Only Televised Mayoral Debate Tonight

thelakelander · April 25, 2011, 08:14:57 PM

To Hogan: How has the tax collector's office prepared you to be mayor?

Hogan: First hand knowledge of how much revenue has flowed through his office. Says doesn't have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem. Running tax collectors office is like running the city to a degree.

To Brown: How much do you make a JU?

Brown: $20k. Believes his experience will help the city benefit in forming public/private partnerships.

fsujax · April 25, 2011, 08:18:12 PM

^^I know right! i want to see them duke it out and exchange ideas.

Jimmy · April 25, 2011, 08:19:29 PM

Wow, commercials. Didn't expect these.

thelakelander · April 25, 2011, 08:20:41 PM

To Hogan: How will you fix the pension problem?

Hogan: Said he will not raise taxes to fund pension. Said it would take hours to discuss.

What about free pensions for city council members?

Hogan: COJ has no jurisdiction over city council pension.

Same questions to Brown:

Brown: first we'll get financial house in order. Will cut salary by 20%, not take pension and will cut appointee positions. Will make Audrey Moran, Peter Rummell, Nat Glover, etc. key players in fixing city finances. Looking into technology, contract procurement and another department (i missed it) to help reduce budget strain on city. Also said Hogan has taken 16 salary increases while working as an elected official.

thelakelander · April 25, 2011, 08:22:37 PM

Do you support the bill that all city employees must live in Duval County?

Brown: Something to consider. However, we should make sure it doesn't hurt Jax's ability to get top talent. Said he would suggest taking it to voters.

Hogan: Likes the idea.

thelakelander · April 25, 2011, 08:26:11 PM

What are you willing to do to attract jobs?

Hogan: 1. make calls for businesses to come to Jax. Said he used to work as a salesman for Southern Bell. 2. Plans on moving JEDC into mayor's office. Will cut $62 million out of budget and use incentives if necessary.

Brown: 1. forge public/private partnership with Jaxport. Will secure $1.5 billion for port development to bring 35k jobs to Jax. 2. Will focus on small businesses. Part of this includes making sure we address our education system. ran out of time.

Jaxson · April 25, 2011, 08:27:55 PM

I love Alvin, but he has got to stop saying "make sure." If I started a drinking game, I would be in a bad way about right now!

thelakelander · April 25, 2011, 08:28:53 PM

What will you do help Jax's cruise industry?

Brown: Be chief marketer for city.

Hogan: Will pour all of our resources into helping Jaxport's issues. Cruise and shipping in general. Said there are 20k jobs for the taking.

thelakelander · April 25, 2011, 08:32:10 PM

What would you tell neighborhoods looking for help?

Hogan: Public safety, streets/highways/drainage & parks are most important issues. Will pay attention to all neighborhoods.

How would you spread equally across city?

Hogan: Priorities. But first fund core needs.

Brown: Must look at neighborhoods that are declining. Should be higher priority. This area is his background. Will take a holistic approach to issue. Wants every resident in this city to feel safe in their own home.

thelakelander · April 25, 2011, 08:32:58 PM

How would you hold city employees accountable to question above: Brown says he will get the employees out of the office and into the streets.

thelakelander · April 25, 2011, 08:36:05 PM

Will you roll back current taxes?

Brown: No. Wants to focus on future. Balance budget and live within our means. Must have people working for city who will be held accountable. Target growth industries, aviation, health, logistics, etc. Take advantage of new market tax credits.

Hogan: Will be difficult. Will make sure that we don't spend current funds wastefully. However, would attact the JEA franchise fee if possible.

dougskiles · April 25, 2011, 08:36:53 PM

The question used San Marco as an example of getting more maintenance for their town center than Arlington. What they apparently didn't realize is that the San Marco Merchant's Association pays for the cleaning of the sidewalks and maintenance of the landscaping in the Square - not the city.

thelakelander · April 25, 2011, 08:38:05 PM

Convention Center. Where should it be built and with what money?

Hogan: Money is not there, although we need one. Would be interested in private sector offers. This is not a high priority.

Brown: Focus on a public/private partnership. Take holistic approach because DT is key to our economic future. Like Hogan, looking for private sector involvement.

thelakelander · April 25, 2011, 08:41:29 PM

View on privatizing certain government operations?

Brown: Wants to focus on what is effective and efficient. Would put together team to be well informed on best moves to make.

Hogan: Worked on this in 91/92 as city council chairman. Led to contract with SMG. Will look at ROI for city. Areas for privatization include IT and motor pool.

thelakelander · April 25, 2011, 08:45:22 PM

Will you stand up to local pressures to reduce funding for public libraries?

Hogan: Made pledge that he will not raise taxes. Will make sure that city will live within its needs. Public safety, streets/drainage and parks are top priorities. Has no intention of closing libraries. However, is not sure right now where potential adjustments would come. Would close library before fire station.

Brown: Library is fabric of our community. Will do everything humanly possible to keep libraries open. Key to education and speaks to who we are as a community.