Kevin Hyde has been an attorney with Foley & Lardner since 1988. He is running for the City Council Group 4 seat, an at-large position which is being vacated by Ginger Soud due to term limits.
WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY?
Labor and employment law is his niche. He handles discrimination cases, counsels employers on workforce issues and conducts training courses on employment law issues. Hyde began with the firm as an associate and became a partner in 1997.
COLLEGE
Hyde earned his law degree from the University of Florida.
WHY GO INTO LAW?
“I was always interested in it. I’ve always liked history and history is a large component of the law. A lawyer’s job is to help resolve problems.”
WHY SWITCH FROM RUNNING FOR JIM OVERTON’S SPOT?
“Originally I was going to run for the District 14 seat. When the race began, people outside of 14 expressed great interest. They thought I would be a good representative at large. On the strength of their support, I made the switch.”
WHAT IS YOUR PLATFORM?
“The big issue is economic and workforce development. The Better Jacksonville Plan has been great to establish the infrastructure we need. My focus is on taking that energy and turning it to the people side. What will increase training of our workforce to attract businesses and boost opportunity for jobs? I want to make sure our workforce is prepared when opportunities present themselves.”
WHAT IS YOUR POLITICAL GOAL, IF ELECTED?
“I would like to say that the things we [City Council] did positioned the City to attract new businesses and provide opportunities for people at all levels. New business improves the quality of life and enhances growth opportunities for existing businesses.”
WHAT OTHER ISSUES CONCERN YOU?
“One issue that we’re going to see a lot of is making sure our schools are best positioned to take care of education. I want the Council to support the School Board and the school system so they have all the resources they need. There are implementation issues with the Better Jacksonville Plan, too, such as staying true to the plan, meeting the budget and staying on schedule.”
WHY RUN FOR OFFICE?
“I always wanted to be involved. I talked to some folks and they encouraged me. No one came to me with it. I just felt that I would be successful in doing it.”
WHY START CAMPAIGNING SO EARLY? (HYDE IS UNOPPOSED SO FAR)
“I announced my candidacy early because I wanted to have time to make my case.”
WHY VOTE FOR YOU?
“I think my training makes me well-qualified with my legal experience and community work. An employment lawyer listens to both sides of a case. Listening is critical to City Council.”
HOW WILL YOU DIVIDE YOUR TIME?
“I am committed to my decision to devote time to do the job of a Council member. My partners are supportive. It will be a juggling act, though. It’s just a matter of working with priorities. I will continue to practice law but not to the detriment of Council.”
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FORESEE IF ELECTED?
“Trying to understand the ramifications of a decision and doing my homework to make a good decision. That’s the inherent challenge of casting a vote on issues. In most instances, there are valid points on both sides. The biggest obstacle to all of City Council is making sure we have enough facts to make good decisions.”
FAMILY
For the last 14 years he has been married to Kathi. They have two middle school-aged children, Virginia and Michael, and reside in Avondale.
MEMBERS ONLY
Hyde is on the board of Northeast Florida Safety Council and the Youth Crisis Center. He is also president of the Florida 4H Foundation and a deacon at Lakeshore Church of Christ.
DOWN TIME
When he’s not in the office, Hyde enjoys reading, running or going to the movies with friends. To get away from the big city, he takes the family to his parents farm in Gainesville where he grew up.
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
“I admire [U.S. Secretary of State] Colin Powell for his unique ability to communicate strongly and clearly. He is an extraordinarily principled man with good tactics. He’s a natural leader.”
— by Monica Chamness