by David Chapman
Staff Writer
The public had its first chance to meet with a new Duval Legislative Delegation Friday and advocate a range of issues as the local leaders prepare for the spring legislative session.
More than 60 speakers, the majority from the nonprofit sector, took part.
Aside from public testimony, the annual organizational meeting also serves as the venue for members to elect a chair and vice chair for the upcoming session.
State Sen. John Thrasher was elected to succeed State Rep. Audrey Gibson as chair of the delegation, with State Rep. Lake Ray elected as vice chair.
Nancy Dreicer, Florida Department of Children and Families regional administrator, was the first to speak to the 11-member body and talked of the successes of the department with low- and no-cost programs while advocating for needed technology.
“We’ve continued to do more with less,” said Dreicer, referring to technology.
Issues relating to education, the environment and social services dominated much of the afternoon discussion and most of the talk focused on funding retention and upcoming legislative issues.
It also served as a potential launching point to solve problems.
For example, Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals spoke on behalf of education issues. State Sen. Tony Hill then questioned Pratt-Dannals on efforts to improve low graduation rates among young black males.
Following several minutes of discussion, it was agreed that Pratt-Dannals should meet with several delegation members for a half-day before they convene in Tallahassee to further discuss education in Duval County.
For speakers like Jacksonville Film & Television Office Chief Todd Roobin, the session was an opportunity to give thanks for legislative efforts.
Roobin used his time to discuss the legislation passed last session that offers a film and digital media tax credit for filmmakers working in Florida. The “job stimulus legislation” makes the state competitive with others that offer the incentive and will spur the economy, he said.
The meeting was the last for Gibson, who was term-limited. “It’s been an honor to serve,” said Gibson, who received a standing ovation.
While it was Gibson’s last meeting, it was the first for the successor to her seat. Reggie Fullwood won the District 15 race in Tuesday’s election.
Also, Ray, Thrasher and State Reps. Charles McBurney and Ronald “Doc” Renuart were re-elected Tuesday.
While not on the ballot, the meeting was also the first for State Rep. Daniel Davis, a former Jacksonville City Council member appointed to the delegation following former State Rep. Jennifer Carroll’s departure to join Governor-elect Rick Scott as lieutenant governor.
The delegation will meet again locally as a whole in January to discuss local bills, following committee appointments.
356-2466