by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Jerry Holland will reach the halfway point of his one-year term as City Council president on Jan. 1. During his first six months, he has dealt with many controversial concerns facing the city, while remaining aware of the issues that may or may not come to a future vote.
Among the issues the Council has voted on, and continue to work through, are the ongoing AT&T/Comcast negotiations and the hotly-debated fitness center for City employees.
“I get a lot of mail about the gym and really do read and respond to every one,” said Holland. “I do my best to convince people who disagree with me that the people of Jacksonville do benefit from healthy City employees. They may not always come around, but at least I can let them know exactly where I stand.”
If Holland, who began his career as an elected official three and half years ago, has his way, the prospective bills coming to a vote during the latter half of his term will be as diverse as the constituents he represents. One such bill is designed to help the working poor who do not currently have health insurance. Holland clarified that those benefiting from the program differ from people currently receiving federal assistance.
“At this point, we are looking at a possible pilot program to insure about 1,500 men and woman with health care,” said Holland. “These people are employed, but they just don’t have any insurance right now. Many are rushing off to the emergency room when all they need to do is to see a doctor. Nowadays, if you don’t have medical coverage, you’re lucky to get a trip to the hospital without spending $3,000. Of course, there are many details that still need to be finalized, but it’s something I’d like to work on.”
Another topic that Holland wants to address is dirt roads in Jacksonville.
“One thing that I do want to stress, is that dirt roads in town are finite in number,” said Holland. “However, I’d like to see the ones that we have now, reduced in number. Many times, dirt roads currently in existence are the responsibility of the adjoining landowners. I’d like to work on getting funding for paving some of them.”
Holland mentioned that an expenditure such as paving dirt roads could, in fact, prove to be an investment that may raise property values.
“Another thing we may see in the future is a new sign ordinance,” he said. “This, again, is something that makes a lot of people unhappy.”
Holland mentioned that a new sign ordinance — which would take into account the size, location and height of business signs — has two paths to consider.
“First, we’ll need to agree upon what the regulations will be for signs that may be built in the future,” he said. “Then, of course, we’ll have to assess whether or not signs that are up now are compliant as well. If they aren’t, it can become costly and people aren’t too happy.”
Holland noted that he is well aware that, many times, bills that are up for debate rarely come to a unanimous vote.
“I won’t say that I’m naive to close splits in the voting process,” he said. “I was voted in as president of the Council by small margin. However, if the forums that I support pass, I’m pleased with that.”
As for Holland’s political future, he remains mum on any specifics, while letting only a few details rise to the surface.
“I’ll say this much,” he said. “If you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll only want to serve more people in the future. While it’s hard to map out a career in politics, I would definitely love to serve another role when this one is over.”
Based on the goals Holland set at the beginning of his term, he rates his time in office a strong nine.
“When I first started, I had my professional goals along with those that were personal,” he said. “For instance, I knew I wanted to focus on road improvements and additional park land in Jacksonville and we’ve had a lot of success in those areas. I’m not wishing for anything.”