Is there a Better Better Jacksonville Plan in Us?

[Jdog]

The paradigm is getting old: It's a feeling, a bubble, a language oriented by a leaderless, uninspired period in which we hear "that's a reach", "who's going to pay for it", "our last big plan fell short", "there's no will for that", in short, it's been a time of no.

Whether counter-intuitive or actually logical on its face:

Is there a bottled up energy and Better Better Jacksonville Plan primed to emerge?   

[IrvAdams]

I think the answer is yes.

I was sitting here this morning, reading this forum and thinking the same exact thoughts. It seems there's a pervasive negative mandate across our entire city government that is designed to say "no" in any number of ways rather then "yes, and how can we assist?".

[ChriswUfGator]

They certainly do seem to think we work for them, not the other way around...

[Adam12]

I know it can be a pain to email local officials and it might seem pointless, but I advocate it anyway. I would politely but assertively let them know how I feel about things, particularly the actions they take. They can certainly ignore what citizens say or not even read emails at all. And it's certainly possible that I am hopelessly naive, lol. But I do believe they get the message on some level. I wouldn't hesitate to tell them "I am very unhappy about this and feel that I have no choice but to vote against you as a result." Of course when they do well, I would give them enthusiastic support. The bottom line is that they know the citizens are watching and intend to hold them accountable for their actions.

[IrvAdams]

I know it can be a pain to email local officials and it might seem pointless, but I advocate it anyway. I would politely but assertively let them know how I feel about things, particularly the actions they take. They can certainly ignore what citizens say or not even read emails at all. And it's certainly possible that I am hopelessly naive, lol. But I do believe they get the message on some level. I wouldn't hesitate to tell them "I am very unhappy about this and feel that I have no choice but to vote against you as a result." Of course when they do well, I would give them enthusiastic support. The bottom line is that they know the citizens are watching and intend to hold them accountable for their actions.

Yes, totally agree. I email these folks often, and I will mention that three in particular, John Crescimbeni, Bill Bishop and Clay Yarborough, have been quick to respond and helpful.

It always helps to express your thoughts in this way. Or even a letter. Or the editorial page. Or this forum.

[edjax]

I would not see it anytime soon as it would most likely require as the prior required a tax of some form. And the prior passed because we had a strong mayor at the time who pushed hard for it with the public. We now have a mayor who we all know is dead set against increased taxes and would most likely never campaign for it. Even if we had a few council members for it I think it would be difficult to get passed without the backing of the mayor.  Of course this assumes Mayor Brown is back for a second term, which I think it quite possible especially if the pension issue is settled before the elections.

[IrvAdams]

I would not see it anytime soon as it would most likely require as the prior required a tax of some form. And the prior passed because we had a strong mayor at the time who pushed hard for it with the public. We now have a mayor who we all know is dead set against increased taxes and would most likely never campaign for it. Even if we had a few council members for it I think it would be difficult to get passed without the backing of the mayor.  Of course this assumes Mayor Brown is back for a second term, which I think it quite possible especially if the pension issue is settled before the elections.

Yes. Any Better Jacksonville Plan will have to initiate from private resources and private individuals. There's a station-keeping mentality in government now, and nothing will change faster than a snail's pace without a hard push from the private sector.

[Glenn OSteen]

I know it can be a pain to email local officials and it might seem pointless, but I advocate it anyway. I would politely but assertively let them know how I feel about things, particularly the actions they take. They can certainly ignore what citizens say or not even read emails at all. And it's certainly possible that I am hopelessly naive, lol. But I do believe they get the message on some level. I wouldn't hesitate to tell them "I am very unhappy about this and feel that I have no choice but to vote against you as a result." Of course when they do well, I would give them enthusiastic support. The bottom line is that they know the citizens are watching and intend to hold them accountable for their actions.

Yes, totally agree. I email these folks often, and I will mention that three in particular, John Crescimbeni, Bill Bishop and Clay Yarborough, have been quick to respond and helpful.

It always helps to express your thoughts in this way. Or even a letter. Or the editorial page. Or this forum.

[Glenn OSteen]

I would disagree with the premise that letters/emails or comments made to elected officials make a real difference. 

I vividly recall the meetings of the City Council during the HRO deliberations.  In addition, I have sent letters to Council members and have responses that were nothing more than boilerplate form letters from a staff member; particularly true with Lori Boyer.  While she, and others, might very well do much good, the real power lies with a handful of well paid lobbyists, not the average citizen.  Watch the City Council pending action on billboards for a prime example of what I mean.

[finehoe]

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

-Margaret Mead

[IrvAdams]

I would disagree with the premise that letters/emails or comments made to elected officials make a real difference. 

I vividly recall the meetings of the City Council during the HRO deliberations.  In addition, I have sent letters to Council members and have responses that were nothing more than boilerplate form letters from a staff member; particularly true with Lori Boyer.  While she, and others, might very well do much good, the real power lies with a handful of well paid lobbyists, not the average citizen.  Watch the City Council pending action on billboards for a prime example of what I mean.

I've gotten boilerplate from some of them also. But I've gotten real, respectful answers from some also. I sincerely believe all friction contributes to change - words and opinions have power.

[KenFSU]

I can't see it happening any time soon. BJP came along at the right time, with perhaps the only mayor of the last 30 years capable of pulling it off. We're still paying that plan off, through 2030 I believe, and numerous BJP roadway projects still don't have the funding necessary to proceed. When BJP came along, we badly needed modern public facilities, specifically a new courthouse, new arena, new baseball stadium, and new main library. What tentpole projects would anchor a "Better Better Jacksonville Plan"? Shipyards, Landing, and Laura Street would all be a really tough sell to the public, as the private sector would ultimately be viewed as the one benefitting. These projects, particularly the first two, are much better suited for private development. Mixed-use soccer stadium/concert amphitheater? Maybe. Restoration of Hogan's Creek? Perhaps. Ultimately though, if you can't even trust the mayor's office to do the little things properly (like keeping water taxis running during the biggest soccer game in city history, or remembering a passport on the way to sell London on Jacksonville), you're not going to find many people willing to commit another $2.2 billion to a Better Better Jacksonville plan.

[Jdog]

Transit?

Contending with words, and spirit, like progress, believe in us, moving forward, or connecting our great neighborhoods better?  Balancing more gas tax revenues towards a modernizing transit system?