by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Former City Council vice president Suzanne Jenkins is facing competition from a political newcomer for the Dist. 4 seat. Don Redman, a former military man who served in the Navy, says he’s running to make a difference in the community.
Suzanne Jenkins
Prior to stepping into office in 1999, Suzanne Jenkins said she was “a citizen activist fighting for the community.” If elected to a second term, it is a trend she plans to continue.
“The voters should know that I am not afraid to say what needs to be said and I will remain accessible to them,” said Jenkins, a Democrat.
Unlike many City Council members, Jenkins represents Dist. 4 full-time and she wants to return to public service so she can continue make Jacksonville a better place to live.
“I feel like I need to finish what I started,” said Jenkins. “I’m only halfway through with what I want to accomplish with our infrastructure. As a city, we’re in a huge growth period and I want to be a part of it.”
While on the Council, Jenkins has stood behind ordinances improving security standards for businesses and also encouraging developers to invest in the reuse and revitalization of historic structures. She is currently a member of the Public Services, Technology & Utilities Committee, the Recreation & Community Development Committee and, in addition, serves on the Board of Directors of Downtown Vision, Inc.
“People have told me that I have done a good job and have encouraged me to run again,” said Jenkins. “I am ready to continue on the path that I have been on while playing a part in the growth management of our city. We should be looking at how we’ll look in 20 years. There are so many opportunities beyond the Super Bowl and I want to be here to champion them.”
Don Redman
Don Redman has been in Duval County for a long time, but he only recently decided to try his hand at a political career. This is Redman’s first campaign.
“I truly feel like I have the community’s best interest at heart,” said Redman, who, after retiring from the Navy in the 1960s, settled in Jacksonville and has been here ever since. “I know what’s important to the district and to the city and I’ll do my best to address those things if I’m elected.”
One of the first issues that Redman wants to address if he’s elected is the line of communication between local government and the School Board.
“A lot of times when you have a concern and you bring it to the board, they tell you that it’s a government issue,” he said. “And if you bring it to the government, they direct you to the School Board. There needs to be a way for the two to work together to improve the education here. I want to better our schools.”
Redman remains actively involved at Englewood High School, where he has been on the advisory committee for over 10 years. He indicated that he would like to develop literacy and tutor programs. Redman has been active in the community while serving on the Mayor’s Fitness and Wellness Committee.
Redman also said he wants to improve the safety of the neighborhoods in his district.
“The streets should be well lit so that people feel safe when they walk at night,” he said. “It is a problem that has been addressed before and no one has done anything about it. The voters only need to know one thing about me. I will always be here to listen and I will do my best to remain accessible to them.”