The Daily Record surveyed the 2011-15 City Council members about the current Council year. Their responses to five questions will be published over the coming weeks. William Gulliford, a Republican, is a partner in Major Machinery & Equipment LLC.
How have you prepared both personally and professionally for your role on the Council?
I have done a lot of reading, such as Council rules, parts of the code and the like. I also have met with a number of department heads to get a sense of things and better understanding.
Are you satisfied with your Council assignments and why do you believe you were chosen for them?
Yes. I hope I was chosen because the president thought I could be effective and make a difference. I am far from the smartest person, but I do have experience in municipal government and running businesses. With the challenges before us, I suspect both will help.
Which committees or assignments would you like next, and why?
I would like to stay involved with Finance and anything that impacts the way the city operates. I think it is incumbent on us to make the operational side of the City as lean and efficient as possible so we can fund the service side of the budget where there is great need.
Is serving on the Council a part-time or full-time job?
It better be a part-time job or I will have to give up my business. I think it will be demanding of my time but I see a certain amount of my Council activity after business hours and on weekends.
What’s the first piece of legislation you have introduced or will introduce in this Council year?
I have introduced legislation (2011-555) to direct funds allocated by JEA for recreation near the new generating station to develop the regional park at Baymeadows and Florida 9A. This is a project Art Graham started and is really needed in that area. I also have several ideas for legislation on the operational side of the City government, but I don’t want to be specific until I do a little more research. I also think it imprudent to be rash in reacting legislatively with limited experience on the Council.