by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Jacksonville mayors have been defined by initiatives such as River City Renaissance and the Better Jacksonville Plan.
Three mayoral candidates at a Southside Business Men’s Club forum Wednesday were asked what their legacies would be. About 100 members attended.
The candidates, Republicans Mike Hogan, Audrey Moran and Rick Mullaney, received the forum questions in advance.
“I spent four hours trying to come up with a name,” said Hogan. “Fiscal restraint is our vision ... more money in your pocket.”
Mullaney’s three-part vision entailed comprehensive financial restructuring of City finances, creating defining industries with current assets and transforming public education.
Moran focused on education as her potential legacy project because its success would lead to greater triumphs, such as an increased tax base.
“We will work very, very hard so that a child in Jacksonville can graduate on time and be ready for work or college,” said Moran.
The three fielded questions during the noontime forum led by Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland on issues including City finances, administration restructuring and Downtown development.
Each was asked whether he or she would consider a tax or fee increase to plug the potential $60 million City budget shortfall.
Moran, responding first, said the deficit could turn out to be larger than that and said she has already established a team to work on budgetary issues.
She said that team would look at salaries of appointed officials and at a reorganization of City departments, but she made no mention of raising taxes or fees to compensate.
As she has in the past, she mentioned there would be no tax or fee increase to cover pension shortfalls.
Mullaney told the group it was not time to raise taxes in a down economic climate with high unemployment. He referred to his 34-point plan of planned cuts, restructuring and job creation as a solution.
Hogan, speaking last on the topic, was more vocal in his anti-tax stance.
“Revenue is not our problem,” said Hogan. “Our problem has been spending.”
Hogan said there would be no tax or fee increase and that other than essential services, “everything will be on the table” when it comes to potential cuts.
With a little more than a month before early voting begins, candidates will participate in more forums. Democrat Alvin Brown, considered one of the four front-runners, was unable to attend the Southside Business Men’s Club event.
Holland has attended several forums and said the candidates have progressed in how they
handle themselves and in de-
fining their styles. ”Now for undecided voters, it’s just a matter of finding the difference between style and substance,” said Holland.
Immediately after the forum, some of the club members and guests participated in a straw poll of all the races on the spring ballot.
For mayor, Moran came out on top with 35 votes, followed by Mullaney with 23 and Hogan with 15. Brown received one vote.
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