The Jacksonville Bar Association’s Governmental Relations Committee was proud to present its inaugural state attorney and Congressional candidate debates at the Wells Fargo Center.
More than 200 people witnessed a professional and spirited debate among state attorney candidates Angela Corey, Melissa Nelson and Wes White.
University of North Florida political science professor Matt Corrigan, First Coast Connect host Melissa Ross and Jim Bailey, publisher of The Daily Record, participated as facilitators at the event.
Nearly 100 visitors watched the debate among the Republican candidates for the 4th Congressional District: Stephen Kaufman, Bill McClure, Deborah Katz Pueschel, Lake Ray, John Rutherford and Hans Tanzler III.
In both debates, questions were solicited from JBA members and many of their questions were asked in the debates, which were recorded and can be viewed through a link on the JBA website.
Special thanks is extended to Tad and Julie Delegal, who were able to arrange the participation of Alexus Monroe, a talented student from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, who performed a professional and inspiring rendition of our national anthem.
As always, the committee thanks the JBA staff for their assistance with producing the debates and facilitating the receptions.
The committee is exploring the possibility of hosting another debate prior to the general election in November that could include all candidates for Congressional Districts 4 and 5.
On another government relations topic, we have been unable to obtain commitments from incoming Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran or incoming Senate President Joe Negron to attend a JBA luncheon as our guest speaker, despite the best effort of our friend, state Sen. Aaron Bean.
The committee will continue to engage the leadership in the legislative branch to encourage their attendance at association events.
JBA members interested in governmental relations are urged to join the committee and become involved.