As the 2009 legislative session continues, the 11-member Duval Delegation is in Tallahassee with plenty on their plate, including everything from education funding to alternative energy. Today, the Daily Record continues a series of question and answer sessions with members of the Delegation, all of whom were sent the same eight questions. We continue with State Rep. Charles McBurney.
What district do you represent and what area of Northeast Florida is that?
District 16, which includes parts of the southside and westside of Jacksonville
What are the two biggest issues facing Northeast Florida this session and why?
The budget and the economy are overwhelmingly the largest issues facing Northeast Florida. Included in that would be jobs, crime, education, taxes, and healthcare all affected by our state in areas of economic conditions.
What is the biggest issue facing you and your constituents?
The state of the economy clearly is the biggest issue.
Given the state’s economic situation, are you optimistic or pessimistic heading into the session and why?
I am optimistic that Florida will eventually thrive as it has done throughout its history. We have been through difficult economic times before and we have always come back. As we also will this time.
What committee (s) are you on?
• Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council
• Governmental Affairs Policy (Vice Chair)
• Government Operations Appropriations
• Insurance, Business, & Financial Affairs
• Joint Legislative Auditing Committee
• Pre K-12 Policy Committee
What is the number one concern you hear from your constituents?
The economy is the number one issue that I hear from my constituents as it is with most Americans.
What can be done at the state level to help the foreclosure problem in the Jacksonville area?
The foreclosure issue is a symptom of the overall housing and economic downturn in our state’s economy. There are a number of initiatives on the state level to create economic incentives and to be fiscally responsible to weather the downturn.
Who are you living with while in session?
Lake Ray