by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Tuesday afternoon at a panel discussion presented by the Economic Roundtable of Jacksonville, seven mayoral candidates shared their views regarding the City’s current financial status while also addressing the opportunities in the years ahead.
City Council member Ginger Soud expressed an overall positive outlook for Jacksonville’s financial prospects.
“We’re lucky to have a diverse economy and broad business base,” said Soud. “As cycles come and go, we’re not hit hard.”
In addition to expressing a desire to move forward commercially, Soud advocated a need to raise the amount of money in the City’s Rainy Day Fund. Currently, the fund — which is set aside to handle unpredictable disasters — equals about three to four percent of Jacksonville’s budget, roughly $30 million. She would like to see the level rise to a healthier five percent.
“You never know when we’re going to see another Hurricane Andrew,” said Soud.
Democrat, and former federal employee, Keith Myers was also optimistic.
“We’re doing fine and I see nothing but potential ahead,” said Myers.
He added that, as 2005 brings the Super Bowl to Jacksonville, larger companies that will positively impact local commerce are sure to follow.
“The Super Bowl will maximize our current position,” he said.
City Council member Matt Carlucci, while noting the recent job cuts at Humana and Tyson, said that even as Jacksonville experiences small dips in the economy, it will prove resilient in rebounding.
“We have always weathered storms in the past,” said Carlucci. “We’re doing good, but we don’t want to settle for good. We want great.”
Like Myers, he asserted that increased commerce will prove essential in making greater strides towards the strengthening of Jacksonville’s economic stability.
Gate executive John Peyton noted Jacksonville’s healthy growth, but also saw room for economic improvement. He added that when the next mayor takes office, he or she should establish a close working relationship with both the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce to develop and maintain jobs in town.
“The government should exist to facilitate business development,” said Peyton. “Job growth is essential.”
“We’re blessed to be here,” said Mike Weinstein, noting that the financial disposition of Jacksonville is healthier than many other communities around the country.
He added that, if Jacksonville is to move forward economically, a more developed and ultimately better educated work force would be required. He said that would have to start before a child even begins schooling and firmly be reinforced until graduation.
“It is my vision that, with a first class education, we can improve the overall quality of life,” said Weinstein.
Making frequent references to JCCI’s recently published 2002 Indicators for Progress, Stephen Irvine said, while not doing poorly, many of Jacksonville’s important economic facets are, “slip sliding away.”
Like Weinstein, Irvine said that improvements to the educational system would prove to be the building strongest building blocks for a solid economic future.
“We need a plan and we need to implement it,” he said.
“A better education and higher paying jobs go hand-in-hand,” said former mayor Tommy Hazouri.
Like many of the candidates, Hazouri said Jacksonville’s highly diversified economy will continue to grow. His vision for the future calls for safer neighborhoods and a revitalized downtown.
“The next mayor needs to be committed if economic growth is to take place,” he said.