Live blogging the vote for 2012-296, human rights ordinance.

[finehoe]

...what the city hasn't gained by not having a large and thriving LGBT community. 

It all goes back to attracting the creative class, which I have posted on this board multiple times.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_class

Jacksonville refuses to even compete when it comes to attracting this demographic.

[simms3]

And might I add that the gay community really supports the arts.  Many wealthy gays are big big big philanthropists.  Can't think of any in Jacksonville (anyone?).  Gays also throw the best parties .

[Timkin]

  Gays also throw the best parties .

    Agreed !

[Tacachale]

^No offense guys, our creative class gap is an important topic, but this issue is bigger than that. Despite the stereotypes, not all LGBT folks are part of the "creative class" or "young professional" demographic. In Jacksonville, gays and lesbians are more likely to be working parents than young urban pioneers - all the same their basic rights should be protected.

[finehoe]

not all LGBT folks are part of the "creative class" or "young professional" demographic.

Quite true, and it wasn't my intention to imply otherwise.  The point I was trying to make, is that passing something like an anti-discrimination bill should be a no-brainer in 2012, if not because it is the right thing to do, than from an economic development standpoint.  But our lame-ass City Council (and those who support them) is so blinded by their prejudices that they can't even see it from that angle.  And unfortunately, this is a pattern that has been followed for decades and holds Jacksonville back from being the great place it has the potential to be.

[Tacachale]

^I most certainly agree.

[Timkin]

not all LGBT folks are part of the "creative class" or "young professional" demographic.

Quite true, and it wasn't my intention to imply otherwise.  The point I was trying to make, is that passing something like an anti-discrimination bill should be a no-brainer in 2012, if not because it is the right thing to do, than from an economic development standpoint.  But our lame-ass City Council (and those who support them) is so blinded by their prejudices that they can't even see it from that angle.  And unfortunately, this is a pattern that has been followed for decades and holds Jacksonville back from being the great place it has the potential to be.

^Finehoe.... you rock !!!     

[vicupstate]

^People have a far wider range of criticisms than that he's a "local version of Obama". In fact, I don't believe I've heard that one at all.

Apparently you don't read the T-U comments, not that I would blame you. 

I agree that the criticisms against Brown are wide ranging, and many of those are legitimate.

But he has shown a strong willingness to carry Tea Party water in my opinion.  It will do him no good.  Those people will never support anyone with a D after his name.  They view Obama as unqualified to be elected POTUS and not up to the task.  They feel the same way about Brown, and were predisposed to him being a failure.     

[AshleyLauren]

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400601/ron-littlepage/2012-06-22/ron-littlepage-time-vote-jacksonvilles-anti


Sums it up I think.
Figured I would share because I didn't know Joost could do this.

[Timkin]

I hope they vote for this favorably and put it to rest.  That they have stalled so long on this is inexcusable.

Is there any way around this , should council continue to want to stall and drag their feet? .

[Tamara-B]

According to current events, Ms. Daniels isn't too pleased by Bill Bishop appointing only white members for committee chairs.

For once, I agree with her.

Maybe now she knows how gay, Jax citizens feel about the discrimination they are facing and their fight for this bill

[Timkin]

According to current events, Ms. Daniels isn't too pleased by Bill Bishop appointing only white members for committee chairs.

For once, I agree with her.

Maybe now she knows how gay, Jax citizens feel about the discrimination they are facing and their fight for this bill

If it were a mix, she would still find something wrong with it.  BECAUSE she does not like the bill and does not want it to pass  . 

Is the "Mayberry Factor" EVER going to be over in Jacksonville ?

[AshleyLauren]

According to current events, Ms. Daniels isn't too pleased by Bill Bishop appointing only white members for committee chairs.

For once, I agree with her.

Maybe now she knows how gay, Jax citizens feel about the discrimination they are facing and their fight for this bill

Tamara, I am not his biggest fan either. However, are there certain procedures he has to follow when appointing chairs? i.e. length of service, per district, etc. Or was it his job to do it?

[Charles Hunter]

As I understand it, from observing Council for ... a long time ... the Council President can name any of the other 18 members to any position.  Completely within the discretion of the Prez.

[AshleyLauren]

http://www.news4jax.com/news/Minority-council-members-claim-discrimination/-/475880/15211404/-/p3p1qgz/-/index.html


I find all of this entirely ironic. What are the odds this comes up in the midst of a anti-discrimination bill battle?