by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
In light of budget cuts that may affect every level of city government — the non-profits in particular – City Council President-Designate Daniel Davis has decided to cancel his post-swearing-in party.
Davis and Council Vice President-Designate Ronnie Fussell originally planned to hold the party immediately after next Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony at the T-U Center. However, Davis has decided the $40,000 the party would have cost could go to better causes.
“While we’ve traditionally held a privately-funded reception immediately following the ceremony, it doesn’t seem right to spend resources in this manner when our city and non-profit community are battling tough financial issues in light of the state tax cuts,” said Davis. “While the reception was to be funded via private dollars, I recognize that these funds could conceivably be used to support a local non-profit organization during this time of uncertainty.”
Davis said raising the money wasn’t the issue nor was the time it takes to organize the party.
“As City Council, we will have to make some very, very tough decisions,” said Davis about the many non-profits that serve the Jacksonville community that are likely to become the first victims of budget cuts. “We need to send the right message that says we are serious and we need to keep our priorities in line. It (the party) could be perceived as not the best use of money, even though it’s private funds.”
Davis said the cancellation will save around $40,000 and he plans to return the money to the donors while asking them to support the area’s non-profits instead.
July 1, Davis will embark on a busy year. As the current Council Vice President, he’s seen first-hand how busy the year has been for Council President Michael Corrigan. As the executive director for the Northeast Florida Builders Association, Davis is busy enough in the private sector. Toss in the job of Council president and the ensuing 365 days look daunting. Davis says he’s prepared.
“If you work hard and schedule your time wisely, you’d be amazed at what can be accomplished,” he said.
Davis plans to outline his agenda for his term as Council president during the installation ceremony. One thing he’d like to see is more public-private partnerships.
“I’ll talk specifics during the installation, but there are all sorts of options for public-private partnerships,” he said. “Those partnerships would help with the tumultuous budget time we are facing and could help change some of our communities and give others hope where there is not much hope.”
One project Davis may have to deal with is the new County Courthouse. Plans are to break ground some time this summer, but the project is already years behind schedule. When asked if the Courthouse should be turned over to a private developer, Davis said the City should pursue all its options and go with the one that’s best for the taxpayers.
Fussell will also talk about his plans as Council vice president while Corrigan will give some final remarks. The installation ceremony will also feature the swearing in of nine new Council members — Warren Jones has already been sworn in – as well as Mayor John Peyton and Sheriff John Rutherford. The ceremony is at 6 p.m. at the T-U Center.