Alvin Brown says he is non partisan

[Jaxson]

While it is great that Alvin Brown has promised not to get too close to Obama during the 2012 elections, it is telling that we have Rick Scott flying in to support Mike Hogan.  The Democrat has to disconnect himself from this party's officeholders, but we have the GOP being able to associate themselves who whomever and whoever they want.  
This is good for Alvin Brown to put city above party.  I hope that others will take notice.

[Jimmy]

I certainly have taken notice, Jaxson.  And I'm telling everyone I know.  The bipartisan energy that Audrey drummed up is flowing very much to Alvin Brown.

Oh, and I think I saw someone say up-thread that the Civil Council endorsed Audrey.  They did not.  They didn't make an endorsement.  It was clear they had a favorite.  And with this news today, it's clear they have a new favorite.

[FayeforCure]

Excellent Work Alvin!!

Nothing pleases me more than seeing you get support from the high money donors. ThAT to me indicates you can WIN!!!

As a hard core Dem (not a lifelong Dem), but yet pragmatic Dem.............I realize that in NE Florida you have to run as a Blue Dog Dem, to court the Republican vote.

There is nothing wrong with that.

I am actually amused that a Dem who is supporting an arch conservative candidate is worried that hard core Dems would mind a Blue Dog Democrat.

And Jaxson, I agree. That phrase that DM used is very disrespectful.......... more what someone like Glenn Beck would use.

Quite shocking actually!

And as you know, being from Amsterdam.............it takes a lot to be shocked.

Oh, and not only am I a hard core Dem, I really am more of a Progressive.

Quality of Life is so important..............yet Dems have been excluded for too long in Jax. But we don't have to return the favor...............we can be inclusive. We are ONE.

[mtraininjax]

Is this the ONLY thread for the debate today at the University Club? If so, this was interesting:

Jim Schoettler: Suggests he (Brown) can bring an additional 35,000 job. Also talks about small business, the backbone of our economy. We have a tremendous opportunity to close the gaps.

Hey, 35,000 is a great number. With 10.2% unemployment, that would make a nice dent, but we would still be at 5-6% unemployment. Don't get me wrong, I like the direction, but why not offer double that at 60,000 and get us down to the levels we were in 2006/2007, before the great recession started. If we're throwing out numbers....

[Jimmy]

Alvin has the port issues figured out.  I think that number could be related to logistics jobs.  He knows jobs, btw. 

[wsansewjs]

Is this the ONLY thread for the debate today at the University Club? If so, this was interesting:

Jim Schoettler: Suggests he (Brown) can bring an additional 35,000 job. Also talks about small business, the backbone of our economy. We have a tremendous opportunity to close the gaps.

Hey, 35,000 is a great number. With 10.2% unemployment, that would make a nice dent, but we would still be at 5-6% unemployment. Don't get me wrong, I like the direction, but why not offer double that at 60,000 and get us down to the levels we were in 2006/2007, before the great recession started. If we're throwing out numbers....

4-6% Unemployment rate is COMPLETELY normal because of people changing jobs, going to schools, quit for person reasons, etc etc.

-Josh

[mtraininjax]

Thanks for thinking, how about digging for answers:

Jim Schoettler: Brown: My vision for downtown jacksonville is very simple. Downtown speaks to our character, it speaks about who we are. My vision is to have a vibrant downtown that is thriving. The city has invested over $1.2 billion in downtown over the last 10 year. How do we level that investment. I say public private partnership having a single authority...focusing on downtown.

Jim Schoettler: Brown: We can become a destination for downtown. Downtown should be the place of commerce where people can work, live and play.

Jim Schoettler: It is an important neighborhood. It is the most important neighborhood. But we don't have the money right now. I believe the downtown will delveop when the Realtors and businessowners realize there is an opportunity. I've worshipped downtown for 40 years. I worked downtown for 40 years. ...

Good for Brown, he is taking the approach that everyone on this board who loves downtown wants him to take, he is going to lose the suburb vote, but he will win downtown. I am happy for him, but if he keeps on this tack of making downtown the "most important neighborhood", he is going to get crushed in the suburbs. We'll have to see if the voters in the urban area can make up for the suburban crowd.

[mtraininjax]

4-6% Unemployment rate is COMPLETELY normal because of people changing jobs, going to schools, quit for person reasons, etc etc.

Sure you do, but tell that to the 50,000 still unemployed. We got down to 3% when the economy was running full board. We can do the same with the assets we have here, but its short sightedness to leave opportunities on the table. If I wanted more votes, I would have gone with a bigger number. Hogan did not say anything or have any numbers, if Brown wants my vote, he needs to think bigger.

[Timkin]

Well M--you know you DO NOT have to vote for him

[mtraininjax]

Well at least BROWN said something I liked in the forum today:

Jim Schoettler: Brown: You got to look at all the variables. You want to make sure we leverage them. As mayor, I would not raise your taxes and fees. I would take a 20 percent pay cut...

So no taxes and new fees, how do you pay for all the social programs that all ya'll want???

[Timkin]

Social programs?..   You're trippin , M-train

[mtraininjax]

Sorry mtrain, but the suburbs didnt actually go for Mike.  The westside did.

Stephen - We shall see soon. Folks in Mandarin, if they care at all, won't appreciate seeing their revenues going to fix something they deem as unsafe and unneeded. Come to think of neither will the westside, beaches or northside.

[Jimmy]

I am happy for him, but if he keeps on this tack of making downtown the "most important neighborhood", he is going to get crushed in the suburbs. We'll have to see if the voters in the urban area can make up for the suburban crowd.

On downtown: @HoganForMayor :: "It is the most important neighborhood but we don't have any money to invest."  

So... uhm... Hogan agrees that DT is the most important neighborhood.  There go those suburbs.  Dad blast it! :\

[Jaxson]

4-6% Unemployment rate is COMPLETELY normal because of people changing jobs, going to schools, quit for person reasons, etc etc.

Sure you do, but tell that to the 50,000 still unemployed. We got down to 3% when the economy was running full board. We can do the same with the assets we have here, but its short sightedness to leave opportunities on the table. If I wanted more votes, I would have gone with a bigger number. Hogan did not say anything or have any numbers, if Brown wants my vote, he needs to think bigger.

If you expect 0 percent unemployment from either candidate, you are dreaming.  I don't mean to say this because I want us to settle for anyone being out of work, but it does not make any sense to expect mayoral candidates to make such a promise.  Even the U.S. government definition of full employment is 3 percent for adults.  When did we last have a national unemployment rate of 2.93 percent?  1953.

[Jimmy]

mtrain wasn't being serious about the unemployment numbers.  He was trying to make fun of Mr. Brown for giving specifics.  I think.