The JAX Chamber and former Mayor John Delaney announced Monday they are endorsing Mayor Alvin Brown’s proposed reform of City government.
“I commend Mayor Brown for proposing the first major reorganization in 20 years,” said Delaney in a statement. Delaney, who served as mayor from 1995-2003, also is a JAX Chamber board member.
“The mayor’s recommended changes are much needed, and I support his proposal,” he said.
The chamber’s board of directors passed a resolution Monday in support of Brown’s proposed reform plan, saying that it will better align services for citizens and improve the effectiveness of Jacksonville’s economic development policies and procedures.
“After review and discussion, and on the recommendation of our Public Policy Committee, the board of directors was pleased with the direction of the proposed reform of city government,” said Hugh Greene, the chair of the JAX Chamber.
“Representing the business community of Jacksonville and the region, we urge the Jacksonville City Council to vote yes on Phase One of the mayor’s proposed reform,” Greene said in a chamber news release.
The board reported that it “agreed that government must become more lean, efficient and focused on creating jobs during these challenging economic times. A changing global market and ever-increasing competition among communities nationwide require the City of Jacksonville to embrace a more efficient government and smart economic development policies.”
“A vibrant downtown, strong public-private partnerships and improving the City’s management of economic development is critical to creating jobs and a more prosperous future,” said Lee Thomas, the JAX Chamber public policy chair.