The race to become the next City Council vice president officially is underway.
Longtime council member John Crescimbeni sent letters Monday to his peers announcing his candidacy for the key leadership position in the 2016-17 year. He joins veteran council member Matt Schellenberg, who sent a similar letter in the fall.
Crescimbeni touts his more than 15 years of experience, having served on or chaired every standing committee and his “let’s get it done” approach.
That means working closely with others for consensus, the letter said, but also “holding city staff’s feet to the fire to ensure results.”
He also uses his efforts to help save the St. Johns River Ferry and his leadership on the Finance Committee, delivering a budget approved in record time as examples of his leadership style.
Schellenberg said Thursday he submitted his letter early in the fall when it was rumored Crescimbeni wanted the position, just to let people know he was interested, too.
“I’m running because I think I’ve provided collegial leadership over the past four years,” said Schellenberg, who is now in his fifth year as a council member.
He cites examples of that as pushing the city to self-insure on health care, advocating for a change in location for the Supervisor of Elections building and working on more funds for parks.
Like Crescimbeni, he also touts his experience serving on the group’s committees, having served in leadership roles on the Rules and Land Use and Zoning committees.
In his letter, Schellenberg said his goal would be to not only support the council president, but also every council member in every endeavor.
Crescimbeni has a similar stance, saying Thursday his experience puts him in a good position to help all council members, particularly the newer ones who started July 1.
Typically, the council vice president goes on to serve as council president. Council Vice President Lori Boyer is expected to take that role when elections take place in late spring. No council member has announced a candidacy to challenge her.
@writerchapman
(904) 356-2466