Diane Melendez: Why I voted for Bill Bishop and more!

[tufsu1]

Not true, actually.  I spoke with Bill directly and with he and melanie together at the annual Red Party at the Rinaman's house about a candidate statement and an essay. 

this may come as a surprise given the article yesterday, but Bill's wife's name is Melody!

[Cheshire Cat]

Apache, had Bill gotten the list of questions he would definitely have answered them.  For whatever reason his campaign did not receive them.  If something was emailed or sent and not acknowledged it would have been an oversight as Bill is all about direct answers to questions.    Stephen, I also mentioned in my comment that Bill acknowledged having spoken with you but stated he received no official list of questions nor did his campaign receive an official request directly from MJ for a candidate statement or essay. He answered all queries "sent to his campaign" directly, he would not have ignored one from Metrojax.

[thelakelander]

^I asked Kristen to forward me the email she sent. When I get it, I'll let you know if it was an oversight on our part.

[Cheshire Cat]

That would be nice Ennis.  They would def have answered.  If not it was simply an oversight on either end.  It's all good.  Hopefully Bill will have the chance to answer those questions in the next go round for May 19th! 

[thelakelander]

Here's the email chain. Again, no big deal. Probably just an oversight.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kristen Pickrell <kristen@metrojacksonville.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 10, 2015 at 9:10 AM
Subject: Re:
To: William Bishop <wbishop@alsarchitects.com>


Good morning, Sir, 

Thanks for the quick response and sorry for the delay-- my supervisor and I were still working out some things. Below you will find my questions. Please provide as detailed a response as possible, and if there are any questions you does not feel comfortable answering, just leave them blank. I appreciate your time and help in this and I'll look forward to your response.

Questions:

1.     What innovative ideas, incentives or specific legislation would you introduce in the area of economic incentives, policies, and funding for small and medium businesses?


2.     If elected, what pieces of legislation will you sponsor in your first year in office? What specifically will these pieces of legislation address, and how would these laws address these issues?


3.     Do you support or oppose amending those ordinances to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression? Why is this your position?


4.     What is your position on this moratorium?


5.     If elected to City Council, what policies would you advance that encourage the redevelopment of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods while enhancing pedestrian and cycling safety in Jacksonville?


6.     How would you support the advancement of Arts and Cultural Institutions in Jacksonville?


7.     Do you agree that Jacksonville is being run "on the cheap"? If so, how would you address this trend? Where would you prioritize future investment?


8.     As a Councilmember, what initiatives would you propose to ensure that Jacksonville creates a modern technology infrastructure that generates cost savings in government operations, provides increased digital access and skills, expands Jacksonville's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design, Math) workforce, and encourages civic engagement?


9.     Please explain your position on the dredging of the St. Johns River.



What do you see as the strongest/weakest attributes that we as a city have, and how would you build from/anticipate correcting that after elected?



Do you have any plan to improve the public school system here in Duval County?



What are your thoughts, and how do you plan to fund, current downtown development projects such as the Landing or the Shipyards? What are your plans for future developments?



Is there anything else that you would like to add or address that you think is important for voters to know?



Best,



Kristen



On Tue, Mar 3, 2015 at 12:42 PM, William Bishop <wbishop@alsarchitects.com> wrote:
Kristen:  I am open today until 2PM so feel free to call.

Bill

William Bishop, AIA
Candidate for Mayor

704 Rosselle Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32204
Tel:  904.356.2654
Cell:  904.463-3396
info@billbishopformayor.com

From: Kristen Pickrell [mailto:kristen@metrojacksonville.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2015 11:31 AM
To: info@billbishopformayor.com
Subject:

Good morning,

My name is Kristen and I am a writer for Metro Jacksonville. We are putting together a piece on the political races here in Jacksonville, that will work to educate our locals and allow them to be informed voters. I am contacting you today, in hopes that I can ask you a few questions about yourself and your intentions if you are voted in.

I'll look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and cooperation in this manner.

Best,

Kristen Pickrell
Freelance Writer
Metro Jacksonville

[Cheshire Cat]

Thanks Ennis.  I will share this.  Definitely an oversight.