by Bailey White
Staff Writer
One week after he was defeated in the primary election, Mike Weinstein made public his support for mayoral candidate John Peyton.
“I’m committed to the future of Jacksonville and from every perspective I looked through, I saw that the future of Jacksonville is tied to John Peyton,” said Weinstein Tuesday morning. “We’re on the same page on a lot of issues and that’s part of why the campaign never got dicey.”
Peyton said he was happy to have Weinstein’s support.
“I was constantly looking over my shoulder in this race,” he said. “I look forward to working with Mike and to embracing some of his vision.”
Whether or not Peyton will find a place for Weinstein on his staff if elected has yet to be determined.
“We’ve talked in concept about working together, but haven’t come up with anything specific,” said Peyton. “For right now, we’re just concentrating on the election.”
Weinstein is the first of the five defeated candidates to announce support for either candidate.
“I think its too important of a race to sit on the fence,” he said.
• Nat Glover’s fight for votes on the Southside might be a little more difficult than he thought. Before one of his neighborhood walks in Mandarin, residents there lined the streets with John Peyton signs.
• Why hold a press conference at a Mandarin boat dock to announce Weinstein is supporting Peyton’s bid for the mayor’s job? “It reminds us of the importance of protecting our quality of life,” said Peyton of the decision to host the conference there. Weinstein agreed: “I’ve lived here for 26 years and I love Mandarin. And they voted for me.” The location was also featured in one of Weinstein’s campaign handouts.
• Glover’s campaign is planning a series of “whistle stop” tours of City Council districts, using a recreational vehicle to demonstrate his promise to “take City Hall to the people.” If elected, Glover plans to use a “mobile City Hall” for regular neighborhood visits.
• The Florida First Coast Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors is endorsing Peyton, saying “Peyton is more closely aligned with the viewpoints of our organization.”
• Incoming City Council member Kevin Hyde is already drawing praise from one Council staffer. Cindy Warner, director of public information for the Council, saw Hyde speak at a recent function and was impressed by his knowledge of the issues and his public demeanor.
• Former property appraiser candidate Fran Beach is backing City Council member Jim Overton in his race against William King for the job, saying “Jim has a better handle on what the job is all about.”