As a reader service, the Daily Record plans to present daily information about candidates on the ballot in the spring election. The information is scheduled to be published in advance of early voting, which begins March 7 in Duval County. The Daily Record sent the same questions to council candidates and will publish their e-mailed responses. Candidates were given a word limit. Responses that exceeded it are edited for space.
| The candidates say... | What is the single most important issue facing your district? | What are the most pressing problems facing the City? | Would you support new taxes or fees to improve the port and/or Downtown? | Why should district constituents elect you? |
| Matt Schellenberg Republican | Mandarin is suffering from the same problems as all of Jacksonville. City Council spent at an unsustainable level for too long and is incapable of making fiscally responsible decisions. Raising taxes and fees was the wrong decision. More cuts are necessary. When pressed to do this, the council answered that they had done the best they could. That answer is unacceptable. I am ready to make the tough decisions. | In addition to the problems mentioned, we face other issues as well. There are too many burdens put on new development. From impact fees to burdensome regulations, we need to lift these barriers to commerce and growth. | The revitalization of Downtown is extremely important. And getting JaxPort Panamac ready is supremely important and must be done. At this time, I am unprepared to support new taxes or fees to pay for these projects. Trust between City government and its people is broken and must be restored. People are suffering under these tough economic times and higher taxes. I’m not going to raise their taxes even more. | I vow to stick to the promises I make to the voters of Mandarin. Our current leaders have broken the promises they made to us. I will never forget I am a servant of the citizens of Mandarin. I represent them. I am their voice Downtown. I will consider myself a success if people remember me for nothing else than being honest, trustworthy and always serving with the highest integrity. |
| John D. “Jack” Webb (incumbent) Republican | Given the state of the economy as of late, the most important issue facing my district, as is in all districts, is economic development and job growth. Continued emphasis on port development and relaxation of growth-constricting assessments is key. Close on the heels of economic development in District 6 is consistent focus on maintaining and improving our quality of life through continued parks improvements and access to our waterways. | The single most pressing problem facing the City is the continued challenge of enacting a balanced budget in times of decreasing property values while continuing to repair and properly fund pension obligations and providing services to constituents. | I support investment in port infrastructure and understand the need for Downtown redevelopment. The funding mechanism for such redevelopment should be self-generating and self-sufficient. | My district constituents should re-elect me because I am committed to remaining a passionate, independent advocate on behalf of the needs of all of my constituents. |
| Greg Youngblood Republican | The drain on personal and business resources from an overextended, overspending, overbloated, overreaching, underperforming government. We must reduce the burden and increase the opportunities for future generations. Those who have the valor to challenge the norm will bring hope to our children. We must get our financial house in order or be prepared to apologize to our kids for a lack of leadership. | Budget woes and financial chaos because of the overspending, overpromising and overreaching of government. 1. Pension payments are ex-pected to exceed $264 million per annum (mayor’s office estimate) if not adjusted soon. 2. Some high salaries. One Human Resources position now pays $242,000. 3. Like many other permits, 13 agencies review pond permit applications. Some of those agencies are duplicating the same efforts and should be merged or eliminated. | No. We currently have too many taxes and fees. As well, we cannot operate as a split-personality government. With one hand, doling out cash and incentives to bring new businesses here, while with the other hand, taxing/fee businesses that are already here and loyal to our city. We must have a level playing field that is attractive to business and will provide greater hope and opportunity for future generations. | Our current leadership has increased debt, taxes and fees and given away our money. Our community deserves better. With a proven record of reducing government, business experience, respect for and adherence to our Constitution and Charter, www.voteyoungblood.com, I respectfully request your vote. Greg Youngblood 904-349-7273 Please visit www.voteyoungblood.com. |