Nearly every one of Jacksonville’s 14 City Council district seats and five at-large seats will appear on ballots in the March 21st elections (a handful of incumbents have been re-elected unopposed or face only a write-in candidate: Kevin Carrico, Nick Howland, Rory Diamond and Matt Carlucci).

Step 1: Keep your City Council district number in mind. If you don’t know it, enter your info here and then click “View Sample Ballot” to see which candidates are running to represent you. Step 2. Come back here to read how they answered the Jacksonville Today Council candidate questionnaire. All at-large candidates are listed first. Below them, you’ll be able to jump straight to your district.

Jax Today contacted all candidates repeatedly, using contact info they provided to the Duval County Supervisor of Elections. Responses are published here unedited, except for minor formatting changes/typo corrections. Additional candidate responses will be added as they’re received. Party affiliations are: DEM for Democrat, LPF for Libertarian Party of Florida, NPA for no party affiliation and REP for Republican.

Any candidate winning a majority of votes in the first election is elected; if no candidate wins a majority, then the general election in May will serve as a runoff between the top two winners regardless of party affiliation.

At-large Group 1

Terrance Freeman, REP (Current Council member) – No response

Terrance Freeman’s Council page

Eric Parker, LPF

Q: What is the biggest issue citywide that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: In my opinion the biggest issue facing our city is our massive $3+ billion dollar debt. Unless we tackle this debt over the next 4 to 8 years, a lot of the services provided by are city could go unfunded if we head into an economic downturn. You can find more information here: https://www.data-z.org/state_data_and_comparisons/city/jacksonville

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I served our country honorably for 9 years as a Military Police Officer with 1 deployment to Iraq and 1 deployment to Guantanamo Bay. I have over 17 years experience working on/with or for government contracts to include planning budgets and hours. I have a Bachelors of Applied Science in Supervision and Management from FSCJ where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I’ve also been involved in community outreach programs on the Northside of Jacksonville and I’ve held multiple positions with different small businesses all around Jacksonville.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I was born in Jacksonville and raised in Yulee, FL. I have lived in Jacksonville for nearly a decade. I used to work multiple part-time jobs in the local craft beer industry here in Jacksonville and watching how our local and state government treated those small businesses during 2020 is what motivated me to get involved in politics. Currently I work as an Electronics Technician on Kings Bay Naval Base.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I’m opposed to taxpayer money being spent on the removal of the monuments especially when we have so many other broken promises and issues around Jacksonville not being fixed. If you remember the conversations over the monument started because of the failures and broken promises of our Mayor. It also started shortly after stories of poor relationships between our law enforcement community and the minority community, and the statues came up as an intentional distraction by the political class here in Jacksonville. I also have suspicions that some real estate developer or non-profit with connections to our political class would like get their hands on some of the property with these statues on them and the contracts to do the work on them. I am open to finding free market solutions and working between the 2 different sides of the issue to come to an agreement. One where perhaps the true history of Jacksonville (even the difficult parts) can be preserved. Perhaps partnering with a historical society and museum to relocate and preserve the statues while sharing our history with the diverse community we have in Jacksonville.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: I’m opposed to public financing for TIAA Bank Field Renovations.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: Eliminate single family zoning laws. Make rezoning easier. Pre-approved Permit Plans. Remove barriers to building and expanding. By increasing the supply of housing will lower the cost.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: Investing in the infrastructure and drainage all around Jacksonville will help. These are all unmet needs from consolidation. We need to stop incentivising overdevelopment in lowlying and flood-prone areas of Jacksonville and we need to hold developers accountable when they build in these areas causing the areas around them to flood. We also need to end special exemptions and waivers for hand selected developers and apply the same tax breaks and grants to everyone instead of a select few.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?

A: I don’t see a need to increase JSOs budget. I think JSO can do a much better job of meeting the needs of our community if they would use the resources they already have effectively. If they would focus on violent crimes instead non-violent victimless crimes our resources would go much further. I think more de-escalation training is needed. I also think we need to end no-knock raids and the federal loop loopholes we use to conduct them. We also need to end civil asset forfeiture here as well. I’m open to cross training corrections and patrol officers to open up options for each to voluntarily accept over-time work as needed. We can accomplish all of this by conducting a complete audit of JSO budget first and we can accomplish this without increasing spending and increasing taxes.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: My happy place is most likely one of the many great local craft breweries here in Jacksonville or a local eatery.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?

A: I’m open to having the tough conversations and I’m always going to listen to your concerns. I hope I’ve earned your vote.

At-large Group 2

Joshua Hicks, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue citywide that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: The affordable housing crisis and inequalities among the districts. In a way, they are related. We need to address the housing crisis and stop kicking the can down the road. It’s why I called for a housing emergency in May 2022 and it’s why I’ve called for real funding to be placed towards addressing the crisis. Sadly, my opponent and the current Council, haven’t addressed the issue in any meaningful way and they are creating a problem that will impact our community negatively for years to come. But with that said, we have an opportunity to address the economic inequalities of our districts in our communities. Every community should be treated equally and supported in their needs. Whether addressing the housing crisis, infrastructure, city parks, afterschool programs and food deserts, as a Council, we have an obligation to ensure every citizen gets what they need and deserve. The time of playing favorites is over – my campaign is about community-first, people-first policies that invest IN the people. When elected, I believe we must address the inequalities in our districts if we truly want Jacksonville to be the city it can be.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: During my lifelong career working in the non-profit sector, I’ve advised young elected officials, advocated for healthcare solutions and working families, fought for solutions to climate change, and supported families facing cancer. It has always been about helping people and strengthening our community. For too long, the Jacksonville City Council has been making decisions that benefit powerful people while the voiceless are left behind. We need community-first, people-first leadership on the City Council that looks out for everyone who lives in Jacksonville. That is the representation that I will bring to the table by always showing up, listening, and acting in the people’s interest.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I’m a native North Floridian who made Jacksonville my forever home after falling in love with the people and community. It’s where I married my husband Phillip and it’s where we are working with a local adoption agency to start a family. My brothers and I were raised in Tallahassee by a single mother who often worked multiple jobs to provide for us. Because of her example, to this day, I understand the meaning of a hard day’s work, and I’ll bring that same work ethic to serve our community on the Jacksonville City Council. I went to public schools in Tallahassee before attending Tallahassee Community College and double majoring in political and interdisciplinary social science at Florida State University. After completing my education, I focused on dedicating my career to giving back to the community and making a difference in the non-profit sector. My career reflects my values and focus on community. I’ve advised young elected officials, advocated for quality and affordable healthcare, fought to protect our environment, and supported families facing cancer. I will bring those experiences to the City Council to address the needs of the entire Jacksonville community.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I believe, strongly, that the Confederate monuments should be taken down. Full stop. They represent hate, bigotry and racism. To bring our community together, the City of Jacksonville must reject the symbols of division and embrace what unites us. These monuments represent a history of death and destruction… of racism, segregation and slavery. As a City Councilman, I’ll work across the aisle to take down every Confederate monument, statute or plaque that’s in our community. Unlike my opponent, who has voted to keep the statutes in place, I’ll never shy away from doing what’s right for our community. I’ll always stress the importance of bringing our community together through equality. Hate has no place in Jacksonville.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: The support for the Jacksonville Jaguars during their playoff run was amazing. It brought our community together. Successful sports teams, arts and cultural programs, are great for our city. A successful Jaguars team generates millions of dollars in revenue for the City of Jacksonville – revenue that we, with the right leadership, can invest back into our communities. I support a public-private partnership when it comes to TIAA Bank Field renovations, but I believe that the taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay the full bill. I look forward to these discussions when I am on the City Council and will always fight to make sure whatever deal is made, it is in the best interests of my constituents.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: I’ve made the housing crisis the #1 priority of my campaign. We must act on it. First, I believe we need to call a local housing emergency, something I did on May 11, 2022, to focus a citywide effort around the crisis. Taking a citywide approach to affordable housing includes streamlining the permitting process, removing construction barriers, and rethinking zoning so we can bring more multifamily units into historic neighborhoods with existing infrastructure and where we need to build up density, especially the Urban Core.

We must find ways to address the influx of out-of-state corporate investors that are rapidly buying up local properties and driving up prices. And there is a complete lack of funding for affordable housing programs in the 2022-2023 budget. In fact, as Finance Chair, my opponent had a chance to start addressing the housing crisis but failed to do anything to address it. That’s a failure of leadership when our community is suffering. We must do better than that, which is why I called for the remaining American Rescue Plan funding – $73 million – to be used for the affordable housing crisis instead of going into reserves.

All new housing projects should include a certain percentage of affordable housing units, and the city should conduct an audit of city-owned property not in use to see if it could be used for conversion into affordable housing units. There is so much we can do to tackle this crisis. All it takes is the political will to do it.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: I believe climate change is real and represents a real threat to our community. First and foremost, we must support and encourage our Chief Resilience Officer and allow her to do her job – by providing the resources she needs in her department. I’ll sign on to a renewable energy pledge because we must get serious about doing our part to reduce the impacts of climate change. That said, rising sea levels and more extreme weather is coming. Neighborhoods across the city flood regularly, even from everyday rainstorms, because the city is decades behind in upgrading our stormwater runoff and drainage systems and bulkhead replacement along the river. We need to fast track these projects. We also need to offer more support in the neglected neighborhoods impacted by flooding, for example residents on Ken Knight Drive. While the city has done a good job of preparing for heat emergencies, there is much more we must do to address the fact that some parts of the city can be as much as 10-15 degrees warmer than other areas on hot summer days. Planting more tree cover, turning unused parking lots into parks, and encouraging more sustainable building practices (for both resiliency and energy efficiency) are all solutions we can bring to the table. Inaction is simply not an option anymore in a Southern city that is surrounded by water. I’ll roll my sleeves up and get results for our community. And I will always be committed to protecting the quality of our air, water, and native ecosystems.  

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: I believe JSO should have the staff, training, equipment, and technology that is necessary to keep our community and law enforcement officers safe. At the same time, JSO must also be accountable to the taxpayers. Despite an increasing budget, violent crime continues to be on the rise, which means some programs aren’t working as they were intended. I believe the City Council and JSO should undertake a line-by-line program review to determine what’s working and what isn’t so we can put more dollars into the programs that are offering the highest protection in our neighborhoods. For one, I believe we need to be investing more into community policing, prevention and intervention efforts. These programs will rebuild trust between the community and law enforcement so that we can better solve crimes and prevent them from happening in the first place. We also need to take a fresh look at benefits, including a defined benefit pension plan, to ensure we can keep our best and brightest officers here in Jacksonville instead of losing them to other cities.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: When I’m not supporting colorectal cancer patients and survivors in my full time job with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, you can find me spending time at the beach, visiting and spending time with family, eating great food throughout the city, supporting our arts, speaking out and showing up for our community, playing golf and tennis, and playing with our dachshunds at home – Dexter, Dirk, and Max.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: As your next City Councilman, I hope to be remembered for being accessible and responsive to the needs of everyone who lives in Jacksonville. That’s what public service is supposed to be about. We have a lot of big challenges that will need to be solved in the coming years – from the affordable housing crisis to replacing crumbling infrastructure – and I am committed to bringing the community together, building the political will, and advocating for real solutions to these challenges. The challenges we face are NOT insurmountable. All we need is a fresh start. All we need is a community-first, people-first focused agenda that uplifts our community and the potential that surrounds us in Jacksonville. 

Ron Salem, REP (Current Council member) – No response

Ron Salem’s Council page

At-large Group 5

Reginald Blount, REP

Q: What is the biggest issue citywide that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?
A: A) Crime is the number one problem. There must be a concentrated effort to get this issue under control, while simultaneously adopted real legislation that would boost officer pay and benefits including sign on and retainer bonuses. We are losing public safety workers to other cities at an alarming rate.

B) Infrastructure and planning appears to have no real vision for the city, with the exception of the current capital investment projects already on the books. Each area of the city must have a 5, 10, and 15 year development plan with the most needed areas taking priority. Grant tax incentives to developers to encourage growth.

C) Economic growth on the water ways and downtown is lacking. Too much red-tap for the small business community. We have to encourage, not discourage growth

D)The JEA issue must be addressed aggressively to get this problem behind us.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I have worked in civil governance in the military, performing area assessments, humanitarian assistance on a mass scale, municipal development and worked with various agencies including briefings with Department of State, Department of Agriculture and foreign contractors to develop entire towns abroad in some of the most hostile regions on earth. I have served on economic, housing policy councils, I am a lifelong member of my district, and I am consistently involved in School Board and City Council issues.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I am a lifelong resident of Duval County except for a 30-year military career. I maintained my Jacksonville, Florida residency. I am an independent group home building consultant and adjunct professor at FSCJ.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I believe that either we maintain our historical monuments and build other memorials to our history. We have roads and bridges named after people. If we start down the road of dismantling, then there will be a push to change the names of buildings, streets, that might not be favorable to different parties.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: The city should make a decision to either retain ownership of TIAA Bank Field, or sell to the NFL Team owner who will have sole responsibility to maintain and upkeep the stadium. Another route could be to negotiate some type of partnership where the city shares the cost of renovation and maintenance with the possibility to receive a percentage of ticket sales or other profit means.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: This is a difficult one. Housing is dictated by the market, however, tax incentives for property owners could help. I would need to do more research on the city and states initiatives to come up with some viable solutions.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding?

A: Overbuilding is a problem. Developers should be subject to explaining how they plan create proper drainage and road expansion to develop communities, shopping areas, and other projects in areas of the city. Most believe it’s the city’s responsibility solely to improve road conditions. (I do agree), however, builders should be required to improve on roads and drainage depending on the size of development.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?

A: I believe funding should be increased based on the need. I also believe that the Sheriff’s department should be subject to audits to explain how money is being spend in order to trim line and cut unnecessary spending, or move funds to other more vital areas.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: Downtown rooftop bars and dining in Riverside.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?

A: As a Major NFL City, Jacksonville is lagging far behind Tampa, Miami, and Orlando. Our city leaders should be concerned. We have the resources to develop, plan, and employ thousands of citizens. We should sub-contract to small companies to keep major roadways clean and grass maintenance. We can employ youth in citywide summer jobs programs. We can also work with UF Health and other social programs to promote young medical and social program interns to work throughout the year helping in the homeless crisis.

Charles Garrison, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue citywide that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?  

A: If elected to the Jacksonville City Council, I am committed to making sure that our city finally reaches its  full potential. To do that, we need to invest in three key areas: our infrastructure, our neighborhoods,  and our people. We’ve talked about our potential as a city for too long, but now is the time to take action and actually see real progress and growth. When it comes to investing in our infrastructure, we’re talking about upgrading our roads, green and gray infrastructure to boost resiliency, and public transportation systems. This will make it easier for people to get around the city, and will also attract more businesses and jobs to Jacksonville. Investing in our neighborhoods means making sure that every part of town has access to safe, affordable housing, good schools, and green spaces. Our neighborhoods are the heart of our communities, and we need to make sure they’re safe, vibrant, and thriving. Finally, investing in our people means making sure that everyone has access to quality youth programs, job  training, and educational opportunities. This includes supporting local small businesses and working to create new jobs that pay an above-average wage. All of these investments will help us finally reach our  potential as a city. We’ve been talking about it for too long, it’s time to actually see our potential  realized! 

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?  

A: I currently serve on the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board (JEPB) and chair the Water  Committee, where I’ve worked on environmental issues and promoting sustainability in our city. Prior to  my service on the JEPB, I served on the Jacksonville Housing and Community Development Commission,  where I worked on initiatives that improve the quality of life for families and individuals in our city, like housing affordability and other essential resources. My military background has been a big part of my  development as a leader and public servant. While in the Florida Army National Guard, I learned the power of clear communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking, all important traits for any public official. And last but not least, I’ve served on the board of non-profit organizations in Jacksonville,  working to improve the lives of our neighbors. Through these experiences, I’ve learned about the social  and economic challenges we face in our city and have gained valuable experience collaborating with  community organizations and government entities to build the safe, welcoming, and vibrant city we all  want. 

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval  County? etc.  

A: I am a proud native of the First Coast and have lived in Duval County since 2006. My roots run deep in  this community, as I was born and raised in Middleburg, where I developed a love for the rural side of  life. My passion for construction and development started at a young age, and I have dedicated my  career to this industry. I have held various roles in the field, most recently as the Director of Business  Development at a local construction company. Unfortunately, I was laid off in November due to the  economic downturn in the residential housing space. However, I believe that my background in  construction and development, combined with my experience in banking and finance, gives me a unique  perspective on the challenges facing our community. I understand the importance of maintaining a safe,  welcoming, and vibrant community and am committed to ensuring that Duval County remains a  desirable place to live and work for generations to come. I also have a deep understanding of the  housing affordability crisis and am dedicated to finding solutions to this pressing issue. I currently live in  Springfield with my partner of 11 years and our two rescue dogs. I look forward to using my experiences  and expertise to make a positive impact on the city and our neighbors.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?  

A: Confederate monuments have no place on public property. These monuments are symbols of division  and racism, and they have no place in a society that values equality and diversity. I firmly believe that  they should be removed immediately and placed in museums or other appropriate historical settings. It  is important to acknowledge and learn from our history, but we should not celebrate or glorify a past that was built on the oppression of others. My priority as a City Council member will be to ensure that our community is safe and welcoming for all of our neighbors, and I believe that removing Confederate  monuments is an important step towards achieving that goal. 

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?  

A: I support public financing for the renovations at TIAA Bank Field, as I believe that it can and will have a  positive impact on the city and our neighbors. However, I also recognize the importance of being mindful of taxpayer dollars and ensuring that they are being used in a responsible and transparent manner. We have to consider the long-term economic benefits that can come from investing in TIAA Bank Field, such as job creation, increased tourism, and improved community pride. Furthermore, having a state-of-the-art stadium can help attract major events, which can have a significant positive impact on the local economy. However, I also understand that some taxpayers may be concerned about the use of public funds for the renovations. As leaders, we need to ensure that the financing process is transparent, with clear and measurable goals and outcomes. We must also be mindful of the potential long-term financial impacts and ensure that the financing plan is sustainable and will not place an  excessive strain on our future. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?  

A: City Council should consider a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the issue. This could include: 

i. Encouraging and incentivizing the development of more affordable housing units, through tax credits and relaxed zoning regulations. 

ii. Partnering with non-profit organizations and private sector companies to address the affordable  housing crisis, through programs like community land trusts and down-payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers. 

iii. Supporting the creation and preservation of affordable housing through targeted investments and funding for rehabilitation projects. 

iv. Encouraging the development of mixed-use and mixed-income communities to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing options in vibrant neighborhoods. 

v. Streamlining the permitting process for affordable housing developments to reduce costs and  accelerate the construction timeline. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?  

A: As a member of the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, I have seen firsthand the effects of  climate change on our city and I understand the urgency of the issue. Council should focus on a long term and holistic approach. This includes investing in green and gray infrastructure to help mitigate the  effects of severe weather, supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, and working with state and  federal partners to secure funding for resiliency projects. I’m committed to working with my future fellow Council members, city staff, and the community to find effective solutions to this pressing issue and ensure that Jacksonville remains a safe and resilient place for generations to come.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support  continuing this level of funding for JSO?  

A: I believe that public safety is a top priority in building a safe, welcoming, and vibrant city for all of our  neighbors. As such, investing in our neighborhoods and people must also include investing the  Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. I support continued funding for JSO to ensure that our community remains  safe and secure, but it is important to me that these funds are used in a transparent and accountable  manner. This includes providing officers with necessary resources, such as training and equipment, to  carry out their duties effectively. At the same time, I understand the impact that law enforcement can  have on communities, and I am committed to strengthening community-police relations through  investments that are responsible and mindful. 

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: Jacksonville’s diversity and size is one of its greatest strengths. In a single day, you can experience a  variety of activities that range from dining at a local diner or coffee shop, to hitting the beach for surfing  or fishing, grabbing a fresh fish taco, catching a rodeo or a musical performance, and finally ending the  day with a delicious dinner and craft drinks. The city’s mix of rural, urban, and coastal offerings provides  for endless options to choose from, making it easy to find a “happy place” no matter your interests.  Whether it’s a relaxing day at the beach, a cultural experience at a performance venue or museum, or a  night out with friends, Jacksonville has something for everyone. 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: While I don’t have all the answers, I am willing to listen to people’s concerns and ideas so we can work together to build forward for Jacksonville. My priority is to create a city that is safe, welcoming, vibrant,  and rich in culture, where everyone can thrive. I understand that this will require hard work and  determination, but I’m ready to fight for all of our neighbors to make it happen. Together, we can finally  realize our potential and make Jacksonville a truly great place to live.

Jack Meeks, NPA

Q: What is the biggest issue in your citywide that you would like to  tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?  

A: Our financial accounting and internal controls are not currently acceptable. For the fiscal years ending September 30th, 2020 and 2021, the City was very late in issuing its audited financial statements with significant problems disclosed in these audited financial statements. Our accounting must be more  timely, accurate and transparent to allow for better budgeting. I would want to see better accounting  before I would support tax increases. Quality accounting and budgeting will allow our city to better  match our taxpayer dollars to our quality-of-life issues. 

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?  

A: I came to Jacksonville right out of college nearly 50 years ago. Jacksonville gave me an opportunity to have a successful career and to experience the attendant circumstances dependent on my career. I  have also experienced a substantial number of Jacksonville’s quality-of-life problems living in Historic  Springfield for nearly 20 years. My wife, JoAnn Tredennick, and I have interacted with the City as  homeowners, restorers of historic properties, owners of rental properties and residents of a neglected  neighborhood. I have studied our City’s finances and have come to realize my financial background and credentials as a CPA (50 years) and Certified Fraud Examiner (20 years) are very fitting given our City’s troubled financial circumstances. 

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval  County? etc.  

A: See #2 above. I own Jack Meeks & Associates, CPAs, LLC which primarily manages the rental properties my wife and I own. I stopped doing tax and accounting work over 10 years ago and stopped taking special projects when my campaign became more demanding. 

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?  

A: My proposal for discussion is as follows: 

• Rename Springfield Park to Reconciliation Park.  
• Add a substantial number of plaques, statues, monuments, etc. that will tell our story, warts and all. Our story must include the evils of slavery, the refuting of the (lost cause) revisions of history, the terrorism that supported Jim Crow and fought against Civil Rights and the tremendous courage  shown by so many of our fellow citizens. 

I was born in 1951. I grew up and have always lived in North Florida. We have made a lot of progress since 1951, much still needs to be done. We should always treat everyone with dignity and respect.  

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?  

A: I intend to understand all the pertinent facts and circumstances before I would make a decision.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?  

A: We need to consider, at least the following, regarding affordable housing:

• Improve our permitting process to reduce builder costs – time is money. 
• Investigate more density of housing, especially in urban neighborhoods. 
• Encourage more trade school opportunities, which would result in a better supply of skilled labor for our contractors. 
• Identify different groups and their very different needs. As an example, first-time home buyers have very  different needs from our citizens on public assistance. 
• Investigate whether or not some of the Downtown Investment Authority programs encouraging  Downtown residence would be appropriate in other parts of town.  

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?  

A: We need to do the following: 

• Actively support our Chief Resiliency Officer. 
• Further educate our citizens regarding these issues. 
• Aggressively pursue grants for environmental remediation and protection. 
• Maintain and perhaps enhance funding for restoration of Hogan’s Creek and McCoys Creek.
• Implement recommendations in the “An Assessment of Urban Tree Canopy in the City of Jacksonville,  Florida” (report dated October 2017). 
• Protect and enhance our wetlands. 
• Restore our dunes to pre-Hurricane Ian levels.  

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: We need a comprehensive approach to crime, which among other topics, would consider the following: 

• JSO staffing levels in light of national standards. 
• JSO‘s ability to obtain and retain appropriate, especially experienced officers. 
• JSO staffing levels required to have community policing. 
• City investment needed in left-behind neighborhoods to achieve parity to well-maintained  neighborhoods relative to: Infrastructure, Cleanliness, Environmental remediation and protection, Code enforcement and zoning 
• Our approach to mental health issues, and the effect on JSO staff in interacting with our citizens who  have substantial mental health issues. 

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: Theodore Roosevelt National Park is very special. The river walks are also great. 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: No one else in this race has invested the time and resources in our community that my wife and I have  over the past 40 years. No one else has my financial background, financial credentials, or willingness to  communicate Jacksonville’s financial circumstances truthfully to the taxpayers. 

Chris Miller, REP

Q: What is the biggest issue citywide that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: Crime – Public Safety is the number one responsibility of our city government. I will work to ensure we are exploring and implementing all types of Prevention, Intervention and Enforcement measures to improve Public Safety for all of Jacksonville. To do this, we need every city, community, business, faith based, nonprofit and other leaders all working together. We also need to support law enforcement and give them the number of officers and tools they need to adequately protect our growing city.  I am grateful to have the endorsement of our new Sheriff T.K. Waters and the Fraternal Order of Police and will work well with them and the many other leaders I have already established working relationships with to improve public safety for our city.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: For Jacksonville to become a great city, we need to choose the right leaders, with the right experience, for the right positions. I have the real and relevant experience that no other candidate in my race for Jacksonville City Council, At-Large, Group 5 has. During my 30 years of active-duty service in the U.S. Army, I was the City Mayor and City Manager for an Army City of 17 bases in Germany. I made the decisions the City Council Members make and managed a budget of over $333 million for services, operations and contracting. I was also the Inspector General for U.S. European forces and improved U.S. programs and partnerships throughout Europe and Israel. I ensured accountability, transparency, and effectiveness. After retiring as a full Colonel, I have helped various Jacksonville small businesses and nonprofits. I have also served as Congressman Rutherford’s District Director for the past six years, helping residents of Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida resolve their concerns with various federal agencies. I am ready to put my experience to work for the people of Jacksonville. As a City Councilman, I will lead with honor, integrity and ensure that our local government is living up to its full potential. 

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I am currently Congressman John Rutherford’s District Director.  In total, I have lived in Duval County for twelve years and Northeast Florida for sixteen years.  I fell in love with Jacksonville in the 1980s/1990s, formed many great friendships that I maintained throughout my time serving in the Army and always knew I would be back.  My wife Char and I were fortunate that my last assignment was as the Inspector General with the Florida National Guard, getting us back to Northeast Florida.  We currently live in Riverside with our rescue Weimaraner, Baron, and our Frenchie, Pearl.  

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: My position is that we should allow all the citizens of Jacksonville to decide what they would like regarding these and any other historical monuments.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: The Jacksonville Jaguars are an important part of Jacksonville’s identity, and a valuable economic and goodwill driver for our local restaurants, businesses, hotels, and non-profits.   The Jaguars, along with our other sports teams, provide a major reason for our residents to get excited, have a sense of hope for what could be and pride in our team, at home or away.  My understanding is there are only two NFL stadiums that have not undergone major renovations, one being TIAA Bank Field.  I am confident our city can work out a mutually beneficial deal with the Jaguars for shared financing for these renovations.  These renovations will also help enhance the fan experience and better protect the fans from our various weather changes.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: The national increase in inflation and mortgage rates over the past two years has made it even more difficult for most hard-working families to afford a house of their own. There are few things that give more pride and a sense of accomplishment than owning your own home. I will work to ensure the city is working with builders and developers to increase the percentage of affordable housing units for each proposed new community. I will also explore the various state and federal funding sources and public private partnerships to help pay for these and other initiatives.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: I applaud Jacksonville in that it has smartly moved forward by adopting an Adaptation Action Area designation based on a projected two-foot rise in sea level by 2060.  They also have a working group that is reviewing current city programs and policies to recommend needed adjustments.  And last year, the city hired a full-time Chief Resilience Officer.  The City Council should press forward with their Special Committee On Resiliency efforts to ensure they secure the necessary State and Federal funding for comprehensive studies and proactive measures to build resiliency throughout Jacksonville, starting with those areas that experience repetitive flooding and are the most vulnerable.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?

A: Yes, I do support continuing this level of funding for JSO.  We need to ensure we don’t make the same mistake some other large U.S. cities made by defunding the police, and then they paid the price with a dramatic increase in crime.  Regarding my approach to the City’s budget overall when serving you all on City Council, I will always look into the details to ensure we are being the best possible stewards of the taxpayer’s hard-earned money.  And, as I have done when leading many large organizations in the Army, I will constantly look for opportunities for the city entities to become more efficient and effective.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: One “happy place” in Jax for me is walking along the St. Johns River from Riverside to the USS Orleck, downtown, with my wife, Char. That is one of the reasons I am a big fan of the Emerald Trail and other related efforts that encourage more people to get outside, exercise and enjoy our beautiful city.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?

A: I care, I will always listen and I will work hard every day to make you proud that you supported me in this race to represent all of Jacksonville in this At-Large, Group 5 City Council seat.  Thank you very much!

Nashon Nicks, DEM – No response

Jerry “Tub” Rorabaugh, LPF

Q: What is the biggest issue citywide that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: The normal responses of infrastructure, crime, inflation, and such naturally come up in conversations. Aside from the usual issues there have been discussions of topics ranging from local flooding and drainage to the need for family friendly activities options.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I have been pastoring a church for 12 years now and that has definitely taught me how to handle financial issues and bring people together.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval  County? etc.  

A: I have lived in Jacksonville for 23 years since being offered a job as a machine operator in a packaging plant. Since then I have returned to school, received my B.S. in religion from Liberty University, taught at a local private school, and planted and led a church.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?  

A: I have been rather vocal on the issue of Confederate statues but not in the way that many others have been. I prefer to bring the attention back to the original issue of policing rather than focus on the forced diversion of statues. 

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?  

A: As the City owns the stadium I understand the responsibility of also needing to take care of upkeep. However, I believe the reason there are such strong feelings about the stadium is because of the recent past actions of the City Council and DIA and the offering of funds to Mr. Khan on other projects.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?  

A: The Council should be free to have and initiate conversations concerning affordable housing but must be very cautious on how involved they actually become in the process.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?  

A: Government should be cautious about entering into policies and stands concerning climate change, as there is a tendency to remove personal freedoms over this issue.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: I had a somewhat in depth conversation with a current candidate for Sheriff and he made a valid point…that there should be no need for further funding considering the amount of money they were already receiving. I believe that there should be an effort to look at ways to cut some of that budget.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: I’m not sure there’s any one particular place that I prefer to go. However, going over to Memorial Park with my grandson sure doesn’t hurt.

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Council District 1

Ken Amaro, REP

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: I am a candidate for City Council District 1 (Arlington.) The biggest issues are public safety, economic growth, replacing blight with beautification and strengthening the infrastructure.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I have lived in my community for five decades, for four of those decades I have been a voice for those in the community. I have been a problem solver, and volunteered on a number of non profits that serve this community. I have been about public service.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I have been a Duval County resident since 1975. I was employed as broadcast journalist at WTLV/WJXX (First Coast News) for 43 years. I am married and we have four daughters. They attended the local public schools and graduated for the state universities, FSU, UF and UNF.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I have no position at the present time.

Q: What is your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: The Jacksonville Jaguars franchise is important to this community. The city is the owner of the stadium. We should be prepared to do the necessary improvements to make it functional. I believe the threshold for public financing would have to be what is “fair and reasonable” to taxpayers.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: The Council should develop and/or continue to create partnerships with the state and private sector to create opportunities for affordable housing. We know the inventory is practically nonexistent. For now, it appears that multi-unit development is a solution.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: The city is moving in the right direction. It has created a resiliency office to address the concerns and prepare for the future. My knowledge is limited on the subject matter, but it is my intent to learn more in order to address it more efficiently.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: Yes, Public Safety is important to this community. We all want to live peaceably in our respective communities regardless of our zip code. Besides when the crime index goes down, businesses investment goes up and the community fares better.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: We go to the beaches to embrace the salt life, the vibe and the cuisine.

Alton McGriff Jr., DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: I would like to tackle Infrastructure, Jobs, Mental illness

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I have been serving the community through my Profession which involves leadership skills

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I am an entrepreneur which involves RealEstate. I was born and raised here in Duval county of 42 years.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I believe it’s something that really needs to be looked at as for what it can be replaced with to bring peace on all sides.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: I support it if it creates jobs to bring the money back into the local economy.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: Set aside grants for low income

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: I would consult an expert to determine what’s needed for preparation.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?

A: No, I don’t support the amount but I do support the department. More Funding and Expanding Social services could be used to educate and prepare for job training and in the long run it helps with crime prevention.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: Walking alongside the river or beach.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?

A: I will work really hard for the residents of Duval county and keep my promises that will lead me into office.

Council District 2

Lindsey Brock, REP – No response

Jennifer Casey, REP

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: As more people call Jacksonville home, our infrastructure is under stress. We must improve our crumbling roads, repair broken sidewalks, and landscape our parks to promote growth and provide shade. I will work towards a better public policy strategy on litter control, fund the maintenance of our aging infrastructure, and ensure responsible and sustainable growth that does not overcrowd our schools, endanger public safety, or destroy our quality of life.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

Elected in 2018, I served as the Chair of the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District board. I am prioritizing expanding opportunities for new farmers and improving land use in Jacksonville’s urban core so we can all utilize our city’s resources and enjoy its natural beauty. In 2022, the National Conservation Foundation named me a Next Generation Leader. My experience in agriculture and soil and water conservation has prepared me to bring to the City Council insights on the wise use of our natural resources and the need to enhance our parks and preserves to benefit our community.

I also served as a member of the Jacksonville-Duval Agricultural Council, UF/IFAS Duval Extension Advisory Committee, Citizen Planning Advisory Committee, and the Julington-Durbin Preserve Management Advisory Group. Service on these boards has helped me better understand local government functions and learn how to best serve the public interest.

I grew up in Jacksonville and attended Duval County Public Schools. My education includes a BA in Political Science and a MA in Instructional Design & Technology from UCF. I will use my skills to help the public engage in policy creation and to modernize city systems with technology to improve efficiency, cut waste and save taxpayer dollars.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? Etc.

A: I am a special education teacher, which has allowed me to see the needs of Jacksonville’s families. I have served the people of our city for the last 25 years by teaching our community’s children, distributing food to the hungry, and leading faith-based outreach to meet the needs of the vulnerable. I am dedicated to making a difference in Duval County. For three generations, my family has called Jacksonville home. My husband of 23 years, David Casey, and I have two adult sons and a teenage daughter. I am running because, like so many, I am tired of the political game-playing that puts politics and self-interest before the people in our community. Public service is a noble cause, and the virtue of service is in meeting real needs. We want leaders who set aside partisanship, act on the issues that matter most, and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens. An enviable quality of life in our city will create a progressive economic growth environment and benefit all Jacksonville taxpayers.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: This issue is putting us on a national stage in a negative way, and if we want to attract new business to Jacksonville, we need to resolve this polarizing issue. The City Council approved a five-year plan that included facilitating a community conversation to develop a roadmap and funding plan by July 2022. This is long overdue. It is time for the people of Jacksonville to be heard so the city and its citizens can move forward.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: The stadium needs renovation. Florida’s two other NFL teams renovated their stadiums with little public funding. Any public financing should be dependent on a good deal for taxpayers, including a positive return on investment, a lease extension by the Jaguars, the employment of local labor, and the ability to attract major non-football events to the stadium during the off-season. I support a balanced approach to stadium renovations that doesn’t sacrifice our ability to adequately provide first responders, hospitals, roads, infrastructure, waste disposal, libraries, and other essential public services.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: We need to continue to advocate for support at the State level. I support the efforts in the FL Legislature to address this issue by providing funding for workforce housing. Modernizing our systems to more quickly and predictably approve developments that meet zoning laws will grow available housing inventory and bring down costs. Another option is to increase the supply of affordable housing near accessible transit to make it more affordable for working families by providing for or reducing their transportation costs. I am open to finding a dedicated funding source to address affordable housing that prevents or reduces homelessness.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat, and flooding caused by climate change?

A: Storm resiliency is a top priority! We have thousands of miles of shorelines along the ocean, the river, and wetlands. We must implement the recommendations of the 2020-2021 Special Committee on Resiliency, which detailed the impacts of coastal and river flooding, sea level rise, and high-intensity storm events. We have relevant policy recommendations that are awaiting action from the City Council. My experience serving as Chair of the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District and on other boards that addressed land management and natural resources prepared me to lead efforts to improve our city’s resiliency and reduce our vulnerabilities.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?

A: Public safety is priority #1. As a mother and a teacher, I am heartbroken about the loss of life in our city due to violence. We urgently need more officers on the street and more innovative community policing. Our population is increasing, and we are losing officers to neighboring counties. We must find a way to keep officers that Duval County taxpayers have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in training. We need more funding for prevention and intervention programs and more opportunities for citizens to obtain services for mental health. I will work with the JSO to ensure our officers have the tools, training, and resources necessary to deter and fight crime to keep us safe.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: A walk through any Jacksonville Public Library is wonderful! I’m an avid reader, and I love seeing what everyone else is reading. There is nothing like having a stack of books ready to read. We don’t have a library in District 2, but city leaders announced in 2019 to build one on New Berlin Road. The new branch was expected to be completed in four to six years. It has been three years, and we have yet to have the first community input meeting.

I look forward to ensuring that this library is built as promised.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?

A: It’s time that we have council members who are dedicated to serving their districts and putting people first. Many people need to realize serving on the City Council is just a part-time job. Part-time jobs get part-time results, which is why I am committed to serving full-time as your council member. I will host monthly community meetings, provide my cell phone number to citizens, and return calls and emails within 24 hours. Because special interests do not fund me, you can count on me to deliver the transparency, accountability, and accessibility you deserve. I have spoken with thousands of voters in my district during the past year, and the one thing they all have in common is that they are concerned not only about what the City Council does but also about how they do it. They want problem-solving, not politics. Jacksonville deserves a hard-working, dedicated, and compassionate representative who understands the needs of working people and families and recognizes that Jacksonville belongs to all of us. I will bring a seasoned but fresh perspective to public service on the City Council. I am ready to get to work!

Mike Gay, REP

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: Overdevelopment and failed infrastructure.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I’m the Founder and President of an electrical contracting business that I built from the ground up 33 years ago. I started out wiring ceiling fans, to lighting NFL stadiums throughout the states of Florida, Georgia and Alabama. I also own Power Foundations, which drill and pour foundations for powerline poles and Volt Utilities, which specializes in power lines. I have ground crews throughout the state and office staff. A huge part of my success is budgeting, project management and providing my employees with financial stability and an opportunity to advance. I attended Andrew Jackson High School, Georgia Southwestern University and NEFBA Apprenticeship, with licenses/certifications as a General Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Underground Utilities, Crane Operator, and CDL.

My line of work requires me to work with multiple municipalities and city officials in bidding and permitting processes. I’m very familiar with the processes and ordinances and know what works well and what needs to be improved.

City Council’s job is to manage the city’s budget. After reviewing the budget, I found numerous ways to cut waste and I’ve identified a way to save taxpayers millions of dollars every year. I will bring with me a level of expertise in construction, project management and budgeting that is lacking in the current council and would lighten the tax burden on the constituents.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I’m a life-long resident of Duval County, 58 years. I’m married and have 3 children ranging in ages 27 – 5. I describe myself when speaking to constituents as a conservative, Christian, constitutionalist, as I think that sums up where I stand on issues like medical freedom.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I personally don’t see a purpose in removing Confederate monuments. The monuments have stood for decades and our city is named after Andrew Jackson and our county is named after William Duval. It’s a part of our history and landscape of our city. With that being said, my personal opinion may not be the opinion of my constituents. As a public servant, this is an issue that I would recommend to go on the ballot. The taxpayers could easily let the city know how it wants their tax dollars spent.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: Open to discussions regarding the return investment for the taxpayers. However, I do not feel under any circumstance the full burden of stadium renovations should fall on the taxpayers. The Jaguars need to have a substantial investment.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: For starters, they need to define “affordable.” We recently saw the sale of a piece of property to developers that was valued at 2.53 million for $100. In exchange, they were to build homes that would be affordable. The homes start out at $350k. That’s not affordable to many.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: Not let development take place in our natural preserves, like Black Hammock Island and Pumpkin Hill, which act as a natural buffer to the inland.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?

A: I support getting more officers on patrol, with 1.98 officers per thousand, and the natural average is 2.2 to 2.4 per thousand. Our correctional officers are also down 170 officers and are having to work mandatory overtime. I would support the current level and increasing it to meet the needs.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: I would have to say my backyard. When the weather is nice and I’m not working, I enjoy getting in our boat with my family and spending a day on the water. We fish off our dock and enjoy water sports like tubing, hydrosliding and paddleboarding.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?

A: I want voters to know why I’m running. I want to assure voters I’m not running for a new career, self-gain or a plaque on the wall. I’m running because I’m concerned about our children’s futures being financed to fund self interest and/or special interests. I’m running because I see portions of our city deteriorating at a record pace. Many areas are neglected and underserved. We should not have a bad area in Duval. The dilapidated conditions I see are the result of poor leadership in the City Council. The homeless crisis is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. Retired residents who live on fixed incomes are going without due to record inflation that’s exacerbated by increasing optional taxes on fuel and property. I’m running to be the voice for the people that elect me. Period.

Council District 3

Natalie Alden, REP

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council? 

A: “Biggest issue” in my district, that is a loaded question. Crime, affordable housing, and infrastructure are topics that come up in most conversations with residents. However many people are frustrated with the lack of accountability and transparency in our local government.

I will work to ensure that the Council is being a good steward of the taxpayers’ dollars and assets while keeping the way the Council does business transparent. I believe in open government and open-door policies so constituents can be heard and know that their opinions matter.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office? 

A: For almost 20 years, I have served on the Jacksonville’s Mayor’s Disability Council working with different city departments and community partners to resolve issues that impact the community. During that time, I assisted the Disabled Services Division on the Department of Justice settlement.

During college, I moved out to Colorado for little over six years where I was on the Craig City Council. It was a wonderful experience and I learned so much about the different facets of government.

I have had the opportunity to testify in front of Congress and state legislatures, work on local ordinances and state statutes.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc. 

A: I have worked at Disability Rights Florida for the past 18+ years as a Sr Advocate-Investigator protecting the rights of vulnerable children and adults while currently serving as their Representative Payee Program Operations Coordinator whereby we conduct audits under a grant from the Social Security Administration to ensure beneficiaries are not being abused, neglected or financially exploited. I also serve on other state councils.

I moved to Jacksonville in 1987 when life flighted to University Hospital (now UF Shands) after a catastrophic car accident that left me a quadriplegic. I attended Sandalwood High and was able to graduate with in the top 3% of my class.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property? 

A: Not all history is glamorous, there are many things in our history that are hurtful and painful. However, that is how we learn as humans to be better people by remembering history. History is also something that many of us are proud of and with Jacksonville having over 400 parks, there are plenty of places where EVERYONE should be able to have a place where they can celebrate their history.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: The city has invested millions of dollars in renovations over the years. There are many people in my district that I have spoken with that do not believe that further public financing is appropriate for a multitude of reasons. I would ask, what has been the return on the investments that have been made in the past? What would be the return on any future investments? I believe that the public needs to be able to see the actual return on their previous investments before making any decisions on future funding.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: There have been town hall meetings on this topic by City Council in the past where the issues and possible solutions have been brought forward. Utilizing the information from these meetings, working with community partners and entities, such as Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) and the Florida Housing Coalition (FHC), we can work together to bring funds, grants, tax credits and other programs to the city. This would: help developers build affordable and accessible housing; bring more dollars in for home repair or replacement to ensure aging in place; first-time homebuyer programs; and create more opportunity for different types of housing programs. Review zoning and land use ordinances to ensure a balance in established neighborhoods while creating a path for new and unique neighborhoods that would fill the needs of our growing community.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change? 

A: Work with the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) on their five-year plans and long-range transportation plan to ensure roadway and intermodal projects are being completed and reevaluate for priority infrastructure needs (that include resilient infrastructure that can withstand inland stormwater, river flooding, and storm surge).

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: Before making any determinations on the level of funding needed for JSO to keep our streets safe, I would want the opportunity to see how the new sheriff has managed the budget and what the needs are in the community to ensure overall safety.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: There are so many great places here in Jacksonville. We have an extensive Parks and Recreation system where you can go and read a book or drop a fishing line. Sitting at one of our local coffee shops or restaurants spending time with friends. Shopping for plants at Earthworks while taking a stroll around their different Koi ponds.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: I am no stranger to adversity and am willing to make the hard decisions because I am fair and solution driven. I am a fierce advocate with no ties to special interest groups and will fight for the rights of the voters to ensure each of their voices matter. 

Will Lahnen, REP – No response

Council District 5

Joe Carlucci, REP

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?  

A: The top 3 issues are crime, infrastructure, and economic development.  

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?  

A: Being a small business owner has prepared me the most – giving me invaluable insight into what it  takes to grow our economy, create jobs, and manage budgets. Additionally, as the President of  the San Marco Merchants Association, I acquired the ability to bring business leaders, families,  and city leaders together in order to promote economic growth and development. Lastly, as a  voting member on the Citizens Oversight Committee, I am overseeing billion-dollar budgets,  learning how to maximize our hard-earned tax dollars while ensuring our teachers and students  have the resources they need to be successful.  

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you  lived in Duval County? etc.  

A: First and foremost, I am a husband and father. I’ve been married to my wife, Victoria, for 10 years,  and we are raising our two sons, JoJo and Jack, in the Miramar area. I was born and raised  in Jacksonville – right here in District 5. My current house is less than a mile away from the house I grew up in. And actually, my wife’s grandmother lives in our neighborhood in the same house her dad grew up in. Needless to say, we love this area. Along with my brother, Matt Jr., I own one of the fastest growing insurance agencies in Jacksonville. We have had this agency since 2009, and it’s located off Hendricks Ave in District 5.  

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?  

A: There needs to be a way to preserve our history while we also define our future. History is meant to be understood from all points of view so Jacksonville can grow, evolve, and become stronger.  

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?  

A: I would support public financing of the stadium, as long as the return on investment make sense for Jacksonville families and businesses. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?  

A: The first step has already been taken, and that was the City Council and the Mayor’s office installing new leadership at the Jacksonville Housing Authority. The next step is to work with them – and hold them accountable for bringing new developments for affordable housing,  workforce housing, and market-rate housing.  

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat  and flooding caused by climate change?  

A: City Council and the Mayor’s office hired a Chief Resilience Officer and she is doing a great job at not only taking inventory of our greatest needs but also looking to the future of the growth we are having in the city and making sure we build and develop our parcels accordingly.  

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?  

A: Absolutely. I support our Jacksonville law enforcement community – from the officers patrolling our streets to the corrections officers in the jail. They have a difficult and dangerous job that requires our community’s backing and support to ensure they have the resources, training, and equipment they need to accomplish the job safely. And there is a major gap that needs to be filled with recruiting and retaining our officers here.  

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?  

A: Honestly, I just like to get a cup of coffee and park at the old baseball field I used to play at. It’s quiet and shaded.  

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?  

A: I am SCUBA certified, enjoy taking recreational drone photos and I like to journal every morning. 

Morgan Roberts, REP

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council? 

A: I believe growth is the single greatest issue facing Jacksonville.  Every year, tens of thousands of people move to our city. These new residents will need housing, jobs, and education. Additional funding will be needed for policing and first responders. This growth has the potential to exacerbate every problem this city currently faces.  But this growth also presents an unprecedented opportunity for investment in infrastructure, housing, education, jobs and policing. As leaders, we must create a business environment that encourages smart growth and strategic development.  Harnessing this growth – through strategic planning – is the only way to unlock Jacksonville’s full potential. 

Having said this, the greatest barrier to strategic planning is a serious lack of trust in our city leaders. Jacksonville suffers from a toxic political culture. The perception that our government functions through good-ole boy networks, backroom deals, and outright corruption is hurting our ability to attract the best business partners and brightest public servants. We need more professionalism in our local government. Only then, will we regain the trust that is so vital to this City’s future. 

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office? 

A: First, I bring a unique skill set to City Council. I am a finance professional. I work for one of the largest, most complex corporations in the world, Amazon, where I run the finances of an independent business segment. Before that, I worked for over a decade in banking. I have extensive experience in data analytics, strategic business planning and regulatory compliance. My job is to build clarity and consensus around complex organizational problems. Every day, I project and plan operational needs that are many times the size of our city’s budget. This allows me to bring real world solutions to the complex problems facing Jacksonville. There is no one on the council that has this experience. 

Second, I bring a fresh perspective to City Council. I’m not from Jacksonville. I grew up in a small town outside of Orlando. After graduating from UF, I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. I have experienced a city that leveraged its business community to create vibrancy and value. I believe, with the right leadership, Jacksonville is poised to compete with places like Charlotte and Atlanta. However, we need leaders with different viewpoints and a willingness to challenge the status quo.  

Finally, I have a proven track record. City Council is a job, not a prize. Voters deserve a leader who has achieved success through hard work and accountability. I began my career as an intern for Wachovia and worked my way to the boardroom.  My roles and responsibilities have expanded over the years through different roles, but I have earned the respect and trust of my co-workers every step of the way.   

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? 

A: First and foremost I am a wife, mother, and someone that never thought they would be running for political office! I moved to Jacksonville 11 years ago to work for Everbank right after they went public. After the merger with TIAA, I took a few years off to be with my boys and recently returned to work. Family time is important to me, and I love showing my boys that you can do anything if you are willing to work hard! 

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property? 

A: Our city is facing major challenges: violent crime, crumbling infrastructure and lack of affordable housing. Figuring out how to generate quality job opportunities and improve public education are critical to improving people’s lives. 

While I do not want to dismiss the importance of public statues, the amount of time and energy expended on this question seems disproportionate to the potential benefits or harms of this statue’s existence. After all, I am willing to bet that few readers have ever visited the site of this monument. No statue should be taken down simply because it is controversial. Having said that, this city needs to create a clearly defined policy of what is acceptable, and what is not. This policy should be applied fairly and evenly across the spectrum of public monuments and markers throughout Jacksonville. More importantly, the larger question remains: how do we activate our public spaces (and parks) to make them a benefit to the public as a whole?

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: These types of deals are detail intensive, and taxpayers deserve representatives with the ability to evaluate complex financial transactions independently. More than any other candidate, I have the skills and experience to ensure that any major financial decisions entered by our city are in the best interest of our residents and evaluated in a thoughtful, thorough, and transparent way. It’s city council’s job to do what’s in the best in interest of citizens, period. 

That being said, the Jaguars are essential to Jacksonville. They bring national attention, diverse business opportunities, major employment and a whole host of other economic benefits. Just as important, they are a unifying force that brings a sense of identity to our community. My hope is that by partnering with the Jags, we can create something special with our sports and entertainment district. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: Growth is a major challenge facing our city. This growth, combined with unprecedented conditions created by the Covid-19 pandemic, led to a major mismatch in housing supply and demand. Some of those pressures have already begun to ease, but growth and a greater demand for housing than availability, continues to be a problem. The city can help to support supply-side efforts to get new units online. This would primarily focus on streamlining and creating efficiencies in the zoning and permitting process. It would also include strengthening incentives packages for investors willing to build in density appropriate areas with units at below market rates.  

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change? 

A: Resilience is a critical issue in both new development and maintaining existing neighborhoods. Since I am not an expert in this field, I was excited to meet with Jacksonville’s Resilience officer, Anne Coglianese and was impressed with her knowledge, analytical approach, and professionalism.  Her own words are really the best description of what’s needed, so I encourage readers to check out the Jax Today coverage. It is important that future policy recommendations are data driven with measurable benchmarks to ensure success. This office will be a great resource for city councils of the future. 

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: Fully funding law enforcement is a top priority, but it is not a standalone solution. Jacksonville must enact a comprehensive strategic plan for crime reduction and safety. Access to the economy, job opportunity and quality education are all relevant metrics in improving public safety. Fully funding all of the tools at our city’s disposal is a primary legislative concern for me. 

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: Sip and Stroll on the Southbank Riverwalk is the best event in Jacksonville! I love visiting the Cummer Museum’s Gardens and always suggest a Go’Tuckn tour when company is in town. But every day I am reminded how lucky we are to live in a place with big city amenities, but a wonderful square in walking distance full of restaurants, shops, and friends. 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: My dad is not on City Council. 

Council District 6

Michael Boylan, REP (Current Council member) – No response

Michael Boylan’s Council page

Tom Harris, REP

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: As a Conservative, I will be councilman that fights for Mandarin and the citizens, not Downtown special interests. I will bring common sense to our City Council. There are many quality of life issues that need to be addressed in District 6.  Crime, Congestion, Overdevelopment, and improving our Parks are just a few.  There are solutions for all of this, we have to make it a priority.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I graduated from the University of Florida, and I am a U.S. Army Veteran, having held the rank of Captain. I am an Army Aviator and Civilian Pilot with FAA Commercial Pilot ratings in both Airplanes and Helicopters. I have served on many community and civic boards including as President of the Southside Business Men’s Club, Board Member of Mandarin Community Club, Member of Jacksonville Police Council, Jewish Family and Community Services, River Garden Hebrew Home and its foundation board, Jacksonville Rotary, and as President of Tala Cay Homeowners Association. I have managed large organizations, and have successfully grown a small business here in Jacksonville. I have had responsibility for $300M budgets as Director of Strategic Planning at the Campbell Soup Co. As a Sr. Vice President of Acosta based here in Jacksonville, I managed multiple offices in cities around the country. Currently as a Funeral Director and Area Manager of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes, Cemeteries, and Cremation, we are Jacksonville’s largest provider of funeral services, assisting thousands of families in our 12 locations.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? Etc.

A: I am a good listener, and will seek out concerns from our citizens. I am a Funeral Director/Area Manager, Hardage-Giddens Funeral Homes, Cemeteries, and Cremations. I have lived in Duval County for 26 years, and have owned 3 homes in the Mandarin area during that time. I am a lifelong Republican, and a believer in smaller government. I fell in love with Mandarin in 1982 for its natural beauty, the history of the area, and the neighborhood’s proximity to our St. Johns River and tributaries. We made this our home when I left active duty with the Army.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: Like the Public Schools renaming issue a few years back, we can solve this issue and not only survive but thrive as a city. The Confederate monuments have become a distraction to the important business of government and the image of our city. We need to tackle this issue in the next session and consider options including using them in an educational way.  As Republicans, the true party of Civil Rights, we are the natural leaders for a solution.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: As with any other Downtown development opportunity, we will need to balance our needs as a city with our obligations to the Jaguars.  Jacksonville and Jaguars should remain synonymous. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: Council can and should work with developers and charitable organizations to create opportunities to increase housing units in the city. The appropriate use of tax incentives is one way to assist. Through the Jacksonville Housing Authority, we can secure block grants and other funding to help provide access to safe affordable housing for all.  

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: Anne Coliagnese leads the development and implementation of resilience initiatives to ensure Jacksonville can adapt and thrive in the face of acute shocks and chronic stresses brought on by climate change.  I look forward to actionable recommendations from that office that the council can consider.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: I support the police… period.  We have grown to 1 million residents of Duval County and we will need to expand our officer force.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: When I have the opportunity, I still love to get up in an airplane and fly above Jacksonville. It gives me new perspective as you can visually see how we are untied together. From a few thousand feet you can see the real beauty of the city, and I realize how fortunate I am to live here.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: I have been married to the former Debby Sims for 37 years.  We met through friends in college and it has been a wonderful life with her.  We have two daughters who live in Duval County, Dr. Rachel Monteiro DMD, and Amanda Stanley CHRP.  Between them they have given us 3 grandchildren and they represent the 6th generation of Jacksonville citizens for our family. 

Council District 7

Joseph Hogan, REP – No response

Parrish King, NPA

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: Cleaning Downtown. Making it safe and beautiful. This is a major issue for me and ABSOLUTELY NO ONE in Jacksonville politics has done anything that has worked. In fact, it’s gotten worse. Frankly, it’s an embarrassment. Almost everyone in the City Council and mayor’s office the last 2 decades should be ashamed. The homeless situation Downtown is pathetic and will absolutely end with me. We can’t enable them. The panhandling ends. The harassment ends. The littering ends. I’ll clean it all up myself if I have to. Aesthetics matter. Bringing life and beauty into our Downtown means everything to me. These regular, soft-handed politicians don’t have what it takes to make the drastic changes we need down there. 

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: Well. Look, I hate talking about this but I’ve gone through some struggles coming up as a kid with drug addiction in my family. Evictions, nowhere to stay, no money, just hard times. I would go on to struggle with opioids myself for many years. Now I’ve been recovered for 5 years and active in that community. What I have now is an insider’s knowledge of how to combat our city’s drug problem and homeless problem from a deeper understanding. I’m a blue collar worker. I understand the issues of the common man. And I’m here to drive our city to a new era.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I’m a painter, I started a company called Jax Exterior Coatings. I’ve worked construction most of my adult life. I’ve lived here in Jacksonville my entire life.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: Which ones are of concern? The one with the woman holding the baby is the last big monument standing. Take the statue out, leave the concrete housing that covers it. Take out the plaques and change the name of the park. Simple job. We should be open about history, where we are now and where we’re going. I’m more concerned about the 126 murders last year, several last month in January, the several still unsolved, and the way high Black-on-Black homicide numbers. The hopelessness in the poverty-stricken communities, etc. 

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: Good question, I go over this in the “sports complex” project section on my website, Parrishking.com. 

I wanna stay an NFL team city. I’m OK with fair-priced upgrades. I will watch these budgets like a hawk. With every million spent, we get a million spent on us. We are no longer a “watch” football city under my leadership. We are going to produce athletes. Along with the upgrades, adjoining the stadium will be public spaces. That’s the only way I vote on these hundred million dollar deals. Like how many practice fields do y’all need?

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: I don’t know if there’s much we can do being this is a greater, privatized, free market system, especially from where I’m currently sitting. I promise the voters that this is a major, major concern for me. My mom, sister, and I have been put out on the streets! The sharp pain you feel in your soul from being unable to afford rent, or even find a place to rent! Paying outrageous rent prices and never being able to get ahead. I’m NOT here to encourage laziness, but fair, honest, and just living standards. God will show us some solutions. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: Jacksonville basically sits at sea level, completely immersed in waterways. Upgrading the infrastructure, more advanced flood drain engineering, is an ongoing necessity for the council and I will see that we are continually addressing that. The free market will show us how to build in the future. I’m personally engineering my structures to withstand first-level flooding, and most responsible builders are doing the same. I’m open to updating building codes to adapt. I believe we are further out from major sea level rises then anticipated. And there are some large scale solutions for that. We have the ability to dredge ocean floors with massive machines to keep sea level current, then doing a number of things with the dredged materials. Humans are adaptable.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: I support our law enforcement community. I have many friends there. Ideally we can move towards a much safer future and drop those costs drastically. Unfortunately parts of Jacksonville are still dangerous because we keep electing legitimate losers, little men, and selfish politicians over and over. No, I don’t support that level of spending, and if YOU do, It’s because you likely have your own personal bias tied to that spending. We have to stop being selfish on a personal level and be concerned about the advancement of the species first and foremost. Spending half a billion annually does not add up. We need responsible spending with top tier police and top tier pay. 

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: Hahaha, can’t tell ya, I don’t want y’all flockin my spot. Ok ok… the Timucuan trails near Fort Caroline. Not sure the real name but you’ll figure it out. I have a little sail boat I play around with in the St. Johns River too, that’s my happy place. 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?

A: I promise you I’ll be the best thing that’s ever happened to this city. I’ll leave no doubt left after my time. I guarantee that. Check out my website, Parrishking.com and let’s get this guy voted in!

Jimmy Peluso, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: The biggest issue is a lack of CIP funding going to the district: Drainage improvements, sidewalks, septic tanks, curbs, etc. The infrastructure issues we face have been around since consolidation and it’s time we addressed them.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: As someone who works in government affairs (I am both a registered state and city lobbyist), it means I understand a lot about our local government that my opponents may not. I am also on a number of boards throughout the County: Changing Homelessness Continuum of Care Board, Northeast Florida Literacy Alliance, Veterans Council of Duval County, Memorial Park Association and the Riverside Avondale Preservation Committee on Infrastructure. Sitting on these boards has been enlightening and helped shape my policies and relationships. I’m eager to bring my knowledge and policy focus to City Hall.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I grew up in Jacksonville, but I’ve lived in the Riverside-Avondale area since 2015. Currently I work in Government Affairs for VyStar Credit Union, where I work with local governments, as well as the state. I am also a naval officer who is in the reserves, and drill one weekend a month as the Executive Officer of my unit.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I don’t understand why anyone has any Confederacy iconography, let alone on public property. They should be removed immediately, especially given how offensive they are to the African American population, of which our population is nearly 40%. What kind of society are we if we accept keeping them up? The war is over, and the Confederacy is merely an example of seeking to maintain a national policy that is based on racism and white supremacy. Our country didn’t stand for it in 1865, and we shouldn’t today.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: If the field is not renovated, the NFL will not allow the team to remain in Jacksonville. What we need is to ensure the ROI is appropriate for public financing, which will likely be quite high. There are ways to recoup funds, perhaps via parking revenues.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: The City could do a number of things, including: 1. Eliminate single-family zoning in several parts of the City, which would allow for more duplexes, quadplexes, and high density housing 2. Pass a “Tenants Bill of Rights” to make sure individuals have rights before the cost of rents go up substantially, 3. Entice developers to allow for more units that are only allowed for those who make 80% or below AMI 4. Establish a stabilization fund for housing, that could reduce the cost of rents for some families.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: Luckily the City has hired a Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) and has appropriated $10M in this FY. As she begins meeting with members of the public this year to see what a long term plan might look like to address our needs, I plan to be a strong supporter of funding. As for heat, we have over $20M in our tree mitigation fund that could be used to plant trees across the City to reduce rising temperatures on our streets. We have the means to reduce the effects of climate change in Jacksonville, we just need leaders who care to do so.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?

A: I believe that with our City growing as quickly as it has, to include over 1 million residents, we need to ensure we have enough officers to make it to calls within a short enough amount of time. I also would like to see us reduce how many officers are forced to take overtime. I would be willing to support funding for programs that incorporate more mental health professionals into roles where an officer shouldn’t be the first face members of the public interacts with.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: I will usually go to Memorial Park or the Riverwalk, and look out at Downtown. Nothing like looking at the City to feel better.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?

A: I am committed to spending a lot of time in all of the neighborhoods in my district. I want to be around and available as much as possible so I can be responsive to the needs of my constituents.

John Phillips, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: I was motivated to run for City Council largely because of a series of issues that all link together. Anyone saying there is one big issue isn’t being honest or is simply trying to force rank things that all need to be addressed. As a civil rights lawyer and consumer advocate, the lack of civility coupled with the do-nothing nepotism structure was what caused me look at the new district and who was running and volunteer to change things. We have the same core people bullying folks and conversely nothing gets done. If we continue to elect people who won’t speak up to “power,” we can expect nothing to change.

As a lawyer who spends a lot of time in the homes of people who lost their children, this is the issue which certainly hurts my heart the most. Jacksonville has over 1,000 murders in 7 years. I moved to Jacksonville in 2001 after a job interview for my first job as a lawyer. Here I am 20 years later and I was able to achieve beyond my dreams. That promise, or the ability to fulfill one’s dreams, should be open to all. But we live in a city where inequality and lack of compassion seem to govern. Apathy and division now are separating us more and more. People want to come together. Like I have in my career, I am here to help be that bridge.

If I had to name the three largest issues I am hearing about from constituents, I can do that easier:

(1) Murder and crime. Our city brought in Cure Violence from out of town while completely ignoring groups like Mad Dads. To make matters worse, we have a City-funded group, VAAC, which raises money not for victims, but to give internally connected people awards and to make certain people feel like they are doing something when virtually nothing goes to the actual community. It needs to be investigated. Even the former Sheriff essentially said everything looks like a nail through JSO’s lens as a hammer. If we could make a few changes, we could not only help murder rates, but solve some and raise a community’s self-esteem, which is broken. 

(2) Flooding and Resiliency. After two more storms, we still clearly have issues. Our new resiliency officer is underutilized and not given the resources she needs. We have to empower her and need to focus on all of the issues related to it. When we lost our home in Irma, I was with Erin Brockovich, who is a supporter of my campaign. She explained the consequences of home flooding where there is a large number of septic tanks and toxic sites up stream. Our homes were flooded with toxic substances. This last time, it even smelled like oil or gas. It’s an issue. 

(3) Corruption. We can’t keep electing the same people and expect different results. If you are constantly worried about pleasing the voters who might not vote for you or donors who might not support you year after year and job after job, you are mislead by secondary gain. Look at the monument issue. Vote. Get it done. But they won’t. They won’t even handle one monument at a time. Look at JEA. Look at all of the self-serving of non-profits. Look at the power we’ve given Tim Baker and Brian Hughes. If you think anyone will step up to them, search tweets. No one will even say their names. The Mayor called me a media whore over me simply bringing up his “friend” Kent Stermon’s inappropriate access. The tweet was of course deleted after the circle found out about his sexual impropriety and pending charges. The time for whispering is over. We have to be vocal about the lack of civility and corruption.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: This is a question I could answer in pages.  I am / have been involved in many high-profile cases over the course of my career:  

• Jordan Davis: Teenager killed over loud music. Criminal, civil and court of public opinion justice received. Jordan’s mother elected to U.S. Congress after case was done. Two award winning documentaries resulted. 
• Victims of Howard Schneider: Represented 131 kids who were the victims of pediatric dental abuse by “the worst dentist in America.” He was arrested, suspended from dentistry and the case received international coverage and a record confidential settlement for the kids. 
• Kalil McCoy: Murdered / Cover-up (body dumped in a ditch) teenager. Record $495 million jury verdict. 
• Omarosa v. Trump: Represent Omarosa Manigault Newman in her cases filed because of her book and statements. We took on the president and not only got a record attorney fee award, but invalidated his NDAs.
• Alfaro v. City of Jacksonville – A deaf couple was repeatedly denied a marriage license as it was too difficult to navigate the process. We got them married and also there are now signs throughout the courthouse.
• Ben Frazier cases- Ben has been repeatedly arrested over constitutional speech. We represent him pro bono (free).
• Many others, most you will never hear about.

Each step of the way over the last 20 years in Jacksonville have taught me so much about the inequalities and inequities which exist. All of this has put me in a position where I have the network, connections and wisdom to help.

This is the most important case of my life. I need to assemble witnesses and evidence and learn because the City of Jacksonville is suffering. We can go day by day and bring up District 7 and the city as a whole. I know it because we’ve done it out of office. 

I know I am different. I know I have been focused on cases and my clients at the expense of being out there trying to become an elected official. I think those are pluses. Not minuses. But I have to do this for my children, and the children who have been murdered. 

I have said it over and over, before I owned Folio Weekly and after. The City, She Weeps. We must fight for the disenfranchised and raise up all of those who are suffering. It will help the entire city. If we could just find the pride we have about the Jaguars literally about anything else, but we can’t even speak out about antisemitic hate speech without the necessity of two separate press conferences. We have two MLK breakfasts. We are divided. We can unify.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: During the spring of 2001, I was flown to Jacksonville to interview for what would be my first ever job as a lawyer. I sat on the banks of the St. Johns River after it was done. As I sat at the Landing, I looked at Folio Weekly and I knew this was the town for me. I’d move to town and defend local and national businesses for a decade. In July of 2011, I’d switch sides and help victims of injuries and trauma. From helping the family of Jordan Davis to ending pediatric dentist Howard Schneider’s reign of pain and fraud on kids, media became interested in me and my cases.

Twenty-two years later, I’d have an amazing firm, Phillips & Hunt, and be publisher of Folio. I have stepped down from the Folio for this, but remain a lawyer. I plan to spent the vast majority of my time giving back to the City which gave me so much.

On December 30, I looked at my district and the people running. I also looked at murder statistics (Over 1000 in 7 years). I looked at resiliency plans after two more storms, knowing we lost our home in Irma. And I looked at the lack of civility and action in city council. From the Mayor’s mean-tweets to no one doing anything when Ben Frazier was drug out of a meeting and arrest. I thought about Kent Stermon and how JSO and the FOP have fought against any citizen review, but had a “Sheriff’s Circle,” led by Kent Stermon, who could go anywhere, do anything and was involved with demotions and promotions- a one man civilian review board who was using city power and assets as his own. I made several calls and decided the time was now to run.

Beautiful district 7 is over 40% non-white, a community I have served and sat in living rooms with after their children were murdered. It’s also flood victims and people who just want their children safer, like I do my own. It is overwhelmingly Democrat if we can get them to the polls, which will allow a voice which hasn’t been had in parts of this district. It’s got my home of 13 years, my office of over 20 years, our community house on the east of the stadium, which we renovated and put back into use and it’s got Folio‘s office and distribution center in Springfield. It’s where my kids go to public school. It’s where I have spent most of my time and it’s suffering. 

I looked at my opponents and they are nice, but both seem to want politically tied jobs more than anything else. When one needs the system, one is dependent on the system. One opponent is running around telling untruths and getting support from Jordan Elsbury, Rory Diamond and Lenny Curry, while the others haven’t run much of a campaign at all, particularly the Republican. He’s just hoping for votes because of the R, and he will get them. I realized my last decade was filled with dealing with problems after they occurred and not as much preventative. What if we can save one life or save one house? And then another. We can.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: The lack of a vote on it is outrageous. The lack of the Mayor’s office to make an issue of this is a broken promise. I don’t care if they vote monument by monument or vote on the underlying racial, inequality or hate-filled messages many of these monuments were designed to convey, but I personally don’t support having them on public property. I do think some historical markers and, for instance, the name of Jacksonville, should be protected, but certainly we have the evidence most of the “monuments” at issue were not meant to be historical tributes.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: I love the Jaguars. We certainly need a long term deal to keep them in Jacksonville, but it has to be fair and has to provide for local jobs and stimulation of areas which so desperately need it.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: This issue extremely important in my district and to me, personally. I have been in many of these same homes, as many of these same underserved people tend to need legal services whether from consumer protection or the wrongful death of a murdered child. Having affordable housing in the core of city is existential to having a vibrant city, but also is necessary as it shows Jacksonville as a city working on broken promises of equality. The haves and have nots are further than they have ever been. We can’t take support from these conglomerates buying these houses and flipping them with outrageous markups (like my opponent) and say we are concerned about affordable housing. 

A major priority would be to access where we can build affordable housing, not just in my district but across the city. This will require some bipartisan efforts, which our campaign is seeing. We have spoken with builders who understand they can do more to lift us all up as a city. For too long, city council has been run by political opportunists who are following political ambitions and not trying to solve issues and speak truth to power. Look no further than who Lenny Curry and Brian Hughes are urging people to support in this very race. Not me. 

We will then force the city to go after state and federal dollars to subsidize this housing. We also will require new developments to address affordable housing issues as a part of their plan. We can solve this problem if we are willing to stand up to those who simply want buildings for those who have significant budgets. I have stood up for consumers my whole career. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: These are quite the possibly the biggest challenges to our future. Our new resiliency officer is underutilized and not given the resources she needs. We have to empower her and need to focus on all of the issues related to it. We have to long range plan and budget these issues. When we can’t even get monuments down or be on the same page about hate speech, something like this is going to take a vigilant voice.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: No. But it’s not even just quantity of money, it’s also the qualitative spending which needs scrutiny. We are hiring officers which are not only NOT COMMUNITY POLICING, but many flee to different counties after their shift. I am the only one who has stood up to JSO and the FOP repeatedly. The only one. I was the first to start publicly asking questions about Kent Stermon’s access. We have to get to the bottom of these issues.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: Anywhere with my wife and three boys. It’s a beautiful city with lots to do.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: I am originally from Mobile, Alabama, but made Jacksonville my home in 2001. I graduated from the University of Alabama, which is perennially one of the highest ranked public law schools in the Southeast and was ranked 25th in the nation in a recent U.S. News Survey. I have been consulted by government officials when they review important legislation. For instance, I was selected to help re-write Georgia’s citizen arrest statute after Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed. Although I have represented celebrities and athletes, most of my time is mostly spent helping the injured get justice and those who have had their rights infringed get help. I can be seen in the Emmy award-winning documentary, Armor of Light, which discusses Jordan Davis’s case. My TEDxJax tells the story of how much it changed me. As a result, I regularly seek out opportunities to learn how to be a better lawyer, leader and father.

This is the biggest case of my life, helping my home.

Kim Pryor, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: Every day I learn more about challenges faced by the people living in District 7. Although they vary by neighborhood, there are a few that seem to impact most. I would like to address Quality of Life issues such as our failing infrastructure, lack of sidewalks and street lighting, and safety as well as to rebuild TRUST between the citizens and myself as the District 7 representative.

The priorities of the citizens of District 7 will be my PRYORities once I am elected. As I continue to meet people within District 7, I will learn more about what they want/need and together we can work to make our District the best it can be.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I have been fighting for the needs of my Springfield neighborhood for many years. Through my work as the Chair of the Urban Core Citizens Planning and Advisory Committee (CPAC), I have already been doing work to improve quality of life issues within the Urban Core. I have established relationships with City officials and know how to get things done. During my 28 years as a mortgage software analyst, I was required to listen to clients’ needs and translate those needs into a clear design that allowed employees to perform their jobs better and faster, leading to greater efficiency. This experience will be extremely valuable as I listen to citizens and translate their concerns into legislation that will help increase their quality of life.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I moved to the greater Jacksonville area on February 1, 1993, to begin a 28-year career for a mortgage software development company right here in District 7. I am a founding member and current Vice President of Preservation SOS, Inc., a very small grassroots non-profit formed in 2010 to fight the demolition of historic structures in the Springfield Historic District and work toward restoration of those structures.

I served on the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus Board of Directors from 2009 to 2010, and was appointed by Mayor Alvin Brown to the Urban Core Citizens Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC) in 2015.  During my tenure on the CPAC, I served as Vice Chair in 2017, 2018 and 2019, and as Chair in 2020, 2021 and 2022.  As a member of CPAC, I also worked with the Mayor’s Community Based Crime Reduction Program, a federally funded program that had three key goals: reduce crime, increase mutual trust between law enforcement and community stakeholders, and improve public safety in Mid-westside Jacksonville neighborhoods (Grand Park, New Town, Durkeeville and LaVilla).

I live in Historic Springfield and have a daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons.  My daughter was born at St. Vincent’s in Riverside, graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and is currently serving our country as an active duty member of the United States Air Force.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: Confederate monuments should not be on public property; they need to be removed and placed in a more appropriate place (i.e. museum).

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: It seems that we give an awful lot of money to people who already have an awful lot of money.  That being said, I am not against public/private partnerships when they are beneficial for all parties involved.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: Rental and purchase prices are controlled by the open market and supply and demand. When we have low supply, prices move higher.  If we increase the number of housing units available, economics tell us that prices will move lower. Here are a few ideas in no particular order:

• Modify the City Budget to allow for more support of affordable workforce housing.
• Modify zoning regulations where feasible to reduce roadblocks to residential development (similar to what was recently done with allowing garage apartments in back yards).
• Seek out federal grant funding to provide rental assistance to those who need it.
• Create a program through which citizens who need assistance have easy access to help.
• Review and implement where appropriate the recommendations made in the City of Jacksonville’s Special Committee on Critical Quality of Life Issues report published in December, 2022.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: Jacksonville has recently hired a Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) who is currently working to develop a comprehensive strategy to assist us in preparing for and adapting to climate change issues and flooding.  At this point, I would recommend that we continue to support this initiative.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results is the definition of insanity. Although we continue to increase the JSO budget, crime continues to increase. I believe we need to take a proactive rather than a reactive approach, determine the root cause of the crime issues, and address those as best we can. Why do people turn to crime? Is it related to unstable housing or lack of home support? If we focus some of the JSO budget on programs that help young families, would that in turn reduce crime in the long run? Let’s work with crime and safety experts with proven track records in crime reduction to garner their insight on how the JSO can do its job better, and adjust the budget accordingly.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: I am going to keep this one a secret… 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: When I am elected I will be 100% dedicated to the citizens of District 7. My time will not be split between serving the people and a separate 40 hour/week job; being a City Councilmember will be my full time job. I truly want to be a conduit for positive change in District 7. 

For many years I have watched leaders not follow the law and make what appears to be back room deals without proper public input.  If they do ask for public input, it is often ignored.  I want to see transparency and fairness across the board and to give WE THE PEOPLE of District 7 a voice that is not ignored.  When I feel as though someone has been wronged in some way, I fight and do not give up!  We deserve a leader who is honest, transparent and responsive; a leader who wants to serve the people; a partner who will listen and not be afraid to stand up and fight for what is right.  I am already working to improve my neighborhood and will do the same for all as District 7’s City Councilmember. I’d love to talk with anyone who would like to learn more about me; my email is kimpryor4jaxcitycouncil@gmail.com. My PRYORity is YOU!

Council District 8

Charles “Scooter” Barr, REP

(No photo provided)

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: There are several issues, but crime and safety are probably the biggest at this time.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I have raised a family and worked hard owning my own home. I have been in charge of upwards of 100 workmen and been in charge of important responsibilities and job sites. I am a representative of 400+ employees at my place of employment. I know how to lead. Like my opponents, all of them, I have no actual political experience; however, I believe with my leadership, I can be the best.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: Except for 8 years, I have lived in Jacksonville my entire life and on the Northside. I have held leadership jobs in construction, and I am currently a process programmer at Anheuser-Busch. I sit on the Eboard of the IBT 947 where I represent over 400 employees.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I believe the two parties should sit down and come up with a plan in a civil manner instead of arguing at a City Council meeting.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: I believe we need to look out for the taxpayers of this city and especially District 8. If we are going to spend millions, there should be an ROI.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: It should be looked into and come up with a way to help those in need. There are places for affordable housing and I am ready to act on them.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: I don’t believe there is anything the City Council can do with this issue. They should gather facts on the issues and discuss once accomplished.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: I enjoy spending time with the seniors in our city; we dance, play bingo and I provide gifts. This makes me happy.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?

A: I am a man of integrity; this is something that our City Council district hasn’t had in over 16 years. I will work for the community, take calls, visit when needed and most of all hold community meetings; this is also something that hasn’t been in existence.

Reggie Gaffney, Jr. , DEM (Current Council member) – No response

Reggie Gaffney, Jr.’s Council page

Tameka Gaines Holly, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council? 

A: Crime is the biggest issue on top of voters’ mind across this city, including in District 8. Crime is the  result of a myriad of social ills and by addressing these challenges collaboratively, WE can solve our  crime issue. When elected, I plan to engage the Sheriff to understand the specific needs of officers to  help combat crime in our city. I will also work with the Mayor’s office and others on the City Council to  provide funding to support crime prevention and intervention programs that have been proven to be  effective, such as previous Jacksonville Journey programming or recommendations from the Safer  Together Subcommittee. Mental health services and job training will also be a focus to help curb the  issue of crime and violence in our city. 

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office? 

A: I was born and raised in Duval County, specifically in District 8, the District I seek to represent. I am  thoroughly familiar with the District’s challenges and needs, but most importantly its opportunities, and will serve as the consistent, competent, courageous leader with high moral character that the District deserves. I bring real-world experience and firsthand knowledge of how to effectively address social, economic, health and other great issues in our community. Being a graduate of Florida A&M University with a B.S. in Health Care Management, UNF with a Master of Public Health, and holding an Executive Master of Public Policy from JU, I am equipped with the right skills to effectively advocate and legislate for the residents of District 8 and our city. Lastly, as being a part of organizations such as Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2014, a former appointed member to the city’s Public Service Grant Council, as well as being selected to the city’s Strategic Partnerships Steering Committee, I have formed many working relationships with individuals from all over the city and will work with others to ensure resources and support for a greater quality of life for individuals and families. Therefore, voters can expect to receive an experienced and equipped leader who will advocate for all residents, which sets me apart from other candidates as I will be prepared to lead on Day One. 

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in  Duval County? etc. 

A: I was born and raised in Jacksonville and was educated in Duval County Public Schools. I am the wife to Delaney, Jr., a retired JSO officer and current service member of the Florida Air National Guard. I am the mother to three awesome young adult children, Devonn, Dejuan, and Laila. I am a small business owner of Tameka Gaines Holly Consulting, LLC, a business management consulting firm that helps small, nonprofit, and governmental entities to effectively operate and provide great quality services. I am also the Chief Operations Officer for the Northeast Florida Area Agency on Aging, also known as ElderSource. We empower people to live and age with independence and dignity in their homes and community by providing needed services to seniors and persons living with disabilities in the seven-county, Northeast Florida area. I am a servant leader having served in social services  executive management for over 20 years.  

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property? 

A: Since 2019, I have evolved my perspective regarding the monuments. At that time, I felt we had more  important issues than to focus on insignificant statues when so many other crises, such as crime were  crippling us as a city. However, since this time, I have come to fully support removing Confederate  monuments from our public spaces. These figures have been used as instruments of divisiveness and  should no longer be maintained using tax payer dollars. Since some may herald these figures as  historical heroes, we can provide access to them at privately owned and maintained spaces. It is my  opinion, Jacksonville seeks to be an inclusive and welcoming city and it is very difficult to be that with  these figures hanging over us. 

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: This season, the Jacksonville Jaguars have managed to be one of the only things to truly bring this city together. I loved the energy brought to our city and how everyone was on one accord as a Jags fan. As a fiscally responsible leader, any city investment would need to make sense. As a city councilwoman, I  would ensure we understand the true value of any investment we make into the TIAA Bank Field renovations. While financial benefits are important, I would also be sure to recognize the intangible  benefits offered to our city through an investment into the TIAA Bank Field renovations, which are  equally important. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: I have served as an advocate in the affordable housing space for many years, including being certified  in community real estate development from the University of South Florida and creating rental and  mortgage assistance programs in our area. Affordable housing has been an issue for many in our  community for years. The recent economic challenges have only exacerbated this issue. My experience has shown me the city should fund home security programs for the prevention of foreclosure, eviction, tax liens, etc. to help residents maintain stable housing. For city-owned land, the  city could work directly with governmental and nonprofit entities to develop, own, and operate (non profit) publicly owned housing, which can provide mixed-income affordable housing options below the fair market rate and enhance competition in the housing market. Home ownership programs such as first-time homebuyer, down payment assistance, and gap funding could also assist citizens of Duval County obtain affordable housing. Additional subsidies and housing development incentives could be used as means to curb this growing issue, as well. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and  flooding caused by climate change? 

A: Our city is very broad and complex and our resiliency challenges continue to expand, including rising  seas, increased heat, and flooding. When you add these issues to our infrastructure problems such as poor drainage, water management, septic tanks, aging bridges and roadways, and much more, we then greatly compound the issue. I would continue to support the work of the city’s Resiliency Officer and work with groups like the Riverkeeper, UNF, JU, and other task forces to assess the issue and address it. Although the original Better Jacksonville Plan (BJP) and BJPII sought to address our greatest  infrastructure needs, our growing city and environmental issues continue to compound our  infrastructure challenges. Under the current funding mechanisms, I would advocate that we prioritize  projects that directly contribute to the quality of life of our residents. Our resiliency and infrastructure is an important issue in our community and should be managed as such. As a council member, I  would recommend we regularly monitor our these areas and add additional funding, staffing, and  partnerships.  

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you  support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: The city’s budget would be a priority for me as we need to ensure our budget not only demonstrates  our priorities, but it is also effectively managing our city. First, I would focus on transparency of the JSO budget. I would advocate for the accessibility of the City’s budget, including JSO’s budget, to be made available online and easy to find and understand. I would then have the Sheriff, or the designee, to report regularly at council on where they are within the budget and what outcomes have been achieved through the funding received. This would help to understand where funding is going and whether or not metrics are being achieved or reallocations would need to take place during the budget year. 

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up? 

A: My entire family and many of my friends live in Jacksonville, specifically in District 8. As a close-knit  bunch, my “happy place” is being with family and friends. Whether we’re eating, playing games, or  watching a game, we have loads of fun and offer laughter and just a good time. Lucky for me I can find  that “happy place” at any one of their houses, which is mere minutes away. 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: I was born and raised and currently reside on the Northside of Jacksonville. I have seen the progress  and regress in my community. I am running because our city is growing and we need servant leadership that truly represents the change we want to see. We need leadership that will be the voice of all persons in government. Someone who will be competent, consistent, and courageous while exhibiting high moral character when advocating for needed change across this city. I am the best candidate to represent District 8 because I will continue to serve tirelessly to ensure our families and communities experience a great quality of life.

Solomon Olopade, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council? 

A: The biggest issue is homelessness, lack of adequate infrastructure to support all these development, government bureaucracy at every level and economic disparities.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office? 

A: As a former COJ employee at the Building department and now a business owner, I have learned how to listen to people’s concerns and how to solve problems or assist  in solving problems. This valuable training as a public servant for several years has prepared me for this new tack.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc. 

A: I am a FAMU grad with 25 years of marriage to Vickie and currently a professional architect, certified general contractor, a businessman. I design and build buildings-malls, schools, churches, daycares, parks, beauty salons and most importantly a variety of affordable and sustainable housing for the communities.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property? 

A: The Confederate monument should have been removed several years ago because the presence of the monument opens back the old wound and memories which we are all trying to put behind and move forward.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: This is an issue that we should tread softly, the city/communities need the team for various reasons-economic and entertainment, TIAA field is a city property/ asset therefore upgrading a public infrastructure is a benefit to the communities but we quote to demand a return of this investment in the near future.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: Affordable housing has to be addressed either by converting and renovating all the dilapidated and abandoned buildings into livable quarters. We can adopt the Tiny Building and Metal container housing concept that has been practiced by other cities and has been proved to be successful.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address the impacts of climate change/adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding? 

A: Climate change is a global issue, the city can do our part in reducing emission of carbon into the atmosphere by reducing the fossil fuels-coal usage in all manufacturing industries.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up? 

A: Happiest place is watching the waves at the ocean and relaxing at the beach side.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?

A: I have vast experience in infrastructure and business. I’ve been involved in helping people set up businesses. I intend to use my experience in bringing more business such as WAWA and also actively involved in redesigning our broken infrastructure-parks, schools, streets etc and to make it safer and conducive for community activities. Oftentimes, we tend to elect based on name recognition rather than if they are competent. Now the tide has changed, elect the best candidate for the right reasons, pound for pound, in terms of experience, I am the best candidate. Vote Solomon Olopade.

Ronald Tracy Robison Jr., LPF

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council? 

A: The biggest issue that I will tackle head-on is reckless city government spending, which will be an ongoing one. We are currently in a debt deficit of $3 billion, and to pay that off, we have to pay a tax burden of $10,200 on top of the many other taxes levied against us, which is plunging us into more desperate economic conditions. For example: The 6 cent gas tax increase will cost us $1 billion in a span of 30 years.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office? 

A: The experiences in my life that have prepared me for holding public office is my recognizing the way I’ve been subjected to the faults of the previous Council representative in the public office of District 8 before redistricting. The Libertarian Party of Duval County and I have had to pick up their slack.

Example: The roads are undriveable even though we’re taxed for them to be up to par. We’ve fixed pot-holes frequently with our own tools as a service to our community because when the Government gets paid upfront for a job they’ve yet to do, they will take their sweet time at the expense of us. Government is the only business in the world that will fail to do the job they’re being paid to do, then ask for a raise. 

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in  Duval County? etc. 

A: I was born and raised on the northside of Jacksonville. I work for General Electric as an Inventory Specialist. 

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property? 

A: Concerning Confederate monuments (or any monument for that matter), I hold the position that it shouldn’t be publicly funded to remain nor should it be publicly funded for its removal. If either side of the aisle feel so strongly about the monument then they should purchase it to be moved to private property for display or to a museum or wherever they choose so as to not have to go to the City Government. This will cost taxpayer money that can be utilized in other constructive ways. This will achieve peace through free market transactions with emphasis on private property. 

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: Only the individuals that own TIAA Bank Field should pay for TIAA Bank Field. The only time Jaxons should pay for TIAA Bank Field is when we purchase a ticket to go see an event. With nearly a Mil in population only at max 7% can fill the stadium yet 100% have to also put up some of the investment. In 2017, the University of Chicago surveyed a collection of distinguished economists from Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, UC-Berkeley, Chicago, Columbia, Northwestern and other respected economics departments. This panel, which included an incredible 7 Nobel Prize winners in economics, was asked if stadium subsidies generate a positive rate of return for taxpayers. The answer was an overwhelming 83% of the panel saying NO, subsidies do not generate positive ROI for taxpayers.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: To address the lack of affordable housing is to address major property tax cuts. Reform in this department will bring more affordability and incentivize homeownership and decrease the price of rent for renters in Jacksonville. Not to mention homelessness or cries for “Rent Control” or “Rental Assistance Programs” will not be as frequent as we’re seeing it now. The goal is to eliminate these liabilities completely in due time. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and  flooding caused by climate change? 

A: To adapt to rising seas, increased heat, and flooding in Jacksonville is to bring a more localized solution to refine our infrastructure because the City Council has ignored this issue for a very long time. For example, in the Oceanway area, specifically in Blue Whale Way & Moby Dick Drive, during Hurricane Ian were submerged in 12 inches of water because of the culverts being dammed and blocked. The area isn’t a flood zone but because of gross neglect became victims of flooding. Now they suffer the same flood zone prices that Broward Road (which is a true flood zone) suffer from because now they’re seen as a financial liability.

As Councilman my plan is to not levy new taxes for refinement initiatives. What I could do is bring a local culvert replacement company for consultation, get a quote to fix the culverts, then consult with the community to set a payment plan, for they will be the immediate beneficiaries. No tax dollars will be necessary because they will be paying for their service directly in order to guarantee the job will get done ASAP.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you  support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: I do not support the continued funding of JSO. It’s far too much money for the low yield of convictions, nor is the crime-rate slowing down. One small suggestion that doesn’t require so much money is for police to simply get out of the cars and into the communities they represent. If the police fail to connect with the people then there will be not only more crime but also hostility. 

Another suggestion is to encourage armed neighborhood watch initiatives that will bring the people to the forefront of crime prevention and foster familial comradery amongst each other. Wherever the police is NOT present should be filled with concerned citizens with the freedom to guard themselves, which has always proven to be successful.

Finally, an idea that doesn’t get much traction is privatized policing and security. There are countless private policing firms that will patrol the streets to keep the people safe. This will offer guaranteed protection because like I tend to mention, the community will be paying directly for guaranteed efficiency in not only protection, but complete prevention. A monopoly in policing is not a good idea because it doesn’t offer citizens flexibility in how they prefer to be protected. 

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up? 

A: Surely, my happy place is just about anywhere in Riverside & Avondale. Specifically the Riverside Park and the Midnight Sun store is where i’d frequent often before going into Sun-Ray Cinema! 

Council District 9

Shanna Carter, DEM – Response coming

Tyrona Clark-Murray, DEM (Current Council member)

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if re-elected to the  Jacksonville City Council? 

A: The major issue facing District 9 is crime. I am addressing the crime issue in  District 9 by relying on the residents who are reporting their concerns to my office via email. I have been in office only five months. However, in that short period of  time, I worked with the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office to shut down three drug houses in the Mid-Westside and Woodstock communities. Additionally, I will continue to walk neighborhoods with this type of activity with the Sherriff and the Assistant Chiefs of my Zones. Likewise, I will continue to support the work of community-based programs such as the CBCRC, which examine the causes of crime to fight it from an environmental, economic, and educational perspective. 

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office? 

A: I should remain in office because I am focused on doing the work the residents of District 9 need to make their everyday lives better. Also, I didn’t start making our lives better because of an election. I started seven years ago as a member of the Northside Citizens Planning and Advisory Committee, NWCPAC. In fact, some of the projects I submitted to the city as a part of the Capital Improvement Program were completed last week along Melson Avenue. Most importantly, I have lived in several neighborhoods under the previous and new district map. District Nine has been neglected for almost a decade due to candidates’ moving into it just to get “a seat on the Council.” This neglect has come to a stop, because I see every day what is happening and believe that District 9 will be better. The Jacksonville City Council was the logical next step to the volunteer work I have done as a member of the Northwest Citizens Planning Advisory Committee, NWCPAC since 2016 for Planning District 5, consisting of Council Districts 8,9, and 10. I have worked to bridge the divide between local government and neighborhoods. I have appeared before the full Council to support and oppose ordinances on behalf of Planning District 5. Several infrastructure projects have been completed at my request through the NWCPAC, including the reconstruction of the Orchard Street Bridge in Robinson’s Addition, a District 9 Neighborhood. Lastly, as a six-year member and Vice Chairman of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization’s Citizens Advisory Committee, I understand the need to build, study, and maintain Duval County’s state roads. 

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? Etc. 

A: I was born, raised, and educated in Jacksonville, Florida. I have lived in the  Woodstock Community for 24 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in education. I served in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years. Currently, I  am an educator with Duval County Public Schools. I have been teaching for 28  years. 

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property? 

A: Frankly stated, I would use the $500,000 in the current budget to remove them. The Council has procrastinated for too long on this issue. 

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: I would support public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations if the terms of the contract allow the city to have a rate of return on the investment that is equal to or greater than every dollar invested. Furthermore, the contract duration needs to support return on investment. Also, the developer would need to commit to hiring a percent of local contractors to assist in the construction that includes minority and women-owned businesses and members of Jacksonville Small and Emerging Businesses, JSEB. Finally, the project would need to be  completed in a reasonable amount of time. Mr. Khan would need to commit to keeping the team in Jacksonville.

Q: What, if anything, should the Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: Jacksonville needs more affordable housing. In fact, according to an I.M. Sulzbacher representative, the city needs at least 5,000 units. To help achieve this goal, I would lobby our state representatives to expand the pool of tax credits for the unhoused. Unfortunately, only one homeless deal is released through Florida Housing. On the local level, I would support changing the single-family home zoning that exists in 90% of the county. Furthermore, I would continue to support legislation such as the accessory dwelling bill passed a few months ago. I would continue to assist renters through Emergency Rental Assistance Programs. However, I would strongly encourage renters to become homeowners through  first- time homebuyer assistance programs from the federal, state, and local levels. 

Q: What, if anything, should the Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change? 

A: The Council could be proactive in its response to climate change. We could prohibit the construction of homes in low-lying areas through zoning that preserves the land rather than developing it. We could allocate resilience funds to areas such as Cedar Creek and Ken Knight Drive for the construction of bulkheads to protect property. Also, we could invest in dredging rivers, such as the Ribault River. Furthermore, we could strengthen building codes for homes constructed on the beach or within a certain radius of the ocean or wetlands. Lastly, we could create a fund that allows the immediate disbursement of funds to homeowners after a disaster. One of the most difficult times for Floridians is waiting for  insurance companies to survey property and supply funding for repairs or rebuilding.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?  

A: Yes, I would. Jacksonville has a million people and less than 2,000 officers. We  need to recruit and encourage police cadets and those pursuing criminal justice studies at our local and state universities to join our JSO. 

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick me-up? 

A: I run, so I find new and creative ways to get a “good workout.” I drive to Jekyll  Island, Georgia, spend a few nights, and run the Sydney Lanier Bridge. It’s a monster, like the Isaiah Hart Bridge. 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: While talking with several former council members, I discovered that District 9 has become the area where candidates who never lived and never intended to live: move, get elected, and forget about the people who elected them. This is one major reason why District 9 has been neglected and ignored. District 9’s council member must have the people’s best interest in mind. As its current council member and one who has lived in several of its communities and remained in it for the past 24 years, know the people in 9. For this reason, I work to make the everyday lives of District 9 residents better.

Celestine Mills, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: The biggest issues in District 9 are crime (homicides, property, etc.), infrastructure (septic tank remediation), and unemployment (9.72% unemployed).

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I consider myself to be a staunch advocate of protecting the rights of the poor, indigents, the homeless, children, and others who have been left behind in the City of Jacksonville and elsewhere. My fervor to make a difference is why for the eight years I have attended City Council meetings, Sheriff Advisory meetings, CPAC meetings, conferences, town hall meetings, and other neighborhood and civic activities.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I am a lifelong native of Duval County. Included among my leadership experiences are supervisory and management positions in healthcare, finance, and desktop/mainframe computer security. I hold a bachelor of science degree in management and have numerous certifications in the business/finance arena. Additionally, I have extensive experience in community engagement and activism.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: The current Council should make a decision regarding Confederate monuments on public property as the mayor has approved funding necessary to remove the statues.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: I support the public financing for TIAA Bank Field Renovations

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: The Council should develop public/private partnership to increase affordable housing.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: The City Council should work collaboratively with climate agencies and the federal government to propel equitable and proactive solutions that address the cause and effect of climate change through advocacy, education, and community involvement.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: I question whether the burgeoning $545.27 million budget for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has resulted in a decrease in homicides and crime overall. More $$ should have been budgeted for capital improvements, particularly resiliency programs. 

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: When I need a change of pace and a “recharge” of my batteries, I go to the beach. Any beach will do.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: My greatest ambition is to effectively serve the residents of District 9 by being their fiercest advocate. I aim to make a difference that can be felt, seen, and a difference in service to the City of Jacksonville in general and the constituents of District 9 in particular.

Mike Muldoon, REP – Declined to respond

TaNita Noisette-Woods, DEM

(no photo provided)

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: Equity and Access to city and legal services, for the constituents of District 9

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I’ve been here, We grew up together, ate at the same tables, played at the same parks, fellowshipped laughed cried and share the same morals and values throughout District.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: Born, reared, and raised on 2nd and Fairfax dirt roads since 1965. Served the Community in many capacities, 20 plus years as a volunteer at JALA; Funeral home pre-need services at AB Coleman Mortuary; Sales and Marketing at Dillard’s, Walmart, Home Depot, and FIFI’s Manager in San Marco on Atlantic; Disabled Services volunteer since 2014; At-home Child Care Services, NAS Whitingfield; Personalized Services for the Military Base at NAS Whitingfield; U.S. Census; Dental Services at Dr. Bryan, Milton, Florida; Robert F. Gibson Chiropractic Sales and Services, Work Force Development Program and Services PILOT program Volunteer at KETA Services; Elementary Ed Certificate, 1997, Edward Waters College; and Assistant to Mr. Joe Meutz, Senior Services at JALA.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: The Confederate Monuments is a reminder of how divided WE are as a City as it relates to HATE

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: The Taxpayers should decide how their dollars should be spent

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: Race should not determine a human being’s ZIP code

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: The Earth belongs to God, adapt through research and education

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?

A: Transparency and Accountability of Dollars spent

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: Within, Inner Peace

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?

A: The Heart of the Matter is District 9

Kamren Stowers, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council? 

A: If elected to the Jacksonville City Council for District 9, addressing economic inequality would be a top priority. Economic inequality is a significant issue that affects many of our residents and it is important that we take action to improve the economic opportunities and well-being of our community. In District 9, we see poverty rates, lack of affordable housing, and limited access to jobs and educational  opportunities. We must take a comprehensive approach to tackle this issue by providing job training and  educational opportunities, encouraging economic development, increasing the availability of affordable  housing, investing in infrastructure and public services, and collaborating with other organizations to  connect residents with resources that can help them improve their economic situation. Together, we can make District 9 a more equitable and prosperous community for all residents. 

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office? 

A: Growing up on 21st and Phoenix, I learned two valuable lessons: that good things come to those who  work hard and that it is important to take care of your family and community. These lessons have guided  me throughout my life, and they have led me to a career in the fire department, where I have had the  opportunity to help people and my community in their time of need. My leadership experience in the fire department prepared me for the next step in my career, when I was contacted by a defense contractor for the U.S. government, where I now oversee life safety for flight crew and government assets. These experiences have given me the skills and knowledge necessary to serve my community in a  public office and make a positive impact on the lives of the people I represent. 

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc. 

A: I am a lifelong resident of Duval County and have been dedicated to serving my community throughout  my life. I am a firefighter and EMT safety officer, and an entrepreneur and public service advocate. I am the founder and owner of a real estate development group in Duval County; my company houses more  han 15 families and operates on the principle of “offering hope because hope can change lives.” We specialize in providing affordable homes for a diverse population, including young adults who are aging out of the foster care system. Similarly, my organization assists with re-entry programs by providing  long-term support and accommodation to formerly incarcerated individuals while they work to restore their lives, families, and community status. In June of 2022, I opened Jacksonville’s first LGBTQ safe house for youth who were battling homelessness, showing my dedication to the community and my  willingness to help the most vulnerable members of our society. Now, I am ready to use my experience  and expertise to make District 9 thrive and bring positive change to the community. 

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property? 

A: I do not agree with the presence of Confederate monuments on public property. These monuments  glorify a divisive and painful period in American history and have no place in our society today. 

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: I support the idea of using public financing to fund renovations for TIAA Bank Field. As demonstrated by the success of Cobb County’s investment in the Atlanta Braves stadium, such projects can bring  significant economic benefits to the area, including job creation and increased property values. Investing  in the renovation of TIAA Bank Field has the potential to revitalize Downtown Jacksonville and make it a  more desirable place to live in North Florida. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: The council should take a multi-faceted approach to addressing a lack of affordable housing. One  solution could be to implement policies that encourage the development of affordable housing units,  such as offering incentives for developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units in new  construction projects. Another solution could be to invest in programs that provide financial assistance  to low-income households to help them afford housing. Additionally, the council could also consider  working with non-profit organizations and community groups to identify and address the root causes of  the lack of affordable housing, such as stagnant wages and rising cost of living. Ultimately, a  comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves input from community members, housing  experts, and stakeholders will be necessary to effectively address this complex issue.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and  flooding caused by climate change? 

A: The Council should take proactive measures to help Duval County adapt to the impacts of climate  change, such as rising seas, increased heat, and flooding. This can include updating building codes and  zoning regulations to account for increased flooding, investing in green infrastructure and natural  coastal defenses, and promoting sustainable land use practices. Additionally, the Council should also  consider educating the public about the risks associated with climate change and encouraging individual actions to reduce carbon emissions and increase resilience. 

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?  

A: I support continuing the funding for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in the city budget. With crime  rates remaining high, it is important to ensure that JSO has the resources it needs to keep our city safe.  Additionally, I believe in the importance of transparency and accountability in budgeting and would  support measures to ensure that JSO is using these funds effectively and efficiently. 

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up? 

A: Keg & Coin in Riverside is where I go to escape the daily grind and find my happy place. The vintage  arcade games, including Mrs. Pacman, Mario, and pinball machines, offer a fun and nostalgic  experience. As a business owner, I fully support local businesses and Keg & Coin is a great example of a  local establishment that deserves support. 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: As a leader, I strive to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for my community. My vision is to empower  and uplift those around me, my direction is guided by the needs and aspirations of my constituents, and  my support is unwavering. But to truly earn the trust of the voters, I understand that I must be not only  trustworthy, but also willing to trust in the people I serve. Together, we can build a brighter future for  all.

Council District 10

Vanessa Cullins Hopkins, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: Based upon my interaction with neighbors in District 10, the three issues most important to my campaign are: 1) neighborhood engagement to effect lifelong education about the City of Jacksonville services, and personal and civic responsibilities; 2.) more Northside business development that is geared towards generational health and wealth; and, 3.) renewable energy, fresh whole foods, and non-toxic, recreational spaces that HEALTHILY nurture and energize all residents.

Solar Energy is the clean energy opportunity most vital for District 10. Our challenge is finding reputable companies that will work with residents to acquire low-cost financing for solar system installation. In addition, citizens need state statutes and city ordinances that allow citizens to profit through net metering agreements with JEA. I believe it is very important that I work with our state senators and representatives to keep them informed about issues integral to District 10 revitalization.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I am prepared to serve my city because of my academic education, life experiences, and work experiences. I have advanced academic degrees (MPH, MBA), and postgraduate training (MD – retired, obstetrician-gynecologist, yet still a member of ACOG – American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology). More importantly, I have experience working in coalition to effect change. I am an effective team leader and team player. I know how to “get things done.” Initially, my working career consisted of physician, Assistant Professor in Ob/Gyn, leading to managerial and executive experiences at EngenderHealth and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. I retired from Planned Parenthood Federation of America in 2019. Since leaving Planned Parenthood’s national office, I have volunteered on the City of Jacksonville’s KingSoutel Crossing Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Advisory Board. Also, notably, I am an active member of our community’s CPAC (Northwest Citizen Planning Advisory Committee). Importantly, I have the time, the requisite skills, life experiences, willingness, and time to serve. I know how to lead, and I know how to be a contributing team player. I make decisions based on honest data analysis and logic. I have the skills, experience, disposition, and time to serve all of Jacksonville, while ensuring that citizens on the Northside get an equitable share of city attention and services.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: Throughout most of my life, I have not been a “political” person. I was not interested in public office until I began to recognize that I have the experience, especially executive and leadership experience, to truly serve my community in Northwest Jacksonville. I know how to develop and implement policy. I know how to work with people who have different yet complementary skill sets to get things done. I am ready to serve my community.

Jacksonville, Florida, became my home at age 10 when my father moved our family from Nashville, Tennessee, at the completion of his training in general surgery. As a family, we flourished on the Northside, residing initially on Cleveland Road, then in Harborview, until my father purchased the family home on Edgewood, where my husband and I now reside. In the early 1970’s Floradale, Magnolia Gardens, Harborview, Sherwood, Ribault Scenic Road, Carver International, and housing in Edgewood Manor represented African American progress towards the American dream. Years later, many of these areas suffer from blight and disrepair. Thus, one plank in my platform is housing repair, reduction of blight, and city capital plan improvements targeted to the Northside.

I am the firstborn of 5 children. I attended Forest Hills, now Sallye B. Mathis Elementary School, Jacksonville Episcopal High School for junior high school, and Ribault High School for senior high school. My husband and I met the summer before 10th grade and dated for about five years, yet we did not marry until about 30 years later.

I am a retired obstetrician-gynecologist whose passion is preventive health care and reproductive rights. I am married to Keith “Peabody” Hopkins, a Longshoreman with over 40 years in the maritime industry.

After 10 years of practicing medicine and an additional 13 years overseeing medical policy and procedures at the international non-profit Engender Health and Planned Parenthood’s national office, I served as Vice President of External Medical Affairs for Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA). As Vice President for External Medical Affairs, I operated at the intersections of Public Policy, Communications, and Medical Services to provide leadership, voice, and assistance to junior and senior staff as they developed and executed strategies to increase access to healthcare services.

I currently serve as Vice President and Operations Manager for Pebo Enterprises Corporation, Pebo Enterprises Georgia LLC, PeboVan Tax Liens and Deeds, and VanPebo Florida LLC. As Vice President and Operations Manager of the S Corporation and LLC, I researched and implemented an organizational structure that allows my husband and me to become real estate entrepreneurs who invest in single-family, high-quality, and aesthetically pleasing, low-income housing. The companies buy distressed assets which are renovated with quality workmanship and materials so that the resulting house is modern and aesthetically pleasing to a wide variety of tastes. These assets are sold or rented, with a goal of “rent to own,” thus serving our corporate philosophy of building wealth among disadvantaged Black and Brown people.

My favorite vacation is a beach vacation with my husband. I have three stepchildren and six grandchildren.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I support removal of Confederate monuments located on public property. The Confederates lost the Civil War. Confederate monuments in the South, including Jacksonville, were erected post-Reconstruction to glorify and mythologize the pre-Civil War, Confederate White supremacy “way of life.” The monuments advance a narrative of African American oppression as the desired state of affairs. The monuments advance a lie designed to oppress and marginalize everyone who is not Christian or White.
Before the monuments are removed, the City should accept the Jessie Ball duPont Fund’s offer to fund a facilitated city-wide conversation about the monuments. The conversation should reveal truth and history: when the monuments were erected, who commissioned the monuments and why, analysis of the psychological impacts of the monuments, perspectives on the life of diverse peoples during the time period depicted by the monument, and the life, actions, and opinions of historical people portrayed. After these conversations occur, it will become more clear where to house these monuments so that the viewing public can understand the realities and diverse perspectives of those living during the historical time period and afterward. This entire process should occur in less than three years from now.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: I support bond financing with the re-payment of the bonds plus interest to the bondholders.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: I believe that the concepts of a “living wage” and affordable housing are closely tied. I believe in a living wage for all, with opportunities for advancement regardless of race, sex, gender, or sexual orientation. A living wage should cover food, reasonable shelter/housing, reasonable transportation, health care, and a reasonable monetary surplus for emergencies and to save or invest (for retirement). A living wage covers housing costs. Affordable housing means that anyone working full-time or the equivalent of full-time hours should pay 30% or less of earnings for safe, sanitary, neat, aesthetically pleasing housing. Additionally, within five years of steady, full-time work, a worker should be able to afford home ownership. Homeownership anchors families and communities.

I suggest that housing developers meet with city planners to collaborate on affordable workforce housing.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat, and flooding caused by climate change?

A: Plans for infrastructure maintenance, reconstruction such as bulkhead reinforcements, along with disaster prevention and preparedness plans, need regular updating. This means that data collection and analysis must occur regularly and be used to make plan alterations. With leadership from JEA, along City government and federal and state funding, our reliance on fossil fuels for electricity and transportation must be significantly reduced, then eliminated. Development and implementation of such plans should take into account studies and recommendations by civil engineers, city planners, and academicians who have expertise specific to preventing or combatting rising seas, and increased heat and flooding caused by climate change. Clearly, Duval County needs a comprehensive plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. We need a plan for our community only to use clean, renewable energy sources.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?

A: I support a line item analysis of budgetary expenses, analysis of results attributed to expenditures, and prioritized analysis of the fiscal year’s programmatic needs in order to determine whether this level of funding needs to be continued.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: My “Happy Place” in Jacksonville is with family, at my or my sister’s house, playing Scrabble, card games, or Monopoly while eating great, home-cooked food.

Keshan Gainey Chambliss, DEM – No response

Brian M Hicks, REP

(No photo provided)

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: We need to focus on the crime, your property taxes, and high JEA bills.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I have family and friends who are and were in office

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: I worked for Walmart since I was 18; I am 38 now. I love happy helping my church in my community.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I’m OK with it.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A: The city, we need to renovate it ASAP.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A: We need to build more for housing in an apartment.

Kim Stephens Perry, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: If elected, I plan to focus on economic development as a way to bring good-paying jobs into District 10, with an emphasis on healthy foods, family-centered entertainment and retail space. An infusion of public and private capital investments into the district should help reduce crime and spawn infrastructural improvements.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: I am an IT project manager with more than 20 years of experience managing multi-million-dollar projects and driving high-level business solutions. I am a keen listener and possess proven problem-solving skills. When presented with a challenge, I seek to understand its root before identifying solutions.

I have a penchant for collaboration and am a skilled negotiator. I have more than 15 years of experience as a real estate investor, making home ownership attainable while keeping rents affordable for others.

For seven years, I have volunteered with the city’s Northwest Citizens Planning Advisory Committee, which votes on zoning and ordinance requests. I serve as the committee’s chairwoman for land, use and zoning. 

I am the founder of a successful sheriff’s watch program for my neighborhood, Lake Forest Manor. The program has led to a much stronger relationship with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. We participate in monthly sheriff’s watch meetings and host National Night Out in our neighborhood. If elected to City Council, I will staunchly advocate for the creation of more watch programs throughout the city.  

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? Etc.

A: I was born in Miami and have spent the majority of my life living in Jacksonville. I graduated from William M. Raines High School in 1978. Periods I didn’t live in include the years I traveled with my military father, served in the military myself and lived as a military spouse. I have been back in Duval County for 20 years and work as a senior IT project manager at CSX.  

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: Because Confederate monuments were erected during the Jim Crow area, I support removing them from public property and placing them in a museum.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?  

Q: I have supported the Jacksonville Jaguars since the franchise’s inception. However, I do not agree with continually investing tax dollars into TIAA Bank Field when other areas of the city – especially District 10 – are suffering. If public funding is to go toward renovating the stadium, I would not want football to be the only beneficiary of public tax dollars. I would like to see the stadium be renovated to include a tennis element for purposes of hosting professional tennis. There is a large tennis community in Jacksonville and surrounding areas that would support an annual tournament.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: As a landlord, I know property taxes and insurance rates drive up the cost of housing. Beyond those two factors, rent prices should be stabilized. The city has an inventory of commercial properties that should be repurposed into residential housing. Meanwhile, the city’s inventory of single-family homes should be rehabbed and sold at cost price. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: City Council should stop approving development projects in areas where it is obvious flooding will occur. The city should focus on in-fill development.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: I do not agree with continuing this level of funding for JSO. Instead, we must address the problems that result in increased crime. Those include a lack of funding and resources for mental health, education and jobs.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up? 

A: My happy place in Jacksonville is the Southside Tennis Complex. I enjoy playing tennis, as it serves as an excellent stress reliever and an opportunity for socialization with a diverse group.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: I am a subservient leader and fighter who is passionate about her community. I will work hard to help give residents of District 10 the quality of life they desperately deserve.

Ju’Coby Pittman, DEM (Current Council member)

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if re-elected to the Jacksonville City Council? 

A: 1) Crime and 2) Affordable housing and aging infrastructure

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?   

A: Appointed by former Governor Rick Scott to City Council District 8 in 2018 and elected by the constituents in 2019. Recently, due to redistricting, I am now a candidate in District 10. I have been working to improve Jacksonville for over 35 years by implementing programs that impact visual transformational changes through innovation and cost-effective initiatives by engaging the community and developing legislation with proven results. Community engagement has kept me actively involved at the forefront of Jacksonville’s progression through developing programs that promote and champion economic growth and community revitalization experiences has prepared me for public office. I have served in the following leadership capacities and committees during my tenure on the Jacksonville City Council: Chair, Transportation, Energy & Utilities (TEU), Chair, Affordable Housing (Critical Quality of Life Issues), served as Vice Chair of Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health (NCSPHS), Chair, Jacksonville Small & Emerging Business (JSEB), and served as a member of Land Use & Zoning (LUZ), Rules, Jacksonville Waterways, and serves on the Florida Association of Counties, Parks & Quality of Life, Finance, and Personnel committees. 

Through public and private partnerships, I have engaged and mobilized constituents, businesses, and government to work collaboratively to address neighborhood concerns holistically in the last four years as a member of City Council while improving the visual aesthetics and quality of life for residents and businesses in the district. In addition to developing a Vision & Comprehensive Implementation Action Plan for the next three years for the District. My community honors and acknowledgments have allowed me to grow and pour back into the community as a public servant. Some of my achievements include: The Eve Award for Employment from The Florida Times-Union, the FBI Community Leadership Award, the Urban League Leadership Award, the Leadership Jacksonville Award, The Tillie Fowler Leadership Award from the Junior League of Jacksonville, the NAACP Leadership Award, the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, the HUD Opportunity and Empowerment Award, Jacksonville Business Journal Women of Influence, the Jessie Ball duPont Leadership Award, the Mary Singleton Award, and CDBG Award for Community Revitalization. 

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc. 

A: I am a proud native of Jacksonville for 59 years. As the CEO/President of the Clara White Mission and a member of the City Council, I have devoted my career to advancing city services, youth initiatives, veteran services/advocacy, and innovative community programming with proven results. My 35 years of public service have been guided by a simple philosophy: “Go out of your comfort zone to make a difference.” I understand that to effectively work on behalf of the constituents in District 10 and Duval County, it is my responsibility to understand community needs, and serve as the citizen’s voice, and leverage my leadership skills, vision, and hands-on approach to promote progress through experience. 

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I support taking the Confederate monuments down on public property. 

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: Before making a decision, I look forward to seeing the conceptual plans and the cost before taking a position for financing.  

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: I support the opportunity to expand development for non-profit and for-profit development to meet the demand for Affordable Housing in Jacksonville. Recently, I Chaired the Special Committee on Critical Quality of Life Issues, focusing on Affordable Housing. It was a very engaging process with bankers, developers, landlords, city officials, and testimonies from tenants experiencing the housing crisis. The Affordable Housing Workshop participants developed 10 policies and fiscal recommendations for renting and purchasing affordable housing. The three-month workshop engagement, discussions, and recommendations are below. Implementing legislation is necessary to become effective, and I’m willing to address it through legislation:

• Develop a Commission for a Comprehensive Study on Affordable Housing 
• Public/Non-Profit Housing Development 
• Incentivize Private Sector Developers to include a % of Affordable Housing in their development 
• More Inclusionary Zoning 
• Develop a Tenants Bill-of-Rights 
• Monitor and Regulate Institutional Investors 
• Provide Eviction Protection for tenants 
• Dedicated Recurring Funding in the City’s Budget 
• Develop a dedicated Department for Affordable Housing within the City 
• Develop a Dedicated Funding Source from the City of Jacksonville 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change? 

A: The City Council members, the Mayor’s Office and environmental stakeholders should support and develop legislation with dedicated funding to prepare for rising seas, increased heat, and flooding caused by climate change. As a community, we are responsible for planning, protecting, and leading the charge of resilience to ensure that we are prepared. I am excited about the new Resiliency Office body of work, the data, assessments, and recommendations relevant to our future in Duval County.  

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO?  

A: In the upcoming budget year, I would like to allow Sheriff T. K. Waters to realign and restructure the budget for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department. 

It is essential to look at the past performance and the proposed deliverables to date, operational cost, and where allocations of funding are most needed to reduce crime and develop crime prevention initiatives in the most intensive neighborhoods. I would like to recommend a Risk Analysis for the most critical areas of crime in the Patrol Zones.  

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up? 

A: Breezy’s Jazz House in San Marco. 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you?  

A: You can count on me to be on the frontline, asking the tough questions pertaining to the legislative processes, fiscal accountability, being accessible, and connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and government to enhance the assets of District 10. The highest honor I seek comes directly from the VOTERS in District 10. I am asking you VOTE TO KEEP me. 

 “The goal is to economize, revitalize, and develop through experience, leadership, and vision.” 

Council District 11

Raul Arias, REP – No response

Norman Brewer, REP

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council? 

A: CITYWIDE, CRIME IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE. IN DISTRICT 11, GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE IS AND WILL BE BIG ISSUES GOING FORWARD.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office? 

A: RETIRED POLICE LIEUTENANT FORM JACKSONVILLE SHERIFFS OFFICE, PHARMACEUTICAL SALES, OWNED NUMEROUS SMALL BUSINESSES, BOARD OF DORECTORS FOR NE FLORIDA EQUESTRIAN SOCIETY, CHAIR FOR THE ARCHTECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE FOR THE GREENLAND CHASE SUBDIVISION.

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A: CURRENTLY, I AM IN THE ROOFING BUSINESS, CO-OWNER IN A CELEBRITY ESTATE AUCTION CO., AND STILL DO CONCERT PROMOTIONS.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property? 

A: PERSONALLY, I AM AGAINST REMOVING HISTORY, BUT I DO SUPPORT IT BEING PUT ON THE BALLOT FOR THE VOTERS TO DECIDE.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: PUBLIC FINANCING WILL BE A PART OF IT.  HOWEVER, TAXPAYER SHOULD NOT FUND THE MAJORITY OF THE COSTS.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: THIS WILL BE A HOT TOPIC MOVING FORWARD.  I WOULD BE OPEN TO A PORTION OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES TO OFFER A PERCENTAGE OF THEIR INVENTORY FOR THOSE ON LOWER FIXED INCOMES.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change? 

A: THE CITY COUNCIL WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP NATURE OR GOD, PERIOD.  THAT SAID, WE CAN DEFINITELY IMPROVE FLOODING BY ACTUALLY WORKING ON AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN NEGLECTED FOR YEARS THROUGHOUT THE CITY.  I’VE NEVER UNDERSTOOD WHY NO ONE HASN’T LOOKED AT RAISING THE WALLS ALONG THE RIVER DOWNTOWN TO HELP, IF APPLICABLE.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: JSO IS ACTUALLY UNDERSTAFFED AND IT SHOULD BE A SENSE OF URGENCY.  POLICE ARE DOWN 20-25% AND CORRECTIONS IS DOWN ALMOST 35% IN PERSONNEL.  THE NEW SHERIFF MUST DO A TOP TO BOTTOM AUDIT OF POSITIONS AND REALLOCATE PERSONNEL FOR BETTER COVERAGE AND SERVICE.  THAT SAID, I WILL SUPPORT WHATEVER OUR FIRST RESPONDERS NEED TO MAKE US SAFE, WHICH WE ARE NOT.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up? 

A: SOUTHERN SOCIAL WHISKEY BAR IN MIDDLEBURG…NOT IN JAX BUT THAT’S WHERE I GO TO LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: I AM ENDORSED BY THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, NATIONAL ASSO. OF RETIRED COPS, AND SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 2 BOARD MEMBER APRIL CARNEY.  WE WILL BE ANNOUNCING MORE ENDORSEMENTS SOON.  

Ramon Day, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council?

A: Jacksonville is uniquely positioned to leverage the growth coming to our City.  This growth presents us with several challenges.  1)  Safe Neighborhoods – We have a staffing deficiency of more than 700 law enforcement officers in JSO.  I authored a plan to fully fund the police, approved by the Taxation, Revenue, and Utilization (TRUE) Commission, to hire 148 law enforcement officers over the next eight years.  This investment in safe neighborhoods will not require any new taxes because the corresponding increase in tax revenue from our growth generated over $95 million in new ad valorem taxes.  This demonstrates our ability to improve the vitality of all Jacksonville neighborhoods without a need to raise taxes. By leveraging our current tax base, we can enhance the safety, health, and housing affordability for all of our citizens through pragmatic, results-based policies.  2)  Fiscal Responsibility – Our growth provides substantial revenue sources annually to fund any needed improvements to City programs.  We don’t need to increase the millage rate.  If we hold it constant with some 1/8 mill decreases, we should have the financial resources to fund essential City services.  3)  Human Services – I speak as the father of a 25-year-old Navy veteran who died by suicide in 2011.  I will work to improve the Veterans Services Office of the City of Jacksonville.  We need to assist the military members who transition to civilian life.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office?

A: As a fifth-generation Floridian, born in Madison County and raised in Jacksonville, I graduated from Duval County Public Schools and earned my Bachelor of Arts from Jacksonville University with a major in history and a minor in English. I received a Master of Business Administration from The University of Florida with a concentration in finance. I have a unique career background with dual expertise in the private sector and government policy. My private sector experience includes banking, finance, and real estate, with a focus on commercial lending and commercial real estate. My public sector experience includes a two-yeartenure as Chief of Staff to the late Congressman Charles E. Bennett.  I gave back to our community when I served as a classroom teacher at my high school alma mater, Terry Parker High School.

My community service includes the following:

• Rotary Club of Jacksonville, Since April 2022
• Past Chair, Jacksonville Community Council, Inc., April 2022
• Government Affairs Committee, Jax Chamber, Since June 2021
• Chair, Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. April 2021-2022
• Board Member, Timberland Ridge HOA, Since March 2021
• TRUE Commission, Since June 2020; Vice Chair since 2023
• Southeast Citizens Planning Advisory Committee, Since 2019
• University of Florida Alumni Association, Since 2013
• Jacksonville University Alumni Association, Since 2013
• Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, Since 2011
• Knights of Columbus, 1st through 3rd Degrees, Since 2007
• City of Jacksonville Economic Summit, Delegate, 1998
• Jacksonville Commission on Children and Youth, 1990-91
• Government Affairs Board – Chamber of Commerce, 1988-90
• Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 1990
• Member, Jacksonville TRUE Commission, 1989-90
• Board Member, U. S. House Chief of Staff Association, 1987-88
• President, University of Florida MBA Association, 1980-81
• American Bicentennial Commission of Jacksonville, 1974-76
• Jacksonville Charter Revision Commission, 1973-74
  

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc.

A:  I am Vice President of Acquisitions at Hakimian Holdings, where I focus on the acquisition of commercial real estate.  When elected, I will leverage my years of business experience and community leadership to help Jacksonville manage its surging growth through pragmatic, results-based solutions to help the city achieve its great potential.

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property?

A: I believe that our history should be displayed within a defined context and public property is not the best way to accomplish that.  I will evaluate specific legislative proposals on the best way to present the sometimes divisive history of our community, state, and nation.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations?

A:  The Jaguars’ successful season reminded us all of the importance of supporting our sports teams, the arts, and cultural programs. The success of all of these programs brings national recognition to our great city and generates millions of dollars in tax revenue that can be invested back into our community.  I support public financing for the TIAA Bank Field renovations but believe it is best achieved in combination with private funding, too. As a newly elected city council member, I look forward to these discussions and will always look out for what is in the best interest of our entire City.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing?

A:  1) Relief for our residents is needed immediately. The City must engage with non-profits to provide housing for those in urgent need of relief during this current housing crisis.

      2) Recovery must play a central role in addressing housing affordability.  The Jacksonville Housing Authority should lead this initiative.  We must increase the supply of public housing and Section 8 vouchers.  This will provide financial support for our residents to have a recovery in housing using the market.  The Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority can provide financial support the developers to increase the supply of multifamily units available in the market.  It can also provide mortgage funding for low-interest rate mortgages for first-time home buyers.

      3)  Reform of our development approval and construction permitting process is essential.  We need to reduce the time for development projects to be approved and completed.  We need to recreate the permitting process so that construction plans have an expedited time frame to foster more construction and increase the housing supply.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change?

A: By utilizing existing infrastructure, we can have higher-density development with a minimal marginal cost of development.  This development will pull pressure off of our riverfront and other environmentally sensitive areas.  This is an effective and efficient way to address our resiliency issues.  We can achieve this through land use policy without massive public works spending.

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: Yes, our city must have safe neighborhoods, and to do so, we need to increase the number of empowered first responders by “recruiting the best and the brightest” talent.  We have a need for over 700 law enforcement officers currently, plus 50 more each year to accommodate our future growth.  My plan to fully fund the police was adopted by the TRUE Commission.  We can achieve this goal by offering competitive compensation and benefits, coupled with providing the latest technology.  My proposal would be incorporated into the city’s 2023-2024 budget.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: My wife and I enjoy a relaxing walk on the beach to be helpful “decompressing” after an intense week at work. 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: I am excited to take my message of common sense solutions to the voters of District 11.  I believe that our city’s growth can be the catalyst for a fairer, safer, and cleaner Jacksonville, one that can be a great hometown for all.  I am optimistic about our future, and will do my best to share my enthusiasm with all the residents of District 11.

Council District 12

Johnny “JC” Causey, DEM – No response

Tammyette Thomas, DEM

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council? 

A: The biggest issue in my district that I would like to tackle if elected to Jacksonville City Council is houselessness. 

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office? Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc. 

A: I am a problem solver. I was a regional training director for over 20 years. I am a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of seven. I also own a phlebotomy school. I have lived in Duval most of my life other than the seven years I lived in South Carolina. 

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property? 

A: Confederate monuments on public property are a constant reminder of the bondage the United States has been entangled in for centuries. 

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: Being that the public utilizes TIAA Bank Field, the public should not hold the sole responsibility for renovations but a portion. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: The council should address the lack of affordable housing through implementation of livable wages that concise with the rising economy. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change? 

A: The Council should help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change is to reduce carbon emissions. 

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: I support funding the Sheriff’s Office but equally throughout the department to fund areas that will strengthen the relationship with the community.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: My happy place is where I can be with my family, while helping others.

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: I want voters to know that I will be their voice of reason between government and the community.

Randy White, REP (Current Council member) – No response

Randy White’s Council page

Council District 14

John Draper, REP

Q: What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council? 

A: Improving recreational and youth athletic parks along with road and drainage improvements.

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office? 

A: I am a former City Councilman (1991-1995), A former Navy Supply Officer and a small business owner.  

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc. 

A: Currently the owner of a company that makes small signs, does vehicle markings and sells promotional  products. I have lived for 41 years in Southwest Jacksonville. 

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property? 

A: I believe the monuments should be left in place. I do not support any attempt to erase history.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: I think large-scale renovations to the stadium should be put to a voter referendum.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: New medium- and high-density housing must be built in accordance with the comprehensive plan. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding  caused by climate change? 

A: Continue to use natural gas as a primary fuel for generating electricity. Solar can be used as supplemental  power. I do not support large-scale windmill projects. 

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: I support increasing the funding of both the JSO and the JFRD. 

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up?

A: The Riverwalk 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: As a member of the Argyle Area Civic Council more than 20 years, I have advocated for many improvements in our community such as road widening, a traffic light at Highland Lakes, new park near SR 23, and the extension of Paramore Road. I have also led many fights against unwanted rezonings in the area.  If elected, I will continue to work hard to represent the people of Southwest Jacksonville.

Alberta Hipps, REP

Q:  What is the biggest issue in your district that you would like to tackle if elected to the Jacksonville City Council? 

A: Safety for residents and businesses. 

Q: What experiences in your life have prepared you for holding public office? 

A: I served on the City Council previously and was re-elected without opposition because I was effective for my constituents and awarded the Charles Webb Award as most effective Council member. I am passionate about the Westside and have been involved in civic and business organizations over the years to work on many issues to improve the District 14 area. I am the best qualified candidate, and it would be an honor to have your vote to be a public service elected official for District 14. 

Q: Tell us about yourself — What job/jobs do you hold besides City Council? How long have you lived in Duval County? etc. 

A: I am a small business owner that is involved in Northeast Florida with land use and zoning, mobility fee management and community outreach. I have lived in Duval County for 80 years. 

Q: What’s your position on Confederate monuments on public property? 

A: Like many issues that come before our City Council, this is an issue without easy answers. I understand the symbolic importance many citizens see in the removal of monuments to the Confederacy. I also understand the pain that these symbols still cause some in our city. I also strongly believe this problem should be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Each monument or statue should be examined from its own historical perspective. Each monument has its own history. There is an opportunity to provide education focused on each and create an environment of understanding of the wrong while preserving historically significant pieces. We could use taxpayer dollars in the education efforts instead of removal. I do not favor putting these decisions on a ballot for voters to decide. These are the types of tough decisions we elect our City Council members to make.

Q: What’s your position on public financing for TIAA Bank Field renovations? 

A: I would review any proposal put forth and then decide my position. 

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to address a lack of affordable housing? 

A: The average rent in Duval County has risen 31% over the last year and more than half of the renters in Jacksonville spend one-third or more of their total income on rent. This crisis is mostly a result of excess demand and insufficient supply, but also stems from huge increases in the number of local single-family homes being purchased by institutional investors. 

While there may be limited market solutions to the city’s affordable housing crisis, there are proposed City Council policy solutions that can make a difference. The Council’s LUZ Committee last summer unanimously approved the “Keeping Our Families Together Act” which, while flawed and in need of improvement, did represent a step in the right direction. 

I would work with Council and civic leaders to improve and pass such legislation that seeks to encourage home ownership by Jacksonville families rather than institutional investors.

I would carefully consider the recommendations in the report of the City Council Special Committee on Quality of Life Issues from December 2022, and work with colleagues on the issues and suggested recommendations.

Q: What, if anything, should Council do to help Duval County adapt to rising seas, increased heat and flooding caused by climate change? 

A: Work closely with the Resilience Officer for Duval County and others on recommendations that have been scientifically researched and carefully vetted recently through town hall meetings. 

Q: Last year’s city budget included a record $545.27 million for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Do you support continuing this level of funding for JSO? 

A: I would support increases in the JSO budget, as long as Sheriff Waters submits a well-researched budget with documented support and justifications for proposed increases.

Q: For fun: What’s your “happy place” in Jax where you go when you want a pick-me-up? 

A: My back yard patio area with my husband and Rat Terrier dog Lesie. 

Q: Anything else you want voters to know about you? 

A: To be a good leader one should be passionate. I am passionate about improving District 14 for everyone who lives in it, and I will hold regular town hall meetings to listen to all concerns.

Rahman Johnson, DEM – No response