by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
The City Council elected a new president and vice president this week and though Elaine Brown and Kevin Hyde won’t assume those roles until July, speculation has already begun about their replacements.
Worth noting, the Council vice president in 2005-06 likely will be president when election campaigns heat up the following year.
An apparent frontrunner may be Rules Committee chair Michael Corrigan.
According to several on the Council, Corrigan, who’s serving his first term, has quickly solidified a reputation as a “consensus builder” and “hard worker.”
“I think Michael’s great and he’s done such a wonderful job as Rules Committee chair this year,” said Council member Sharon Copeland. “It’s a difficult position to be in during your first year but he’s handled it well and has proven to be a strong leader.
“I think his abilities could easily make him a strong vice president and eventually president.”
Vice president-elect Hyde agreed.
“He’s held a responsible position and people recognize that,” he said. “If he’s interested in doing it, he could do very well.”
Corrigan declined comment about his prospects to move into a leadership position, or even if he would be interested.
“It’s flattering that people would consider me, but I’m not going to concentrate on pursuing anything like that for a while,” he said. “In the upcoming year, I’d just like to do my best to serve District 13.”
Corrigan later added that, “a lot can happen in a year.”
Others said there are many besides Corrigan who could and would do the job.
“I can think of a few who would want it,” said Council member Reggie Fullwood.
Fullwood, who briefly entertained thoughts of a run for the Council presidency this year, agreed Corrigan would do well but added Suzanne Jenkins and Daniel Davis may also be looking to step up.
“Both of them would make sense,” he said. “But I think (Davis) might be more aggressive in going after it and winning.”
Working in Davis’ favor is outside advocacy radiating from the Northeast Florida Builders Association, also his place of employment.
Davis couldn’t be reached for comment, but Jenkins said she has no intentions to run.
Jenkins served as vice president in 2002 but didn’t move up — Jerry Holland went after the job, and won.
“No way,” she said, “I’ve done it. I’ve checked that off my list.”
Jenkins said, however, she would support a nomination for either Fullwood or Council member Lynette Self.
“But honestly,” she said. “I think it’s been proven by me and by others that you don’t have to be president or vice president of the Council to make a difference or to lead.”
Council member Gwen Yates said the field is wide open.
“There are so many capable people to chose from. We have an excellent lot,” said Yates. She declined to narrow those choices down.