Who else thinks Tony Allegretti should run for the new Downtown House seat?

Jimmy · February 22, 2012, 02:09:46 PM

Quote from: Demosthenes on February 18, 2012, 08:17:37 PM
Tony would be a good representative or city council person. He is a very positive, knowledgeable voice in the fight to resurrect downtown. He also lacks a lot of the baggage of some of the other names mentioned.

Quite true. It can be hard to overcome demographics, but Tony is a stellar person to put forward for office. I hope he'll consider running. At the very least, a vigorous campaign would give him a chance to continue to elevate issues of concern for the urban core.

And a successful campaign focused on smart growth, creative re-use, and economic development (all of which are among Tony's most credible strengths) would be a serious asset to Jacksonville in the legislature.

Jimmy · February 22, 2012, 02:26:10 PM

Well, between Artwalk and RAM, he definitely has the bona fides to talk about re-use and economic development. He has the aura of success between his various business enterprises. And I'm sure more than just the aura.

Burrito Gallery and Uptown Market are projects I'd associate with smart growth. And if they could have gotten the Hayden Burns off the ground... well, there's obviously more work to be done. Which is why we need people like Tony is positions to make things happen.

fsujax · February 22, 2012, 02:31:14 PM

Nothing wrong with getting him on the ballot. If at the least he elevates discussions of the urban core, then I can live with that.

Jimmy · February 22, 2012, 02:44:38 PM

All of those things you just listed constitute experience. I'm not trying to convince you of why I'd support his candidacy. Go your own way.

mtraininjax · February 22, 2012, 02:53:59 PM

Tony cannot leave Simon, what will Simon be without Tony?

vicupstate · February 22, 2012, 05:07:10 PM

Tony Allegretti has been associated in one way or another with numerous projects that have been successful and pro-urban (Artwalk, RAM, Brown's campaign, his businesses). He 'gets-it' on the issues near and dear to MJ readers. Having someone who 'gets it' is a big improvement over the Don Redman's of the world.

City Council ain't rocket science, and at least he would be in it for the right reasons. City Council is where he would truly affect change though, not the legislature.

CityLife · February 22, 2012, 05:23:05 PM

Tony has a lot of street cred in the urban core and I think would do pretty well in the world of politics.

I actually think he would be a better asset for Jacksonville in the legislature than city council. I don't know specifics, but I'm sure he has the ear of Mayor Brown and other power players in town. He can make things happen in Jax if he wants without being on City Council. But does Jax have anyone that can make things happen in DT/urban core in Tallahassee? I think Tony is the type of guy who could make some stuff happen or at least get the conversation started.

drhandbook · February 22, 2012, 06:04:24 PM

Stephen, I think you took his comments in the clip a bit too personally. When I listened it seemed like he was talking more about the comments section of news4jax, jacksonville.com, etc. than metrojacksonville. I know there is no one in Jacksonville who could EVER know more about downtown, urban planning, public transit, how to run a cafe, how to run a bar, how to run a night club, what to do about the homeless, 15th century english poetry... I really do not have enough time in the world to type out all the things you are an "expert" in

No need to get your panties in a bunch.

Quote from: CityLife on February 22, 2012, 05:23:05 PM
Tony has a lot of street cred in the urban core and I think would do pretty well in the world of politics.

I actually think he would be a better asset for Jacksonville in the legislature than city council. I don't know specifics, but I'm sure he has the ear of Mayor Brown and other power players in town. He can make things happen in Jax if he wants without being on City Council. But does Jax have anyone that can make things happen in DT/urban core in Tallahassee? I think Tony is the type of guy who could make some stuff happen or at least get the conversation started.

+1

drhandbook · February 23, 2012, 08:42:07 AM

You really know how to make a mountain out of a molehill.

Demosthenes · February 23, 2012, 08:57:00 AM

WTF?! Why does this thread keep getting nuked?! Tony Allegretti is not exactly a controversial figure! He has a nice body of work in his activism downtown. Is this just one person grinding a personal ax to shut a thread down?

Demosthenes · February 23, 2012, 09:13:01 AM

Fwiw, I just watched the clip posted earlier in this thread, and I dont see the controversy. He is absolutely right. abusive posters, trolls, and abusive admins ARE a problem on forums like this. I think this thread is actually a personification of that sentiment!! I do diverge with his view, in as much as, I think that the anonymity allows otherwise reluctant citizens to engage, and get involved to a limited degree, but the rest of his point is spot on.