By Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Jacksonville isn’t lacking in leaders.
Twenty-eight of its citizens have expressed interest in being part of the Charter Review Commission, which is formed every 10 years to review the City’s charter. The commission will be made up of 11-15 members, one from each School District, who are selected by the City Council President and approved by the City Council.
“We have over 25 applications right now and we are reviewing them, taking into account background, experience and demographics,” said Council President Ronnie Fussell. “We plan to have a list to the City Council by the end of the month.”
Applications will be accepted until the Commission is appointed, according to Rachel Welsh, who is coordinating the application process.
The Commission is charged with “making recommendations to the Council and the members of the Legislature representing Duval County concerning those provisions in the Charter and other special acts of the Legislature affecting the consolidated City of Jacksonville.
The Commission shall, within eight months from the date of its first meeting present to the Council any recommendations for amendments to the Charter. After the presentation to the Council, the memberships, duties, and powers of that appointed Commission shall cease.”
As of Tuesday, candidates from every district except District No. 6 have filed applications. School Board District No. 6 includes City Council Districts No. 11 and No. 12, run by Council members Ray Rolt and Daniel Davis, respectively. The District covers an expansive area that reaches from the ocean to the City’s boundary to the West.
Attorney Jake Schickel, a partner with Coker, Schickel, Sorenson & Posgay has applied to represent District No. 1.
“The greatness of Jacksonville is in its citizens and its form of government,” said Schickel. “A periodic review of that form of government is important, and if I can be part of it, I would be fulfilling a duty. I believe I have the experience, understanding and dedication to be a productive member.”
Attorney Justin Spiller, of counsel for the Law Offices of Maggie Jo Hilliard, has filed to represent District No. 2.
“This commission will have some good insight on what will happen with our Charter over the next 10 years,” said Spiller. “Being that I am 29 years old, I am reaching a very important time in my career and I have a definite interest on how the city is run and how that will affect business.”
Applications can be filled out online at www.coj.net or picked up at the City Council off in City Hall.
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