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? |
| Danny Becton Republican | The single most important issue facing my district is improving the community’s poor economic conditions that have many households struggling as unemployment still remains high. Small businesses are still closing in record numbers as economic conditions are not improving fast enough. We must address the economic development factors that will bring jobs to our city and work with the existing businesses in helping their continued plight to survive. | The most pressing problems facing our city are: No. 1, the need for economic development and job growth. No. 2, balancing our City budget, setting priorities, living within our means and accountability for our spending. No. 3, our City employees’ pension fund growth. Our City cannot sustain the pension’s 10 percent expense and growing. This continues to place City employees at odds with the citizens of Jacksonville, which hurts morale. | I would not support any new taxes for these endeavors. However, I do believe that by re-evaluating our priorities and making tough decisions on our City finances, we can find the funds to invest into our Downtown and port in conjunction with federal, state and help from the private sector. It is important we take advantage of our port as an asset and its opportunities as an economic driver. | As a business owner and active community leader I am prepared to tackle the issues within our City – balancing budgets, establishing priorities and helping improve our economic needs. As a result of my ‘grass-roots’ campaign, I am not the establishment, nor beholden to anyone! I will be an objective, open-minded and hard-working representative in reaching the best conclusions with the citizens of my district and Jacksonville. |
| William “Bill” Gulliford Republican | The relationship between the Beach cities and the City of Jacksonville as their county. A 24 percent county property tax increase this year is a big problem, especially when compared to what other counties charge for services. Another issue is weak communications by the county, including recent ignorance of the jurisdiction of the Beach cities. Finally, there is lack of understanding of the relationship by many in the consolidated government. | Increased taxes and fees, City pensions, unemployment, wasteful spending and economic development. Also, the lack of realization that we are probably witnessing the effects of a fundamental shift in our society and economy and not just a bad recession is a concern. I believe that change will have a profound impact for future operations of our City as to its priorities and efficiencies. | I believe the port is important to economic development. I could be influenced to raise revenues IF convinced there was a measurable economic return to the people of Jacksonville AND there was no additional money available by cutting out waste. As for Downtown, first I think we need a better direction than in the past and consensus of what is the plan for the future before we talk funding. | In years past, I served as a mayor and commissioner in a municipal government and understand budgets, operations and structure. I have started, owned and operated businesses; managed people, made payrolls and tough decisions. I have been involved in charitable and civic organizations, as a leader and a follower. I understand giving back. Finally, I love Jacksonville and its people. I would like to contribute to their future. |
| Dave Smith Democrat | I cannot answer this easily because of the two-part configuration of the district. Of great concern to the Beaches is maintaining a favorable balance of taxation and services with the City, the interlocal agreement. I would like to develop a cooperative spirit while maintaining the interlocal agreement as it is. The balance of the district, Deerwood, East Baymeadows, and Bayard, have their own particular concerns, which I will also address. | No. 1, the budget. Unfunded pension obligations need continued attention for a solution. I will cut other costs like City Council salaries, reduced by 5 percent, and members not vested in their pensions until after eight service years. Some Assistant Management Improvement Officers should be eliminated. No. 2, cultural priorities like giving away $4 million from our share of stadium naming was followed by a proposal to cut library hours. | While I will work to prevent this, the honest answer to this is, it seems unavoidable. The river must be dredged, costing $200 million-plus. Improve Downtown by coordinating the good elements we have. Use economical transportation solutions such as a trolley service, bike paths, walking tours, linking the costly ‘people mover’ with Metropolitan Park and the Landing. Encourage galleries, museums, and entertainment venues along the route. | My background is ideal for a council member who will play a leadership role. I grew up in a community of scientists and engineers. I have known adults and children from around the world in my teaching career. We will lag economically if we cannot overcome a past of provincialism, prejudice, narrow-mindedness, cultural stereotypes and political labels. With use of my talents and ideas, we will have a great future. |
| Vanessa Williams Republican | Jacksonville’s budget crisis. As someone who has worked for the City, I know there are many examples of waste and duplicative services throughout. First, we need to address and get a handle on the pension issue. We need to find a good compromise that will reward those who serve our City, but in a way that doesn’t bankrupt us. We cannot continue to increase taxes and fees on our citizens. | The recession has hit Jacksonville hard. We need to increase the tax base and we can do that by making job creation the No. 1 priority in this City. We can do this by making it easier to do business in Jacksonville. By reducing fees and regulations, small business owners will be empowered to spend more of their own money on growing their business – thus, leading to job creation. | No, I would not. Jacksonville’s Downtown is important, but we cannot also forget about the Beaches and other areas of town that play a role in our economic growth. We, as a City, need to aggressively lobby our congressional delegation and our legislative delegation for as much financial support as possible for the important project of deepening our port. | I am running for City Council because I want to give back to the community that has been so good to me and my family. I learned the importance of community service through my family and from my mentor, the late U.S. Rep. Tillie Fowler, who I had the privilege of working for during my college years. I am passionate about making our local government leaner and reducing the tax burden. |