by David Chapman
Staff Writer
U.S. Sen. Lemieux talks local economy, future
Local business and industry leaders received a face-to-face meeting with Florida’s newest U.S. Senate member Friday at the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce for an economic roundtable discussion focused on key Jacksonville issues for the future.
It was the first visit to the Chamber for U.S. Sen. George Lemieux, who discussed his top two Jacksonville federal issues of 2009 — NAS Mayport and the Jacksonville Port Authority — which also happen to be the issues he’s carrying forward in 2010.
Lemieux, appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist in August to fill the remainder of former U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez’s term, spent late last week in town viewing different Jacksonville economic destinations such as Blount Island and NAS Mayport to get a personal feel for the city.
“I find it’s the best way to learn,” he said.
He praised NAS Mayport’s “amazing” economic impact, told the group how the city is the No. 1 destination of young Navy men and women for requested posts and of his efforts working with U.S. Sens. John McCain and Bill Nelson and U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw toward expanding Mayport’s capacity.
Those plans include the addition of nuclear carrier.
“I’ve talked with the head of the Navy and made the case,” he said. “It makes all the strategic sense in the world.”
In regards to the Port, he wanted to see Jacksonville become the crown jewel of regional trade given its inherent advantages and cooperation among the state’s 14 ports.
He also touched on SunRail, the potential commuter rail system in Orlando, and the upcoming special session that could help determine its fate while also stressing the importance of greater connectability to encourage business growth. Numerous business officials from outside the state, he said, have told him the difficulties of doing business in the state due to travel complications.
The SunRail deal would help alleviate traffic on the I-4 corridor and connect Tampa and Orlando while also laying the groundwork for such connectivity in other areas of the state.
In addition, the state is poised to receive federal funds for rail projects that would help alleviate high costs.
“Imagine if you could get on a high speed train and just get on, then get off,” he explained. “I think Florida is yearning for this.”
Lemieux’s been on the job around 60 days but said he wanted to achieve as much as possible in the time leading to the 2010 election, as Florida needed two active voices at the national level.
Chamber Chair Mike Hightower said Lemieux has hit the ground running by being so active within Florida communities and appreciated the time he spent with Jacksonville business leaders.
“He gets it,” said Hightower. “He appreciates Jacksonville ... he appreciates Florida.”
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