by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
At first glance, it seems Mayor-elect John Peyton’s ascendancy to City Hall is a classic case of the private businessman suddenly waking up one day to find himself squarely in the public spotlight.
Where at one time, every deal, hiring and firing was a closed-door affair privy to only a few select eyes and ears, everything he does now — at least in theory — must be done in the sunshine, almost literally. However, look a little deeper and you’ll discover Peyton has spent more time in the public eye than most think. That’s exactly what makes him believe the transition from Gate Petroleum vice president to mayor of Jacksonville won’t be a culture shock.
“Going way back, I was an intern for [former mayor] Jake [Godbold]. That was eons ago,” said Peyton. “I worked in Washington, D.C. for Sen. [Bob] Graham. I am not unfamiliar with the public sector.”
Peyton also points to his two-year stint as chair of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority Board and his term as chair of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Though quite different, both appointments exposed Peyton to life in the limelight and not-so-subtle Sunshine Laws.
“Being JTA chair was much more public. I learned about financial disclosure and general contracting while I was there and none of that deterred me from running,” said Peyton. “As chair of the symphony, I led a public organization with 70 board members.
“In some capacity or another, I’ve been in the public sector at some level. When I made it through the [April 15] primary, it was taken to another level. When I won the [May 13] general election, it was taken to another level.”
Peyton insists there are many similarities between running Gate and running the City. Appointments have to be made, major decisions agonized over and thousands of employees to consider on a daily basis.
“Being a leader in a large family business with close to 3,000 employees, I’m used to being watched, so it’s not a drastic change,” explained Peyton.
There are two dramatic differences, though. One, Peyton now also answers to almost one million people and, two, he’s being constantly scrutinized by the media. It’s the latter issue that, so far, seems to make Peyton a little uncomfortable.
“My morning starts everyday with reporters going through my mail. It’s a tough adjustment and I’m not used to that,” said Peyton, adding his biggest fear right now is one of buddies sending something to City Hall that’s embarrassing. “I have some friends that love to play practical jokes. I know something’s coming.”
One more facet of Peyton’s life is now under the microscope — his new bride Katheryn. Peyton says his wife will be much more like Gina Delaney — Mayor John Delaney’s wife who is a relative unknown and is rarely seen — than Hillary Clinton — the wife of former Pres. Bill Clinton who garnered as many headlines as Bill. The Peytons are selling their respective homes and searching for one in the Epping Forest/San Marco area. She’s a physician with a practice at the beach and he’ll work downtown, so they are looking for an easy commute for both.
Outside of house-hunting, the Peytons are learning to deal with the public together. One of the most important things they do, says Peyton, is clock out.
“I try to set aside Sundays,” he said. “And, Katheryn and I carve out date night. She has her own life and she’s busy in her own right. I support her career. She’s more private than I am. When we have a family, that will be her priority.”
Another priority for Peyton will be to keep Delaney in the loop. While the new president of the University of North Florida may not be consulted on a regular basis, Peyton has a few very specific jobs in mind for the two-term mayor.
“I will invite him back every time we have a ribbon-cutting for a Better Jacksonville Plan project,” said Peyton. “That was his legacy and I look forward to sharing the podium with John Delaney.”