Michelle Tappouni: Why I'm Running for Council

[GatorGem]

Michelle Tappouni for City Council Group 5 At Large! This woman is not only sharp and intelligent, she is informed. I am amazed on a daily basis the depth of her knowledge on many of the issues facing this city. If you haven't made your decision on the candidate you will vote for  in this race on March 22nd (or before), go to www.votetappouni.com to read more about her four pillars, her desire to serve this city and her pledge to represent the voters of this great city by continuing to be informed on the issues and make decisions that will improve the quality of life for all in Jacksonville! GO TAPPOUNI!!

[Miss Fixit]

I ran into Michelle Tappouni last night and, as always, was blown away by her knowledge of the issues and reasonable approach to the challenges Jacksonville faces.

Please, check out Michelle's website at www.votetappouni.com.  Get out and vote - if you're leaving town for spring break, vote early.  I'll be voting for Michelle on election day, Tuesday March 22nd.

Remember, EVERYONE in Jacksonville votes for the at-large candidates.

[wsansewjs]

She has my vote already! She is so passionate about the role she is going to take if she wins!

-Josh

[fieldafm]

I echo my unbridled support for Michelle.

[urbaknight]

As do I.

[CS Foltz]

I have already cast my vote for Ms Michelle........along with my significant other! There is no question, if elected, she will represent the voters who install her unlike some other Council members in office or running for office! I may as well be shameless and cast my hat into the ring to assist as needed! She will need all the help she can get is my thoughts!

[Cliffs_Daughter]

I have already cast my vote for Ms Michelle........

Count mine in that too. 

[Noone]

I'm voting for Tappouni. And I'll be referencing her in my future emails to Governor Scott and the other 66 counties in the state of Florida as it relates to economic opportunity and access to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River within our Downtown Jacksonville Overlay Zoning District. Robert says "hey" Your yard sign is proudly displayed.

[stjr]

She served as President of the Associated Builders and Contractors Women's Council during the past three years and is a member of the American Institute of Architects, The Urban Land Institute, Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, NEFBA Commercial Council and the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council. She is past president of the Gulf Coast Chapter and National Board Member of the American Subcontractors Association.

Lot's of nice things here about Tappouni.  But, how does one know she will be any different than the others coming from the building, contracting, developing, real estate group of interests?  What makes her different than the other urban sprawlers and tea partiers in her profession?  I have an open mind and am just looking for answers.

I do love Michelle Tappouni, Miss Fixit, but I don't think that Sean Hall's relationship with Kerri Stewart or Peyton is cause for much concern.  Ive actually paid attention to Kerri Stewart's progress through the Peyton years, and she was pretty much an outsider who kept moving up because of her competence--it certainly wasnt a result of cronyism.  There were a few times along the way that Kerri thought it was curtains for her because of politics, only to be surprised that she still had a job based on her ability to get things done.

Sean Hall is the other candidate I am considering here.  His wife, Kerri, is a real gem for the City and Peyton's administration.  I agree with Stephen Dare's assessment earlier.

[jason_contentdg]

She served as President of the Associated Builders and Contractors Women's Council during the past three years and is a member of the American Institute of Architects, The Urban Land Institute, Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, NEFBA Commercial Council and the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council. She is past president of the Gulf Coast Chapter and National Board Member of the American Subcontractors Association.

Lot's of nice things here about Tappouni.  But, how does one know she will be any different than the others coming from the building, contracting, developing, real estate group of interests?  What makes her different than the other urban sprawlers and tea partiers in her profession?  I have an open mind and am just looking for answers.

I do love Michelle Tappouni, Miss Fixit, but I don't think that Sean Hall's relationship with Kerri Stewart or Peyton is cause for much concern.  Ive actually paid attention to Kerri Stewart's progress through the Peyton years, and she was pretty much an outsider who kept moving up because of her competence--it certainly wasnt a result of cronyism.  There were a few times along the way that Kerri thought it was curtains for her because of politics, only to be surprised that she still had a job based on her ability to get things done.

Sean Hall is the other candidate I am considering here.  His wife, Kerri, is a real gem for the City and Peyton's administration.  I agree with Stephen Dare's assessment earlier.

Well, one thing that makes Michelle different than many of the people in the fields you listed above is the actual company (her sister's) that she is a major part of.  They are the area's only real source for sustainable and green building.  It's not a catch phrase for them, they live it.  Breaking Ground Contracting is not your typical construction company, they are forward thinking and bring sustainable aspects to the every job, not just ones that are looking for LEED certification, becasue they care about the environment.  You can see this is their, almost completed, office on highway avenue, just off of I-10.  They are completely rehabbing that particular building, complete with green roof and LEED certification, not clearing some land in the suburbs.

Also she has recently been appointed to the City's Environmental Protection Board, an enforcement body for environmental matters in Duval County that consists of nine members who are appointed by the mayor and City Council for four-year terms. Members are chosen to represent industry, conservationist organizations, professional engineers, the medical profession and the general public. http://southflorida.citybizlist.com/6/2011/2/17/Michelle-Tappouni-Appointed-To-City-Of-Jacksonville-Environmental-Protection-Board.aspx

All of the Tappouni sisters live in the Urban Core, Michelle along with one in Springfield, the other in Riverside.  Michelle is a current board member at SAMBA, Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association.  She knows the issues that Small Business owner's face, she's been there.

She finally got to a point where she was tired of politics as usual, and instead of complaining about them, she's stepped up to try and make a difference.  Of course, she needs our support and votes to truly make that happen.  

stjr, I wish you had a chance to chat with Michelle, that's really all it takes to solidify why one would think she's ready for this task.

[stjr]

Jason, thanks for the full response.  I am willing to consider Michelle based on your explanation.  If she wins, I hope she is all that you make her out to be.  Good luck.

[votetappouni]

After almost a year of campaigning we are less than three hours before the polls close. Thank you to everyone that called, emailed, tweeted and posted on Facebook today. I am overwhelmed by your messages of support and your kind words. If you are in Springfield tonight please stop by Three Layers/The Cellar (6th and Walnut) and say hello! To all my volunteers still out there waving signs, thank you!

[north miami]

Michelle,

The strong support of "Builders" and Real Estate was a red flag but the long established interest in the river system tributaries suggested an on the ground effective interest beyond the sound bite.
Your hands on getting out there on the water is likely a proven qualifier and you do indeed posses diverse interest and back ground.

Today I voted for you with a sense of confidence and anticipation.

[fieldafm]

I was proud to vote for you today Michelle!

[brainstormer]

^ Me too!