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. Donald Foy, a candidate for City Council At-Large Group 5, did not respond to e-mails or phone calls requesting participation. He has no party affiliation.
| 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? |
| Fred Engness Republican | I’m not running in a district. My seat is countywide. | The budget crisis, pension reform, high taxes and wasteful spending. | No. | The citizens of Jacksonville, because I am the only candidate committed to not increasing taxes. |
| Sean Hall Republican | As a citywide candidate, the most important issue is the city’s economy. We need to bring jobs and grow small business. We need to focus on what will create jobs. We need to increase our tax base. Jobs reduce the crime rate and keep our kids in school preparing for their careers. Jobs are the best social program. | The economy and the high unemployment rate are holding back our city. To drive new business, we need to improve our education system in Duval. People work in Jacksonville. They come to Jacksonville to play and enjoy the city. What we need is for people to live in Duval County, and not move to other counties for better jobs or education for their children. Live, work and play in Duval! | I believe strongly in Downtown and new job creation. The port is a fantastic asset unique to us. The citizens of Jacksonville also need to believe that port growth and Downtown development are key to Jacksonville’s future. Downtown is the heart of Jacksonville. We need to keep the heart strong. Jacksonville deserves investment in the port and Downtown. | I am the only candidate who has international business experience. I currently manage a business unit worth over $70 million. As an infantry/airborne officer, I learned how to lead soldiers in very stressful and dangerous environments. As a husband and father, I know how difficult it is just to manage the day-to-day life in Jacksonville. In this citywide race, I am prepared to represent Jacksonville. |
| Robin Lumb Republican | The most important issue facing Jacksonville is job creation. We need to eliminate any regulation that discourages business investment while finding ways to streamline the permitting process. We also need to position Jacksonville as a center for international trade by fast-tracking the expansion and modernization of our port facilities. Jump-starting industrial development at the Cecil Commerce Center with an aggressive recruiting effort should be another economic development objective. | In addition to jobs and unemployment, which I’ve addressed, the most pressing problem is the City’s budget and finances. As a fiscal conservative who opposes increased taxes and fees, I’m committed to strict budget discipline with spending priorities that focus on essential services and basic needs. To remain solvent we must cut unnecessary spending and make meaningful changes to the City’s pension system. | I will not support higher taxes or fees unless they are approved by voters in a referendum. Taxpayers will not approve such a plan unless it represents a permanent solution to the City’s financial problems and not a stopgap measure. As for the startup costs associated with upgrading our port, we can use revenue bonds as a source of interim financing until federal and state funding is approved. | I’m running for an At-Large seat, which means it’s a countywide race, not a district one. As for why voters should elect me, I believe that my experience as a small business owner gives me important insights into job creation and budgeting. The fact that I’ve served in leadership positions in a number of civic and charitable organizations demonstrates my seriousness in improving our city’s quality of life. |
| Robin Rukab Republican | At-Large City Council members represent all the people of Jacksonville. I believe we need to jump-start the economy by working to bring jobs to Jacksonville. Businesses should be enticed and encouraged to move here. With all the vacant buildings in Downtown, it would not be hard to put together proposals to bring them here. | We know there are many pressing problems facing the City. However, I believe that unemployment is the top priority. Our citizens need jobs to support their households. | No. I do support revisiting the budget to consolidate or eliminate waste and duplication. During this review process, we may find ways to fund improvements to the port and Downtown. In today’s economy, additional tax burdens to our citizens will only cause harm to our already weak households. | My passion has always been public service and working for the people is an honor. My experience as a local business owner and former City employee will enhance my ability to become an effective councilwoman. I stepped in to the election because I want to work to enhance our core city and truly provide the quality of life our citizens deserve. |
| Michelle Tappouni Republican | As an At-Large candidate, I have the opportunity to look at the county as a whole. I live in Springfield, a very active community, which has become a microcosm of the challenges facing our citizens. Government efficiency and the handling of our budget is key, but many of the issues are interrelated, including safe neighborhoods, trust in our government, investment in our infrastructure and revitalization of the business core. | Public safety is a No. 1 priority. The budget is critical and all council members must be engaged in the process. Economic development to support current businesses and broaden various industries in Jacksonville and our region, including expansion of port operations, medical and life sciences, manufacturing as well as ecotourism. Education is a part of every conversation we have regarding quality of life and the economic viability of our city. | I would not consider any new tax or fee prior to review of the City budget, including implementation of specific strategies to improve operational efficiencies and identification of redundant tasks being handled in another local, state or federal agency. We must review department and program expenses within the budget to determine how they contribute to the goals of our City as well a better quality of life for our citizens. | I am passionate about the potential for this City and my business background and experiences provide a community-based and informed perspective to the City Council. I have always been civic-minded and worked as an advocate for small businesses. I am well versed on the issues and ready to serve our community. My attention to detail, common sense and work ethic will be an asset to our city. |