by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
With just a few weeks left before the May 13 election, the remaining candidates running for property appraiser — Jim Overton and William King — are campaigning as hard as they ever were.
“The challenge now is getting the message out,” said Overton, a Republican. “We’ll continue with the heavy direct mailing and radio. I’m not sure how much of it made an impact before the primaries, but it should definitely be more clear now. We’re hoping for a strong turnout.”
Democrat candidate King said he, too, was increasing his campaign efforts.
“I’m working as hard as I can,” said King. “Getting a lot of people to the polls is going to be very important for this race.”
Although both candidates say they have talked with former candidates Fran Beach and Kurt Kraft, Overton, who previously received the majority of the vote with 43.65 percent, recently garnered Beach’s official endorsement. She is currently employed at the Property Appraiser’s Office.
“I’ve talked with Jim and with Mr. King,” said Beach. “I truly believe that [Overton] is the better candidate and that he has a better handle on the job. He is more qualified.”
Beach, also a Republican, said party affiliation played only a small role in her decision.
Overton said he was pleased with Beach’s endorsement calling her “a well-respected employee at the Property Appraiser’s Office” and a “qualified and cordial candidate.”
“We have a great working relationship and I will definitely rely on her knowledge if I’m elected,” he said. “Fran took home 17 percent in the last election. If I had gotten less than half of that vote, I would have won.”
Kraft said he would not be endorsing either candidate. He is also an employee at the Property Appraiser’s Office.
In addition to Beach, Overton has received endorsements from Mayor John Delaney, the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and the Fraternal Order of Police. King has previously stated that he will not seek political endorsements from big businesses or special interest groups.
Overton said although King — a state certified appraiser for eight years — had run a “good race” and that he was “engaging,” the advantage was his.
“Unlike the mayor’s race where you’re really voting on which policy you prefer, this is a question of credentials,” said Overton. “Resume to resume, I have an advantage. Mr. King may be a state certified property appraiser, but this is, fundamentally, a management job. It’s not a field job.”
Overton referenced his master’s degree in public administration along with his 10 years on the City Council as tools potentially guiding a successful run as property appraiser.
Ironically, King is also counting on his own resume to get him into office.
“My resume says that I am qualified to do this job,” he said. “I’ve had so many people tell me that they would have voted for me before, but they didn’t know who I was. Mr. Overton is a very popular man. I think the people of Jacksonville understand that it’s not about popularity. It’s about being qualified to do the job well. On May 13, I think I can take it.”