by David Chapman
Staff Writer
More than 65 representatives from a wide range of organizations spoke to the Duval County Legislative Delegation during its organizational and public hearing Monday, but before the first person stepped to the microphone, new Chair and District 13 State Rep. Jennifer Carroll reminded everyone of the present financial situation: it wasn’t good, as the State faces more than a $2 billion shortfall.
Additionally, Carroll read the crowd a Nov. 18 memorandum from Sen. President Jeff Atwater and Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom to all legislators regarding the funding crunch resulting in the closure of the Community Budget Issue Request System – used by organizations in the community seeking assistance – this year.
Still, Monday was an opportunity for organization and government leaders to introduce themselves to new members of the Duval Delegation while presenting their needs and requests for funding or legislative assistance in their endeavors.
“We’ll listen,” said Carroll. “You’re more than welcome to present them to us.”
Carroll was unanimously elected as the 2008-09 Duval Delegation chair, while District 15 State Rep. Audrey Gibson was unanimously elected vice chair after District 16 State Rep. Charles McBurney withdrew his nomination for District 17 State Rep. Lake Ray.
New members to the Delegation include: State Reps. Ronald “Doc” Renaurt(District 18), Ray, Mia Jones (District 14), Janet Adkins(District 12) and Mike Weinstein(District 19).
Speakers were allowed three minutes to address the 11-member legislative body on any number of issues.
The first speaker was one quite familiar with many of the members: Mayor John Peyton, whose three-part platform sought State assistance with the emerging port, public safety and the health of the St. Johns River.
“These are challenging times, no doubt,” said Peyton.
Some speakers seeking legislative assistance, funding or providing updates following Peyton included Atlantic Beach Mayor John Meserve, University of North Florida President John Delaney, Duval County School Board Chair Tommy Hazouri, Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals, Jacksonville Transportation Authority External Affairs Director Mike Miller, Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida President and CEO Rena Coughlin, Jacksonville Port Authority Executive Director Rick Ferrin and St. Johns Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon.
Though limited to three minutes, having the chance to meet before local legislators is beneficial said one speaker.
“It’s an opportunity to make an appearance and start to make a connection,” said Coughlin. “The work for people doesn’t stop here, though, it comes down to one-on-one meetings … but I thought they (Duval Delegation members) showed a lot of respect and attention to the people who spoke.”
Armingeon agreed with the meeting being an opportunity but said the economic conditions aren’t encouraging.
“Any time delegates know who you are, it’s a good thing,” said Armingeon. “With the economy and funding the way it is though, there’s a sense of desperation.”
Still, even with funding down for many organizations, hearing the many speakers address legislators with their stories is one of Armingeon’s favorite things, he said.
“It reminds me that there are a lot of people doing a lot of good things and trying to make a change in the community,” he said. “I wish there was enough money for everyone.”
Todd Roobin, chief of the Jacksonville Film & Television Office, went over the economic impact figures of the film industry in the region, including the “Recount” figures, while seeking funding to keep programs funded and competitive compared to other states. Other states, he said, offer better incentives – including tax breaks – causing companies to choose them more. “Florida must remain competitive,” he said.
One speaker wasn’t from Northeast Florida at all – Harry Barley of Metroplan Orlando, shared time with North Florida Transportation Executive Director Denise Bunnewith. Both asked for policy changes on programs such as Road Rangers while expressing a desire to work with legislators on transportation issues. Bunnewith later spoke on behalf of North Florida TPO.
He went the allotted three minutes, but Ferrin was at the podium following his Jacksonville Port Authority presentation. Numerous questions were asked regarding Port security badge restrictions and requirements – a potential roadblock to many truck drivers and something several Delegation members thought was resolved after the last legislative session. The issue will be looked into further in the future.
Armingeon spoke of the present threats to the St. Johns River, which he said has increased since he spoke at the last Duval Delegation meeting last November. He asked for courage and diligence from legislative members in continuing to help get the message to Gov. Charlie Crist regarding the river’s health and importance.
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