As a reader service, the Daily Record plans to present daily information about candidates on the ballot in the spring election. The information is scheduled to be published in advance of early voting, which begins March 7 in Duval County. The Daily Record sent the same questions to council candidates and will publish their e-mailed responses. Candidates were given a word limit. Responses that exceeded it are edited for space.
| The candidates say... | What is the single most important issue facing your district? | What are the most pressing problems facing the City? | Would you support new taxes or fees to improve the port and/or Downtown? | Why should district constituents elect you? |
| John Crescimbeni (incumbent) Democrat | The need for a stronger local economy through the creation of jobs and the establishment of a comprehensive economic development policy is the most important issue facing Jacksonville at this time. Expanding our port could easily help jump-start our economy. Furthermore, as a local business owner for more than 30 years, I know that reducing burdensome regulations and taxes is a good way to encourage job growth as well. | As I mentioned, repairing our economy by creating jobs is the most pressing problem we face. Another problem that needs to be addressed is restoring citizen trust in local government by eliminating wasteful spending, creating greater transparency in City government and implementing stronger rules governing ethics. We also need to continue identifying and implementing solutions to help win the war on crime without sacrificing our current level of police protection. | Not without the participation of the electorate. (I would, however, gladly support placing a local option sales tax or bond issue before the electorate, but the final decision should be made by the voters.) | As a business owner, I know how to cut costs, balance budgets and operate efficiently. As a citizen with a long history of being involved with community issues, I have the experience to champion neighborhood rights and a better quality of life. As a council member, I have the proven courage to ask the tough questions, stand up to special interests and say no to unnecessary taxes and wasteful spending. |
| Paul Martinez Republican | One of the biggest issues facing the City is the property tax rates. Jacksonville just received an 8 percent increase and the Beaches received a 24 percent increase. In a time when people are struggling to keep their houses, the last thing we want to do is raise their taxes, especially when more cuts could have been made. | We must balance the budget, get spending under control and reduce taxes. This will make a huge difference in the unemployment rate. Making our city more financially stable will make it more inviting for businesses to move here and bring jobs with them. Florida already attracts business because we don’t have an income tax, and we need to capitalize on that in our own city. | No. I’d like to see a Downtown taxing authority established so revenues generated Downtown stay there for its improvement rather than being directed elsewhere. As for the port, we need to look into more state and federal funding as well as free market solutions. The full cost of improvement has not yet been ascertained but it will undoubtedly end up costing more than projected and we just can’t afford that. | I have specific ideas about how to improve Jacksonville. For example, we can save money by consolidating some City offices, cross-training staff and moving the IT department into the 21st century. We can reduce our infant mortality, murder and suicide rates by participating in nonprofit organizations and churches that promote strong families. I have a record of leadership and I’m ready to use that experience to help Jacksonville. |
| Tom Patton Republican | As an At-Large candidate, my ‘district’ encompasses the entire city. When talking to people, the issue I hear the most about in every neighborhood is the City’s financial state. They are concerned about taxes, government spending and pensions. | Probably the most pressing problem for the City is getting people back to work. Unemployment is holding stubbornly around 11 percent in Jacksonville and we need to provide the leadership that will give businesses the confidence to start hiring again. And again, the City’s financial situation will need to be addressed. | Port improvements will be vital to improving the local economy, and being ready for the cargo, which will move through our port in the post-Panamax era, should be a priority. Downtown should be a focal point for our City and has the potential to be vibrant and thriving area. I would be open to discussing ways to make investments in these areas. | What I will bring to the At-Large Group 2 seat is a fresh approach and new ideas. I will bring openness and approachability to the office, along with a willingness to hear all aspects of an issue before making a decision. I very much look forward to the opportunity to serve Jacksonville on the City Council. |
| Vince Serrano Republican | Lack of job opportunities. The employment opportunities in Jacksonville are dismal for many of our citizens. The ripple effect of this can be devastating – increased crime, more foreclosures, lower tax revenue, etc. The City needs to provide leadership by promoting economic development. For example, regulation, permitting, zoning and code enforcement should be streamlined so that it takes less time and costs less money to get projects started and completed. | Jacksonville is projected to face a series of huge annual budget shortfalls over the next few years. The weakened economy has exacerbated our financial problems. Decreasing City expenditures by reducing services and eliminating programs won’t be enough. The citizens have spoken – “no new taxes and no new fees.” The only common sense way to dig ourselves out of this money problem is to focus efforts to rebuild a robust economy. | No! More taxes and fees are not the solution. Jacksonville will have a thriving Downtown when entrepreneurs are willing to invest. The City can encourage development by establishing a Downtown Enterprise Zone with special incentives to remove existing obstacles to private investment. Development of the port is projected to bring over 75,000 new jobs to Jacksonville. The City should work to attract all the federal and state dollars we can. | I will do what every elected official should do – listen to the people. The people have spoken very clearly: no new taxes, no new fees. They want accountability in all areas of government. They want government waste eliminated. They want the difficult issues limiting our growth and prosperity effectively addressed. My pledge to my constituents is to listen and act. |