This is the first in a series of profiles on state representatives and senators leading to the opening of the legislative session Jan. 22
Mike Hogan is the state representative for District 13, which includes most of Jacksonville’s Westside and a portion of Clay County.
HOW HE GOT THERE
Hogan, 52, was a member of Jacksonville’s City Council from 1991-1999 and couldn’t run again due to term limits. He ran for the seat being vacated by Steve Wise, who was term-limited in the Florida House.
WHAT HE DOES
He’s retired from the telephone company and now serves as a safety consultant for W.W. Gay and Poole Management. He’s also getting into the zoning business and is seeking clients.
CHALLENGES HIS DISTRICT FACES THIS YEAR ...
“We have to continue to work on traffic problems in my area, particularly getting the new Collins Road and I-295 interchange, upgrading the Blanding Boulevard/I-295 interchange and continuing to improve U.S. 17 (Roosevelt Boulevard) and U.S. 21 (Blanding.) But, it’s not going to be easy with the funding and the fact that the Department of Transportation works eight years out.”
THE CHANCES?
“Luckily, I was able to be appointed to the Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee and that’s a key place. We’re lucky to have three other people from this area on the committee (St. Augustine’s Doug Wiles and Jacksonville’s Don Davis and Mark Mahon) and we stick together. We should have influence on actions.”
... AND THE STATE
“There’s a lot of talk about restructuring the way we tax people but we have to be careful. Just because tourism has dropped off doesn’t mean we should rush things.”
IN TALLAHASSEE ...
He and fellow Jacksonville legislator Mahon share a rented house. “I feel like I’m back in college and he’s my fraternity brother.”
... AND IN JACKSONVILLE
He lives on the Westside with wife Judy. They’re getting ready to build a home in the Ortega Farms area.
COMPARING OFFICES
“I didn’t think it would be as enjoyable as being on the Council, but it is. I liked the Council because it was where politics and people meet. But the legislature has been a pleasant experience.”
BACKGROUND
He’s from one of Jacksonville’s oldest families (Hogan’s Creek, Hogan St., etc.) and grew up here. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in 1972.
CIVIC AFFILIATIONS
Hogan is a director of Riverside Rotary, Hosanna House and the Northeast Florida Safety Council. He’s also involved in Leadership Jacksonville.
IN THE FUTURE
He may try to succeed longtime mentor Lynwood Roberts when he steps down as the city’s tax collector.
HOBBIES
Golf and ”being with my family.”
— by Fred Seely