One in a series of profiles on state representatives and senators leading to the opening of the legislative session Jan. 22.
Mark Mahon is the state representative for District 16.
WHAT ABOUT POLITICS INTERESTS YOU?
“My dad was involved in politics. He was in the House in 1953 and 1955, so I think I grew up watching that and got interested in it. I felt like because of term limits and because of some available seats, there was probably a real good opportunity. There was no incumbent and I don’t think I would have run against an incumbent. Because there was no incumbent I felt like it was something that I always wanted to do and the timing was right.”
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST SESSION
“It was very busy, very active. I think that learning the process was probably what I feel like I concentrated on more than anything else. Having been through that with so many of the other freshmen, now we have a little bit of a handle on how things work. The next step is how to improve things.”
ARE YOU BETTER PREPARED THIS TIME?
“Going in originally, it’s a little bit intimidating because you don’t really understand some of the mechanics of it. Having that down and having gone through a session, we are now prepared to have more of an impact and get some more substantive things done. The timing, I think, might be a little bit unfortunate because we are running into the redistricting which is going to take a great deal of time. I think so much of our efforts this session are going to be focused on that.”
WILL BUDGET CUTS MAKE THIS SESSION VERY DIFFICULT?
“I just can’t believe my luck. We started with the Bush-Gore fiasco with the election and we were called into special session for that. Then we figured that’s over with and we can get our feet under us, then the economy takes a downturn. On top of that, the events of Sept. 11. It just seems like it’s been one thing after another. Hopefully, the economy is starting to strengthen a little or at least level out or bottom out. That will allow us to figure out where we are going with the budget, with the money. I would be happy if we had a few less surprises.”
IS JACKSONVILLE A TOUGH SELL IN TALLAHASSEE?
“Not really. Everyone talks about how tight-knit the business community is in Jacksonville. Of course, I don’t think until you hear from other communities and see other communities you realize how true that is. The business leaders in Jacksonville and the working people in Jacksonville seem to get together and get behind issues. There are a lot of places that would never consider a half-cent sales tax to try to improve infrastructure and things like that. They are stunned that Jacksonville is that visionary and has the support of all the business leaders. In terms of that we are looked at as a model.”
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST ISSUE FOR THE DELEGATION THIS SESSION?
“Just because it’s on everyone’s plate, redistricting, it’s going to take so much time. Of course, we’ve got to do our districts — the House and the Senate and the Congressional districts with two new districts created. It’s going to be a real time consuming task to make sure everything is done correctly, legally and also satisfy everybody’s interests.”
WHAT DO YOU DO TO GET AWAY FROM EVERYTHING?
“I play golf. That and my kids.”
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville.
FAMILY
He’s married to Mary Ciccone and they have three children, Harrison, Davis and Lacy.
EDUCATION
Mahon has a bachelor’s degree and law degree from Florida State University.
IN THE BLOOD
His father, Lacy Mahon Jr., served in the Florida House of Representatives in 1953 and 1955, and was Duval County Solicitor from 1957-60.
HIS CIVIC DUTY
Jacksonville Transportation Authority board member, 1993-2000; JTA chairman, 1997-99; Jacksonville Metropolitan Planning Organization member, 1994-present.
AFFILIATIONS
Jacksonville Bar Association, Jacksonville Inns of Court.
IN THE HOUSE
Legislative Council/Committee membership: Economic Development and International Trade, Child and Family Security, Council for Ready Infrastructure, Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations and Rules, Ethics and Elections.
— by Mike Sharkey