be told what to do by an all powerful mayor.
Setting the budget is one of the Mayor's responsibilities. The council is definitely part of the process, voting on it, making changes, etc., but Brown has totally deferred his part of the responsibility to them.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on May 19, 2015, 09:58:07 AM
Quote from: Tacachale on May 19, 2015, 09:43:19 AM
I can't say what exactly he'll do, but I do believe he'll balance the budget (without forcing the Council to do it all). There's likely to be a lot more streamlining and waste that can be eliminated, but it won't cover all the shortfalls. Balancing it may involve another tax increase, it may involve other cuts, or it may be a combination of both. Tough decisions in any case, and Brown has shown over the last four years that he won't or can't make them.
A dyed-in-the-wool, business owning republican has been adamant about not raising taxes, yet you sincerely believe that he may have to in order to balance the budget. Hmmmm.....
I'm more of the opinion that he'll be so staunchly opposed to any tax increase and will absolutely streamline many programs.
Let's start with assistance programs and Parks and Rec. I look forward to hearing this refrain if elected, "There's no reason people can't pay a little more in order to enjoy these...." But no new taxes.
Let's move to Small Business ventures and their tax incentives: "Well I was able to found my company without any help (you know, convenient amnesia). If they're going to be viable, they should be able to do it themselves and not need the assistance from the taxpayers."
Let's finish on the HRO: "There's no discrimination in this city. We don't need to push any legislation that's outright looking to say we do and it needs correction."
Again, I don't know what he'll do. But balancing that budget very well could either mean cuts to something else, or new taxes. There aren't a lot of other options. Either way, we haven't seen Brown making those decisions.
On LGBT issues, like I say, I'm pretty distressed by Curry's position. But he isn't any worse than Brown in that regard, even though it's a party issue for Brown.
Quote from: Tacachale on May 19, 2015, 09:43:19 AM
Additionally, resolving the pension will save us a lot in the long run, which will make budgets easier to meet down the road. I think we stand a better chance at getting there with Curry.
Maybe; maybe not. He hasn't said enough about it for me to really have an opinion on what I think he may or may not do. His appealing to the JSO and their needs and wants without considering the available facts leads me to believe that the city will take a huge hit, though, but 'in the name of safety!!!'
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We shall see. Either way, we'll have a new Sheriff in the JSO.
QuoteOn LGBT issues, like I say, I'm pretty distressed by Curry's position. But he isn't any worse than Brown in that regard, even though it's a party issue for Brown.
You ride your party into the office, then you moderate and govern for all. It will get done this term, no matter if its Brown or Curry, the city wants it and needs it.
Quote from: Tacachale on May 19, 2015, 10:40:01 AM
Again, I don't know what he'll do. But balancing that budget very well could either mean cuts to something else, or new taxes. There aren't a lot of other options. Either way, we haven't seen Brown making those decisions.
I get that. None of us do.
Pardon my bad analogy, but the understanding that taxes MAY have to be raised while Curry is in office and thinking he would actually do what's best for the city, even though it goes against everything he and his party stand for is like marrying a girl that absolutely doesn't want kids and then having to divorce her later because, well, she wouldn't have kids.
(More bad analogy and generic wisdom ;) ): You don't get involved with people based off an assumption that they will change.
Edit for levity:
(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/19528/denny-green-o.gif)
Quote from: mtraininjax on May 19, 2015, 09:18:41 AM
and Curry, having never been in local office
It is just this fact that worries me most. We have seen with Peyton and Brown (not mention Gov. Scott) how steep the learning curve is for people who have not managed in a government atmosphere before. I am simply not willing to take that chance again.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on May 19, 2015, 10:51:30 AM
Pardon my bad analogy, but the understanding that taxes MAY have to be raised while Curry is in office and thinking he would actually do what's best for the city, even though it goes against everything he and his party stand for is like marrying a girl that absolutely doesn't want kids and then having to divorce her later because, well, she wouldn't have kids.
Wow, OVERSTATE much ? ? ?
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on May 19, 2015, 10:51:30 AM
Quote from: Tacachale on May 19, 2015, 10:40:01 AM
Again, I don't know what he'll do. But balancing that budget very well could either mean cuts to something else, or new taxes. There aren't a lot of other options. Either way, we haven't seen Brown making those decisions.
I get that. None of us do.
Pardon my bad analogy, but the understanding that taxes MAY have to be raised while Curry is in office and thinking he would actually do what's best for the city, even though it goes against everything he and his party stand for is like marrying a girl that absolutely doesn't want kids and then having to divorce her later because, well, she wouldn't have kids.
(More bad analogy and generic wisdom ;) ): You don't get involved with people based off an assumption that they will change.
Edit for levity:
(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/19528/denny-green-o.gif)
Fair points, but let's step back a bit on the budgets. I don't think that under Curry, we'll see budgets where much of the (proposed) spending is tied to borrowing, using one-time money to pay for recurring expenses, etc., which is what's been happening under Brown. In his budgets, the spending doesn't match the revenues, which is why the Council has had to take control of the process. I don't think that kind of thing will happen under Curry; the financial situation will be more apparent as soon as the budget proposal leaves the mayor's office. And the council will still have its say as well.
Quote from: stephendare on May 19, 2015, 09:30:03 AM
Quote from: jaxlore on May 19, 2015, 09:26:56 AM
I am sorry, but I cannot vote another fear monger into office. This city is not burning to the ground, there is no chaos as city hall. There is no mad max in Hemming Park. I am by no means Alvin Browns biggest fan but no matter how you skew the numbers things have really improved over the last four years in Jacksonville.
exactly. although to hear Curry tell it, look out mere mortals, here comes the apocalypse.
If I may paraphrase FDR, "We have nothing to fear but fear-mongers themselves'
Quote from: tufsu1 on May 19, 2015, 11:35:21 AM
Quote from: mtraininjax on May 19, 2015, 09:18:41 AM
and Curry, having never been in local office
It is just this fact that worries me most. We have seen with Peyton and Brown (not mention Gov. Scott) how steep the learning curve is for people who have not managed in a government atmosphere before. I am simply not willing to take that chance again.
+1000.
Plus Brown is gone in four years regardless. Curry won't be. Neither one is even close to being the best that JAX can do.
Quote from: RattlerGator on May 19, 2015, 11:52:03 AM.
Wow, OVERSTATE much ? ? ?
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Sometimes. Maybe.
I'm curious, though. When was the last time you heard a republican candidate discuss taxes without "no new" in front? ;D
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on May 19, 2015, 02:29:20 PM
Quote from: RattlerGator on May 19, 2015, 11:52:03 AM.
Wow, OVERSTATE much ? ? ?
Sometimes. Maybe.
I'm curious, though. When was the last time you heard a republican candidate discuss taxes without "no new" in front? ;D
[/quote]
Bishop did it. Moran, too. Of course, they both lost.
NO candidate wants to talk about the possibility of raising taxes. Brown is a Democrat and he's been banging the same drum for four years, even after taxes did go up on his watch.
Touche.
But neither Bishop nor Moran had the support of the party.
Can we call them independents? ;) (I will regardless just to further my own point, lol)
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on May 19, 2015, 03:08:37 PM
Touche.
But neither Bishop nor Moran had the support of the party.
Can we call them independents? ;) (I will regardless just to further my own point, lol)
Sure, but again, Brown has been just as strongly against taxes as most Republicans. The candidates tax stances are pretty identical.
I voted for Alvin because he has not done a bad job and I think his experience will help in a second term. He has been very conservative interestingly on most issues and I like him personally.
However, there is no doubt Jacksonville is behind every other larger metro in the state over the past 4 years as growth has occurred post-recession. DT Jax is as shabby as ever while Tampa, St. Pete, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm, Gainesville, Tallahassee, have been booming. I don't hold him responsible for all of that, but it has been disappointing that we lack that vision for DT or really much of anything compared to our sister cities across the state.
QuoteI voted for Alvin because he has not done a bad job and I think his experience will help in a second term. He has been very conservative interestingly on most issues and I like him personally.
However, there is no doubt Jacksonville is behind every other larger metro in the state over the past 4 years as growth has occurred post-recession. DT Jax is as shabby as ever while Tampa, St. Pete, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm, Gainesville, Tallahassee, have been booming. I don't hold him responsible for all of that, but it has been disappointing that we lack that vision for DT or really much of anything compared to our sister cities across the state.
No mayor of 4 or 8 years can cure what ails downtown Jacksonville. I don't care if Shad Khan spends $1 Billion downtown, the biggest issue is residents. There are maybe 3,000 to 5,000 residents downtown, and with the projects on the board now, the core would be lucky to see 10,000 within 10 years.
There is nothing on the horizon to build up downtown, no new school, no new industry, no new manufacturing, and these are older Boomer Style industries. Suburbia zip codes have the wealth and people are moving and retiring there. Its going to take a lot longer than one or two terms to try things, and fail, downtown.
The failure of downtown was not why Brown lost, and it was not really an issue. I think he lost due to his lack of leadership and the recent crime waves. He was shown to be inept with solutions.
^ actually 10,000 residents is kind of the magic number for most downtowns. And, btw, there may very well be a new school on the horizon for downtown Jax.
Quote^ actually 10,000 residents is kind of the magic number for most downtowns. And, btw, there may very well be a new school on the horizon for downtown Jax.
Who cares about most downtowns? We only care about our downtown!
I also hear that the Shipyards will be built soon. :P