Name: Wyman Duggan
Age: 40
Family: wife Evan and three terrific kids
Pets: none
Education: B.A., The University of the South (History, Political Science, Third World Studies); J.D., William & Mary
Admitted to the Bar: 1994
Employed by: Rogers Towers, P.A.
Field of Practice: Land use and governmental relations
Professional Organizations: Jacksonville Bar Association; chair, Cornerstone Commercial/Industrial Development Task Force; Chamber of Commerce; NAIOP
Community Involvement: Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 2009; board member, JaxPride; board president, Emergency Pregnancy Services of Jacksonville, Inc.; chair, Charitable Grants Committee, Rotary Club of Jacksonville (Downtown); board member (pending), JCCI; chair, Charter Revision Commission.
How did you get involved?
I’m interested in public policy and community development issues, and my community activities relate to those issues in one way or another. My involvement usually begins by learning of an opportunity for service and thinking, “I’d like to be a part of that.” For example, the Charter Revision Commission is appointed every ten years by the City Council to make recommendations concerning the structure and operation of Jacksonville’s consolidated government. Its jurisdiction covers everything that is in the Charter—the Mayor’s Office, City Council, Constitutional Officers, School Board, Office of General Counsel, independent authorities, pension issues, electoral issues, etc.—as well as anything the Commission feels should be added to the Charter. A once-a-decade opportunity to propose meaningful reforms to increase accountability and improve quality of life was too good to pass up. I applied for one of the 15 spots on the Commission last fall and was fortunate enough to be selected by former Council President Fussell and confirmed by Council. Our report to the City Council is due by the end of February.
How can someone else get involved?
Find a cause or organization that speaks to you and ask them how you can help. Not sure where to start? Go to www.handsonjacksonville.org.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Jacksonville’s philanthropy and volunteerism rates are well above the national average. In focusing on the problems, we often lose sight of the fact that our community is filled with people who help their fellow citizens and make Jacksonville a better place to live and work.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
F.A. Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom, because we’re on it.