by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Narrowed from a pool of over 7,000 City and independent agency employees, finalists for the Robert O. Johnson Good Government Award were announced Friday.
They are Eric Pardee from Public Works, John Shellhorn of Clean it up, Green it Up, Budget and Management’s George Dandelake, interim City CFO and JEA CEO Walt Bussells, Cal Ray, director of Administration and Finance, and Pat Carter of Neighborhoods.
Named for retired Council auditor and original award winner Bob Johnson, the winner will be announced June 29 at Council president-elect Elaine Brown’s installation ceremony.
Brown sat on a nomination selection committee with Susie Wiles of the mayor’s office, Michael Blaylock, executive director of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Council auditor Richard Wallace.
“The standards established for this award are high; the nomination process and criteria are rigorous,” said Council Public Information chief Cindy Warner. “These are employees who are very dedicated and have given so much to the City of Jacksonville.
“And each of them having been doing so for at least 10 years.”
Warner said nominations came from the finalists’ co-workers.
Neighborhoods’ Joni Abraham was among many who nominated Carter.
“We’re very excited for her because she’s the most wonderful person and such a pillar of information,” said Abraham.
Carter has been with the City for 19 years.
“She’s an asset to our department we look forward to seeing her win. She really deserves it,” said Abraham.
Beth Mangold nominated Ray.
“He’s an excellent public servant who has done an outstanding job under several administrations,” she said. “I hope he’s victorious on the 29th.”
Warner said choosing the winner will not be easy.
“I can tell you, it’s going to be very difficult because they are all deserving,” she said. “We believe these finalist truly represent a strong good work ethic and always go the extra mile.
“It’s not very often that you’re able find even one employee like that. We have six right here.”