from staff
The Daily Record surveyed the 2011-15 City Council members about the current Council year. Their re-sponses to five questions will be published over the coming weeks.
Don Redman, a Republican, owns a barbershop and beauty salon.
How have you prepared both professionally and personally for your role on Council?
Over the past four years I have learned to balance my time. I have a great family and it is important for me to spend time with them. This could easily be a full-time job. Remaining close to the neighborhood groups, ShAdCo and the school advisory committees helps me to be prepared. It allows me to hear from the people I am representing.
Are you satisfied with your Council assignments and why do you believe you were chosen for them?
I am happy with the Council assignments. I have served several years on the Land Use & Zoning Committee. I have become very comfortable in weighing the evidence when making decisions on land use applications and requests for rezoning. I was appointed to the Transportation, Energy & Utilities Committee and I will serve as the new chair of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission.
Which committees or assignments would you like next, and why?
I’ll be happy wherever the Council president puts me. I do want to remain involved with Downtown and the military though.
Is serving on the Council a part-time or full-time job?
I have a full-time job as the owner of Don’s Sportsman Barbershop and a beauty salon. I put enough hours in as a City Councilman that it really is another full-time job.
What’s the first piece of legislation you have introduced or will introduce in this Council year?
I am always looking for ways to protect our youth. I learned of an ice cream truck operator who was arrested for selling drugs out of the truck. I am concerned because we have no idea who is behind the wheel of these trucks. I am considering some type of screening process for these businesses.