by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Just as half a dozen candidates have lined up to replace recently retired Supervisor of Elections John Stafford, a host of others are after two soon-to-be vacant City Council seats.
The seats are currently being held by Jerry Holland and Faye Rustin, though the pair had to resign from the Council in order to run for Stafford’s job.
Five candidates are running for Rustin’s at-large seat, including four Republicans and one Democrat.
Ronnie Fussell
As of Dec. 31, Ronnie Fussell, a one-time staffer in Mayor John Delaney’s office, raised $56,500. Fussell is supported by Gator Bowl Association president Rick Catlett, printing company executive John Falconetti and Zurich Insurance CEO Tom Petway.
Also making donations to Fussell’s campaign are the local builders and realtors associations, First Guaranty president Jay Fant and former City Council member Doyle Carter.
A former president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, Fussell has collected maximum contributions from many other companies related to the building industry.
Ray Pringle
Minister Ray Pringle has raised more than $8,000. A Republican, Pringle has received donations from Blue Cross & Blue Shield, attorney John Capra and Florida Combined Life Insurance Company.
Eric Smith
Eric Smith, an Assistant Dean at Florida Coastal School of Law, is the lone Democrat running in the five-man race and has raised $7,250. His backers include attorney Wayne Hogan, developer J.B. Coxwell and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver. Developer Acorn Housing and Florida Rock Industries, a cement company, have also contributed.
Tim Carter
Tim Carter has raised $1,345. Though he has reported substantially fewer contributions than most of his competition, campaign contributors include former Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff Audrey Moran, State Sen. Stephen Wise and former Council president Matt Carlucci.
R.J. Taylor
Final candidate R.J. Taylor has, so far, reported no contributions.
Four candidates are running to replace Holland, who represents Council district three.
Each candidate is a Republican.
Richard Clark
Running for Holland’s soon-to-be vacated seat, Richard Clark has raised more than $65,5000, with the help of several big names and big checks.
Clark has collected two maximum $500 donations from Weaver
and others including the St. Joe Company’s Peter Rummell and City Council member Art Shad. Duval County School Board chair Martha Barrett and AmSouth Bank president Marty Lanahan have also contributed.
Others supporting Clark include insurance executive James Tullis, pharmacist Ron Salem, the law firm of Harden & Associates, Jaguar
co-owner Lawrence Dubow, real estate company owner William
Watson, Gate Petroleum, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and Smith Hulsey & Busey partners Stephen Busey, Lanny Russell and Mark Hulsey.
Scott Shine
Local businessman Scott Shine comes to this race after losing to Holland two years ago and this time he returns with more than $18,000 in his campaign account. Contributors include attorney Bill Brinton, Jacksonville Beach City Council member Lee Buck and J.B. Coxwell Contracting, Inc. Also supporting Shine are attorney Rodney Margol and construction company the Haskell Company.
Mike Hancock
Hancock, former director of the Duval County Republican Party, has raised nearly $5,500. Contributors include the law firm of Mahon & Associates, insurer Fitzhugh Powell, pharmacist Ron Salem and the
lobbying firm of Fiorentino & Associates. Others offering the maximum dollar amount donations include realtor Curtis Hall and Queen’s
Harbour Yacht & Country Club.
Tom Sellers
As of Wednesday, Jan. 12, Tom Sellers had not submitted his
campaign finance report.
Follow up reports are due on Jan. 14, Jan, 28 and Feb. 11.