Mike Tolbert is the new executive assistant for City Council member Faye Rustin. He’s been on the job for about a month.
ANY RELATIONSHIP TO POLITICAL CONSULTANT MIKE TOLBERT?
“That is a common question that people ask when I first meet them.” But no, he is not related to the other Mike Tolbert.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY
“Checking e-mail, scheduling meetings, attending meetings, there’s usually a luncheon, and sometimes dinner.” He says the job can take up a “good amount of time” during the day and can run into the evenings.
WHAT DID HE DO BEFORE CITY COUNCIL?
He was a bank manager with Compass Bank before he went to work for Rustin. “I wanted a challenge and was ready for a career change.” Tolbert knew of the opening with Rustin because he has been friends with her and her husband for years. He said he knew them through banking.
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH THE OTHER ASSISTANTS?
“There’s limited exposure to the other aides, but what interaction I have had has been agreeable.”
HOW LONG HAS HE LIVED IN JACKSONVILLE?
A graduate of Terry Parker High School — “Yes, I went to public school.” Tolbert spent most of his life in Jacksonville. He now resides near Jacksonville Beach off San Pablo Road.
WHY HAS HE STAYED IN JACKSONVILLE?
“I entertained job offers out of the area, but it always worked out that I ended up staying here.” He said family living in the area is a big part of him remaining in Jacksonville.
EDUCATION
Tolbert reluctantly admitted to a brief stint at the University of Florida. Rivalries around the office makes him tight-lipped about his alma mater.
HOW DOES HE SEE HIMSELF?
As a private person. He is not very comfortable having people know too much about him, and he has been that way all of his life.
WHAT WAS THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT HE EVER RECEIVED?
“My first racing BMX bike.” This started his competition years that would last for 10 years. He participated in BMX races throughout Florida until he was 17.
WHAT WAS HIS FIRST JOB?
At 14, he worked at the Schwinn Bicycle Shop on Arlington Road. He built bicycles for the company. “It gave me a sense of responsibility, because I worked everyday after school.”
WHAT ARE HIS INTERESTS?
Besides bicycling, Tolbert goes to the gym frequently and participates in a flag football league.
— by Tammy Taylor