The Daily Record surveyed the 2011-15 City Council members about the current Council year. John Crescimbeni, a Democrat, is president and licensed franchisee and owner of Hickory Farms.
How have you prepared both personally and professionally for your role on City Council?
My experience as a businessman, a citizen and former Council member has helped me prepare for my current role on the Council. As a successful small business owner for more than 30 years, I know how to balance budgets, cut expenses and operate efficiently. As an active citizen who recognizes neighborhood rights, I have participated in countless efforts to improve our community, including several successful citizen initiatives to amend our Charter. As a former district Council member for eight years, I learned the workings of City government and understand that citizen priorities differ throughout our expansive city.
Are you satisfied with your Council assignments and why do you believe you were chosen for them?
Yes, I am satisfied to have been assigned to the Rules Committee, Finance Committee, Courthouse Oversight Committee, Reapportionment Committee, Ad Hoc Budget Savings Review Committee, Jacksonville Waterways Commission and as chairman of the 2011 Value Adjustment Board.
Which committees or assignments would you like next, and why?
During my nearly 11 years of combined service on the Council, I have served on every committee. Next year, I will gladly serve in whatever capacity is asked of me by the Council president.
Is serving on the Council a part-time or full-time job?
I take my role on the Council very seriously and I have chosen to not employ an executive Council assistant. Just to be knowledgeable about all matters that come before Council requires a lot more time than is commonly associated with the label of “part-time job.” The reading requirements alone are staggering. When combined with meeting attendance, returning telephone calls and answering correspondence and email, it’s definitely more than a full-time job.
What’s the first piece of legislation you have introduced or will introduce in this Council year?
I had one bill already approved at the first meeting of this Council year which amended the lease between the City and the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament relating to its use of Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sister’s Creek. I have a second bill pending that will require the City to adequately maintain the various Town Center projects around our City and to require that in the future, maintenance agreements be secured from private organizations prior to the construction of any similar projects.