Neill Vining may be new to local politics — she went to work at the Duval County Republican headquarters in February — but she’s already making the most of it. The Jacksonville native plans to stay with the GOP after election season ends next month.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
The “hometown girl” — Vining, 23, is a Bishop Kenny High School graduate — started as a volunteer coordinator for John Rutherford’s campaign for sheriff. “I moved back to town after I graduated from the University of Alabama with a journalism degree,” she said. “I had an interest in politics so I got in touch with Ward Blakely [Rutherford’s campaign manager]. He said he was looking for some additional help. I said I would love to do it and that was that. I love it.” Now that Rutherford has won the election, Vining is working on Jim Overton’s property appraiser campaign, while tying up the remaining loose ends of Rutherford’s campaign.
THE BEST THING
ABOUT HER JOB
“I love meeting and interacting with people,” said Vining. “Plus, it’s very rewarding when you’re able to play even a small part in getting the qualified candidates elected. That’s definitely the best part.”
THE WORST PART
“The hours have been pretty long, lately. For a while we were working 12-hour days right before the election; weekends too. It can be pretty demanding, but I think it’s worth it.”
THE FUTURE OF JACKSONVILLE
“Jacksonville is definitely an up and coming city, but we need to do more to attract younger people to come here and stay here. Right now, we don’t have enough shopping or good restaurants and that’s important. It will be exciting to watch the city grow in the next few years. I think we have potential.”
ON HER NAME
“Neill is actually short for McNeill; my grandmother’s maiden name. My full name is Alana McNeill Vining. My dad’s name is Alan.”
DREAM JOB
“I’d love to go to work in Tallahassee for an elected official. Hopefully, I can combine politics with my journalism degree and use them both to my advantage, probably media relations. That’s what I’d really like to do. Obviously, I’ll need more experience, but I’m a hard worker.”
ANY DESIRE TO RUN
FOR OFFICE?
“Not for a long, long time. I don’t think people realize how hard it is just to get elected. It takes so much time and a lot of money. I’m completely amazed when someone who has already ran once, decides to run again.”
SPARE TIME
“Lately, I don’t have a lot of spare time. But when I do, I like to read, work out and play with my dog, Tuff. I also try to get together with friends whenever I get a chance.”
LAST BOOK SHE READ
“The Last Prescient” by Patricia Cornwell.
ANY GOOD?
“It was OK. I’ve read better.”
WHO DOES SHE ADMIRE?
“Believe it or not, I really admire George Bush. I think he is a great leader and I admire his ability to make decisions and stick to them. It can’t be easy with all of the public scrutiny and stress. I think he’s handled it well.”
— by J. Brooks Terry