by Liz Daube
Staff Writer
Politicians, lobbyists and nonprofit groups gathered in Tallahassee Wednesday night to talk about the legislative issues that matter most to Jacksonville. Mayor John Peyton, City Council members, school board members and other concerned citizens came to the opening reception for Jacksonville Day at Goodwood Museum and Gardens with many issues on their minds.
“We have a nice array of people representing the community,” said Peyton. “We’re basically here to lobby the delegation on what our priorities are.”
State Reps. Aaron Bean, Audrey Gibson, Mark Mahon, Stan Jordan, Don Davis and Dick Kravitz all attended, along with State Sens. Stephen Wise and Jim King.
This year’s Jacksonville Day was a little different because of a new ethics law. It prohibits lobbyists from providing politicians with free food, drinks and other perks, so the Duval County Legislative Delegation members had to buy tickets if they wanted to get dinner or hors d’oeuvres.
Lobbyist Mike Hightower said the turnout for the event was similar to previous years, despite the new restrictions.
“They (the legislators) aren’t eating or drinking, but what they did do is come,” said Hightower. “The only difference is we won’t do the barbecue tomorrow.”
Traditionally, Jacksonville Day featured a popular barbecue sponsored by the lobbyists. Gibson said the ethics law has had other effects, as well.
“From a people perspective, it’s all the same,” said Gibson. “(But) it’s changed the atmosphere overall, I think. When it first started, lobbyists and legislators were almost afraid to say ‘hi’ to each other.”
State Rep. Aaron Bean said Jacksonville Day is a chance for the Jacksonville area to show the rest of the state it’s a major player in state politics.
“It’s an opportunity for legislators to put a face on projects,” said Bean. “We’re competing with cities like Miami, Tampa and Orlando. This allows Jacksonville to flex its political muscle.”
Bean said Jacksonville Day ensures the city gets its fair share and input and it’s a chance to be heard.
“It’s like voting,” he said. “If you don’t show up, you lose out.”
Rep. Stan Jordan said his dance card was full of events — more than three on Wednesday. Thanks to the the new laws, those events cost him more than $100. He said he would only dine at one event, but still had to pay for the others.
Photos by Miranda G. McLeod