from staff
JaxBiz Inc., a committee of continuous existence affiliated with the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, has endorsed former City Council member Lad Daniels in the Aug. 28 special election for the state House of Representatives.
Daniels, president of the First Coast Manufacturers Association, was a pro-business advocate during his two terms in the City Council and has recently partnered with local business organizations, including the Chamber, in an effort to protect the region from the job loss and economic decline resulting from the loss of the USS John F. Kennedy.
Daniels will draw the most opposition from attorney Charles McBurney, who has been in the race for several months. Leonard Curry, Dave Siebert and Debra Jahns-Nelsen have also filed to run. All are seeking to replace Mark Mahon, who was recently appointed to a judgeship in the Fourth Judicial Circuit by Gov. Charlie Crist.
JaxBiz is a nonprofit, nonpartisan political organization with the goal of promoting business-friendly leadership at the local and state government levels. JaxBiz members research and endorse candidates for public office based on issues that affect business and economic development. LandMar Group President and CEO Ed Burr chairs the committee.
The decision to endorse a candidate is based on the candidate’s support of the business community’s agenda. This agenda is determined by stakeholders in an ongoing process that involves polling and other research methods. JaxBiz is not connected or affiliated with any political party or specific candidate. The board members are a diverse cross-section of the business community including representatives from small and large businesses.