by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
On June 30, five members of the City Council — Ginger Soud, Gwen Chandler, Jim Overton, Alberta Hipps and King Holzendorf — will serve their last day on the Council because of term limits. As their time in City Hall comes to an end, each member reflected on the last eight years and their futures.
Gwen Chandler
Gwen Chandler says that during her term on the Council she was on a quest. Elected in 1995, she bested four other candidates.
“As a member of this Council,” she said, “you are given the opportunity to see this city and its leadership grow and change. I’ve seen so many improvements in both economical and social aspects.”
Among the many projects Chandler is excited about, the construction of the new main library holds special meaning for her.
A vocal advocate for its construction — Chandler was the first black librarian at the Haydon Burns Library in 1963 — she sees it as having the potential to be a focal point for citizens and visitors.
“In can see, that down the line,” said Chandler, “Jacksonville is going to become a much more global city. People who visit are going to remember the things they see.”
Chandler said she only wants her peers and supporters to remember her one way after she is no longer serving on the Council.
“I have always tried to be fair and balanced in all my dealings,” she said. “If you can be true to yourself, the rest will come easily. I truly believe that.
Chandler’s quest will continue after her term expires in June as she plans to run for Supervisor of Elections.
“It is a role that I will take seriously,” she said, “I want to see Jacksonville continue to thrive.”
Jim Overton
Jim Overton’s 10-year stint on the Council allowed him to play a part in several issues; none of which, he says, were black and white.
“On this Council you’re always going to encounter a lot of gray areas,” said Overton. “But you’ve got to keep in mind that you’re working for the greater public good. You are having to make decisions that aren’t going to be popular with everyone.”
Overton has been a fixture on the Council since finishing the final two years of Tillie Fowler’s term in 1992 after she was elected to Congress. In the 10 years that followed, he served a term as president, witnessed the fight over the Jacksonville Jaguars lease agreement and also took special interest in the preservation of the Riverside/Avondale area.
“I’m especially proud of the preservation projects,” said Overton, “because it brought up property values and has allowed people to feel confident about investing again.”
As his term concludes, Overton asks that his colleagues and supporters remember him for his fairness, but also his frankness.
“I’ve always just called things how I see them,” said Overton. “Sometimes, it’s not what people want to hear.”
Even as his decade-long run concludes, Overton says that there are several more projects in his district that he is working on, including renovations on the Ortega Bridge and also the streetscaping project in Five Points.
After June, he has set his sights on another public office: property appraiser.
Ginger Soud
Ginger Soud recalls that when she first came to the Council as an at-large representative in 1995 — the first woman to do so — the Jaguars were also new to the city. She has a framed photograph of their first game on her wall.
Since then, the Jacksonville native has never looked back while devoting her energies to projects such as downtown housing and transportation. Soud’s initiative for budget efficiency allowed Jacksonville to pull its transportation technology systems up to status quo in about seven years when it was originally believed it would take 20. She also played an instrumental role in orientating 14 new Council members at the start of the last term.
“When it comes to a job like this, “ said Soud, “there is no time for a learning curve. This office belongs to the people and we owe it to ourselves and them to work as hard as we can.”
She also served a term as Council president.
Soud said she is proud of the work she has done, while stressing that it has been “an honor to serve.”
“We’ve built a solid infrastructure for Jacksonville’s future,” she said. “I envision that, one day, the children of this city will be able to get a better education.”
While Soud stressed that she looks forward to serving Jacksonville in a variety of future roles, her current goal is to serve as the next mayor.
Alberta Hipps
Alberta Hipps, who was born and raised in Jacksonville, makes no secret of her love for the Council.
“It has been wonderful serving on a consolidated government structure such as this,” she said. “I’ve been able to work on urban, rural and neighborhood issues that are important to so many people.”
Among the projects Hipps is most proud of is her work at Cecil Field.
Hipps, who served a term as Council president during 2000-01, credits much of her success on the Council to the involvement of Mayor John Delaney.
“It has been a blessing to serve during his term,” she said. “There really is excellent synergy between the Council and the mayor’s office.”
As she exits, Hipps hopes that she is remembered for her passion, consistency and commitment to her work.
“I love this city dearly,” she said. “and I believe that I have served it to the best of my abilities.”
While she has decided not to pursue another political office right away, Hipps is certain that she will be continue to be a presence in Jacksonville, working with committees and other commissions.
“When you have a good knowledge base of the city,” said Hipps, “it is important to get involved. While I completely support the entering of new blood in the Council, I will continue to contribute in some way.”
King Holzendorf
According to his assistant Sandra Washington, Holzendorf declined to comment for this story because he is “media shy.”