by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Though only two candidates are gunning for the City Council District 2 seat in the upcoming elections, each say that they are committed to improving the quality of life in Jacksonville. One candidate has four years experience, the other is a relative newcomer to the city.
Adam Nathaniel Davis
Libertarian candidate Adam Nathaniel Davis not only faces the challenge of mounting his first political campaign, he’s also running against incumbent Lynette Self. Despite those obstacles, Davis says he’s in the race to win it.
“Obviously, when you’re going up against someone who is already in the office, the odds aren’t going to be stacked in your favor,” said Davis. “But I’m confident. For the past year and a half, since first I declared my candidacy, I’ve remained focused on letting the people know that I have a vision for a leaner and more efficient government.”
Davis, who moved to Jacksonville from Fort Myers just over two years ago, said the focus of local government should be shifted so that the importance of “core services” is brought to the forefront.
“We should be looking at issues like our sewers, drainage and police and fire safety,” said Daniels. “I watched from the sidelines for some time before I got into the race. Finally, I figured that if I wanted city government to do what it’s supposed to do, I should do something about it, myself.”
A self-taught Web developer who served in the Air Force, Davis estimated that he’s already visited 8,000 homes while “feverishly campaigning.” He is involved with community groups including the Exchange Club, the Tiger Bay Club and Concerned Taxpayers of Duval County. He also serves as chair of the Duval County affiliate of the Libertarian Party.
“This election is not about me educating the people about the Libertarian Party,” said Davis. “I want to get out and meet the people and find out what is really important to them. When I look at our government right now, I see a serious need to look at our priorities. Buying up swamp land and bribing businesses to come here is not a part of our original charter.”
Lynette Self
Lynette Self made it clear that she isn’t ready to leave the City Council any time soon. Having already served one term, the Republican candidate said that there are several projects she’s undertaken that she wants to complete.
“I like this job,” said Self, who owns a florist business with her husband. “I feel like I’m just getting started and there is so much more that I want to do for my district and for the City.”
During her first term, Self — a native of both Jacksonville and Dist. 2 — has been actively involved in transportation projects including the widening of Kernan Boulevard and St. John’s Bluff Road while also working to acquire more park space and amenities for the existing parks in Arlington. Self also acted as liaison to the Jacksonville Children’s Commission and was chair of the Land Use and Zoning Committee and the Waterways Commission. In 2001, she was named “Outstanding Council Member of the Year.”
Outside of the Council, Self has been involved in the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Governors & Executive Committee, the Affordable Housing Committee and the Special Olympics.
“In the future I plan to work on the dilapidated shopping centers all throughout the district,” said Self. “I think that it’s important for us to establish a level of criteria for these buildings so that we can move forward in revitalizing the area as a whole. Developers would be encouraged to come and that would, in turn, provide a solid tax base and make the area more competitive.”
As far as the actual election is concerned, Self said that, this time around, it’s a little different.
“Time wise, it can be pretty stressful,” she said. “Balancing a business with this office and also with family isn’t easy. On the plus side, I have a much more clear idea of the direction that I’ll be heading in in the next four years.”