by Karen Brune Mathis
Managing Editor
Jacksonville’s chief economic development executive said Thursday that left to its own devices, government “will manage to the lowest common denominator.”
Ron Barton, executive director of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, told members of the Treasury Management Association of Northeast Florida that the marathon budget debate in City Council included some examples.
Trying to bridge a $45 million budget gap, City Council members debated until 3 a.m. one morning and regrouped several hours later to reach agreement. In the meantime, he said, the discussions were wide-ranging.
“We had amendments to eliminate Starry Night concerts” at $85,000, he said. “We’ve lost all perspective.”
He said bigger issues must be faced, including the pension negotiations with public safety unions.
“We have a trajectory that will bankrupt the city,” he told the group of corporate and banking financial executives.
Barton, who has been on the job for five years, grew up in Jacksonville and said he is a student of history.
He said every major improvement in the City was led by the private sector and he asked the group to engage in discussions about the City’s future.
He asked them to decide “what kind of Jacksonville do you want to live in?” and then to form that vision, ensuring that the “right people” are in place to make it happen.
Otherwise, he said, “you get the lowest common denominator government, and that’s unacceptable.”
Barton said the private sector can influence the future.
“There’s not a significant moment in Jacksonville history where the private sector didn’t lead the way,” he said.
Barton outlined major challenges, including inadequate capital funding budgets.
“This is a critical year for lots of reasons,” he said, citing the mayor’s race next spring and the openings on the 19-member City Council.
“We have a leadership deficit, and we need help.”
Barton said the mayor serves as the City’s CEO and the City Council is the board of directors.
“It’s not terribly functional under the best of circumstances,” he said.
Barton, who works for the mayor, said he “may or may not be around with the next mayor. That has yet to be determined.”
Nonetheless, he said, “I’m concerned about our path.”
He also emphasized that “government is not the enemy.”
Government, he said, will lead at the level expected of it.
“I hope you will be an advocate for leaders who believe in public-private partnerships,” he said.
“Some pivotal conversations need to happen in the next eight months,” when the next mayor will be elected and take office.
“We talk about potential,” he said. “Wouldn’t it be nice to talk about having reached it?”
Barton said leaders will manage to a crisis or to an opportunity, and that is determined by the vision of its citizens.
Barton, who has been talking to business groups about the issues, concluded with a request.
“We need folks who care and get engaged,” he said.
“Please do.”
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