Redistricting after Fair Districts: Reps concerned about their jobs - Florida Times Union

Shockingly, it seems that our representatives are more concerned about having to run against another incumbent or running in a different district than making sure that the communities are properly represented in the redistricting process. In my opinion, our representatives need to get over their own selfish concerns and draw up districts that are contiguous, compact and contain similar neighborhood communities - regardless of whether such lines put an incumbent against an incumbent or draw themselves out of that district.

According to a recent paper by Jacksonville University's Steven Baker, gerrymandering has been a significant factor in the highly polarized and partisan government we have been suffering from recently. We need to take steps to rectify those mistakes and hold our representatives to the Fair Districts Amendments.

Read the full story at the Florida Times Union.

Finance Comittee scraps funding for Education Commissioner - Florida Times Union

The Finance Committee of Jacksonville's City Council voted to halt funding to the newly created Education Commissioner's office. Donald Horner receives only $1 a year for the job, but there was funding budgeted for his office and an executive assistant. Horner says this vote will not stop him from doing the job.

One possible reason for the cut: confusion over the Education Commissioner's role. The city has no real statutory power over education, which rests with the county School Board. Because of this, many on council see the position as unnecessary. Although, with the successful rescue of high school JROTC programs already under his belt, Horner may be able to make a case for the position.

Read the full story at the Florida Times Union. 

The developing role of the Mayor's Education Commissioner - Florida Times Union

This interesting piece in the Florida Times Union discusses the role of Donnie Horner in the role of Mayor Brown's Education Commissioner. Cool tidbit: his involvement in the restoration of JROTC programs in local schools using outside funding from private donors.

Read the full story at the Florida Times Union. 

Redistricting: Next steps - Florida Time Union

Now that the maps are in the hand of the Rules Committee, so begins the process of public hearings. They will be held at four FSCJ campuses across town (one more public hearing than required by law.) 

North Campus: 8/24 at 6:00pm. 4501 Capper Road, Room C126.

Kent Campus: 8/25 at 6:00pm. 3939 Roosevelt Blvd., Room F128.

South Campus: 8/29 at 6:00pm. 11901 Beach Blvd., Wilson Center for the Arts Lakeside Conference Room.

Deerwood Campus: 9/1 at 6:00pm. 9911 Old Baymeadows Road, Room B1204.

After public comments, and passing through the Rules Committee, the maps will then move forward to the full council.

Read the full story at the Florida Times Union. 

Reapportionment moves to the Rules Committee

City Council's Reapportionment Committee voted on Wednesday to move Reapportionment Plans A and D to the Council's Rules Committee, the next step in the city's reapportionment process. The move was made ahead of their Monday deadline, but not made without disapproval being voiced by some of those in the committee.

Council Member E. Denise Lee voiced her concerns, though somewhat reluctantly, that the Rules Committee does not have adequate minority representation. As a remedy, Council Member Warren Jones motioned that the committee petition the Council President to extend the life of the Reapportionment Committee to work with the Rules Committee as the process continues.

Duval Partners' future bleak after mass exodus - Florida Times Union

Group once slated to take control of the intervene schools has seen many of its leaders leave en masse. 

Read the full story at the Florida Times Union. 

Florida wants to collect its sales tax for online buys - Florida Times Union

Soon, Floridians may have to pay the state its 6% for purchases made online. I thought we didn't have a "revenue problem", but a "spending problem". Guess they were wrong.

Read the full story at the Florida Times Union. 

Transition Committee submits its report to Mayor Brown - Florida Times Union

Mayor’s transition committees offer their ideas for a new Jacksonville during a short ceremony at City Hall. 

The group, chaired by Don Shea, offered up 300 suggestions for improvements to the city, some of which Mayor Brown has already acted upon. 

The full report can be found on the city's website.

The full article can be found at the Florida Times Union.

City Council stalls pension vote for review - Florida Times Union

City Council hold of on voting through changes former Mayor John Peyton proposed to the Police-Fire Pension fund. Move was made to allow new council members and the administration time to review the changes.

Read the full story at the Florida Times Union.

Avondale store owners against 7-Eleven - WJXT

Avondale shops owners are reluctant to allow a 7-Eleven to open on their historic street. The proposed store would fill the now vacant corner across from the Brick where an old Shell gas station used to be.

Full story at WJXT.

(Oops. This was supposed to be posted a while ago. Sorry for the delay!)

'Mothballing' of crumbling houses could save Jacksonville homeowners - Florida Times Union

'Mothballing' of crumbling houses could save Jacksonville homeowners. Bill going before City Council to help keep run-down homes from being demolished, maintaining the "fabric" of the historic Springfield community. 

Read the full story at the Florida Times Union. 

Green building group seeks abandoned downtown space - Florida Times Union

Green building group seeks city lease deal in downtown storefront to turn into an LEED certified green construction resource center. Empty space under a city parking garage would be used and the group would be given free rent and utilities for five years. It will not be a complete freebie for the group though, as hey will have to furnish the space, install HVAC and other necessities.

This group wants to make green technology a staple of downtown development and sees this as a great opportunity to get their foot in the door. an ordinance will go before city council to approve the deal.

Read the full story at the Florida Times Union.  

JTA has no more funds for construction - Florida Times Union

JTA is near the end of its funding for construction projects. Councilman Bishop sees this as an opportunity to look at the way the city runs the road construction process, believing that JTA has not been very responsive to citizen concerns. Meanwhile, Councilman Jones wishes that City Council would hurry up and approve the extension of the gas tax so that JTA can continue the work. 

Full story at the Florida Times Union. 

The travelling mayor - Florida Times Union

Mayor Alvin Brown has been jet-setting across the nation touting the benefits of relocating to Jacksonville. With trips to California,  Washington, D.C. and Boston, Brown has been showing up in person to solidify relationships and put Jacksonville on the minds of key decision makers.

Some may be critical of the mayor not being in City Hall, but in order to bring jobs to Jacksonville you have to go to where the jobs are.

As the article says, City Hall isn't always the most effective place to get the job done.

See the article in the Florida Times Union. 

City Council drawing new district lines - Florida Times Union

Jacksonville City Council is drawing new district lines. I had the pleasure of attending the Reapportionment Committee meeting on Wednesday. The initial maps look good for the most part, save for some concerns raised by Councilman Brown - who's district went surprisingly vertical in these new maps.

Some "sub-committees", such as the south-east districts, are meeting today (Friday 7/29) to discuss modifications concerning their districts.

One question facing the council is determining how they will define a "community of interest", and then keeping those communities within a cohesive district that falls withing the population window. No one said this would be easy.

The committee has until August 15 to submit a plan to the Rules Committee.

Read the story at the Florida Times Union.

City dismisses unfair labor practice complaint against Police

Below is a copy of a press release from the Mayor's office regarding the unfair labor practice complaint filed by the Peyton administration against the Fraternal Order of Police.

CITY DISMISSES UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE COMPLAINT AGAINST F.O.P.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – July 28, 2011 – The City of Jacksonville has dismissed an unfair labor practice complaint filed with the Public Employees Relations Commission against the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5-30.

Downtown's Commodore Point - Metro Jacksonville

Metro Jacksonville explores one of the oft forgotten, historic sections of Jacksonville with this article detailing Commodore Point.

Exploring Downtown's Commodore Point

Mike Hogan's new job - Florida Times Union

Rick Scott names Mike Hogan to a lucrative public unions commission. Has experience and union support.

Story via the Florida Times Union. 

Clark renews debate over Legal Aid funding - Florida Times Union

Even though the City Council passed a bill levying new fines to support the Legal Aid fund, Councilman Richard Clark deemed it necessary to renew debate. A repeal bill has been filed by Clark and will be presented to the Council tomorrow night.

Read the full story at the Florida Times Union. 

JSO pulling Police scanners from local newsrooms - Florida Times Union

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, citing costs, pulls plug on police scanners for media. Media outlets assert they are more than willing to cover that cost. They see the move as a way of hindering the free flow of information and controlling the media, under the guise of cutting costs.

Story via the Florida Times Union. 

Police and Fire Pension deal heading back to city council - Florida Times Union

Changes to Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund are heading to City Council for approval.

Story via the Florida Times Union.

Brown questions validity of regional transportation center - Metro Jacksonville

Mayor Alvin Brown was wise to slow down the momentum on the proposed Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center. Currently estimated to cost a whopping $180 million, the Mayor's Office, City Council, and JTA would be smart to consider reducing and compacting the scale of the enormous complex. Here are examples of recently completed or expanded transportation centers in cities of similar size along with their overall capital costs. In addition, aerials illustrate the scale of Jacksonville's proposed complex in relation with those in actual operation.

Story via Metro Jacksonville.

State Senate Election too costly for Jacksonville? - Florida Times Union

Special election for Hill's seat too costly.

Opinion piece by Ron Littlepage in the Florida Times Union. 

Personal note: Not sure I agree, but it is a valid point. It is hard to predict how much money Hill's efforts could bring into the city; and even if that can be done it would be wrong to compare an assumption with the Supervisor of Election' figures. Brown is taking a gamble.

Birthers desperate to ruin Brown's reputation - Florida Times Union

Florida Bar finds 'insufficient evidence' in claim against Alvin Brown as attorney. 

Story via the Florida Times Union. 

Personal note: Do not expect this to be the end of people seeking to discredit Alvin Brown. Many are upset with how the election turned out and are grasping at anything that can make the Mayor look bad. It seems Jacksonville's "birther" population has found a new target as a result of an election that did not go their way.

Fundraising good for Duval Delegation - Florida Times Union

Northeast Florida congressional delegation has good fundraising quarter.

Story via the Florida Times Union. 

Brown makes hard choices in budget - Florida Times Union

Road to Jacksonville mayor's balanced budget involved hard choices, planning for future.

Story via the Florida Times Union. 

Jacksonville Redistricting meetings update - Florida Times Union

The people speak out on fair districts at local meetings.

Story via the Florida Times Union. 

Brown aiming to boost job market through downtown development - Florida Times Union

New Jacksonville mayor seeks quickened pace to compete for jobs. Priorities placed on JEDC and revamping Downtown.

Story via the Florida Times Union. 

Brown passes budget baton to Joost and City Council

In a soaring and charismatic speech, new Jacksonville Mayor Brown presented his budget to the new City Council at 10:00am this morning. It was a short, but sweet speech in which Brown has closed the $60 million budget shortfall facing the city and upheld many campaign promises he made in one fell swoop. Now it will be up to City Council to deliberate, make their adjustments and pass the final

version. The deadline is scheduled for October 1.

Brown spoke is a manner similar to that of a charismatic reverend. I even heard an "amen" proclaimed a few rows ahead of me in the Council Chambers. It reminded me of hearing someone at the inauguration say that if he didn't win the election, he would have had a career in a church somewhere. The speech was motivational, calling all stakeholders to get involved in the process. If we are to succeed, Brown said, it would take everyone working together.

Normandy Blvd getting a facelift - Florida Times Union

Repaving project begins on Normandy Boulevard. A stretch of road from Herlong Airport to the Equestrian Center will be getting revamped soon. Construction is scheduled to end in the summer of 2012.

Story via the Florida Times Union. 

GP debates miss important details - Florida Times Union

A new look at Georgia-Pacific pipeline proposal.

Two chemical experts who studied water pollution at a Putnam County paper mill said Thursday debates about building a wastewater pipeline haven't looked at important details.

Story Via the Florida Times Union.

Mayor Alvin Brown’s budget cuts 225 jobs but adds four development offices - Florida Times Union

"Saying structural changes are needed to shore up the city’s financial position, Mayor Alvin Brown plans to cut about 225 jobs and trim programs in the budget he will submit to the City Council on Friday.

At the same time, the mayor said he will create four new, “leanly staffed” offices to focus on particular aspects of economic development.

Brown will submit a balanced $962.5 million budget at 10 a.m., down $27.8 million from this fiscal year. City revenues have plummeted due to falling property values, but Brown will not raise taxes or fees to compensate."

Story continued at the Florida Times Union.

Fine waived for Audrey Gibson's aide - Florida Times Union

Ethics panel to waive $1,500 fine against former Audrey Gibson aide. Fine was levied for delinquent tax forms. Fine was dropped due to hardship, as the aide is now unemployed as Gibson's seat was term limited.

Via the Florida Times Union. 

Alvin Brown names four more to his administration - WOKV

Brown names Hugh Greene, Wally Lee, Jerry Mallot, and Don Shay to his new administration.

Story via WOKV.

St Johns Water District faces layoffs - Florida Times Union

St. Johns River Water management District facing major layoffs as director faces retirement.

Story via the Florida Times Union.  

Conservatives for a Better Jacksonville make a big difference in Mayor race - Florida Times Union

Peter Rummell's political group poured $431,000 into Brown's mayoral campaign. The big win came from expensive get-out-the-vote effort.

Story via the Florida Times Union. 

Brown comes out against transportation center - Florida Times Union

Mayor Alvin Brown against transferring more land to JTA without detailed plan. New mayor fears another courthouse debacle. JTA confident they can come up with specifics.

Story via the Florida Times Union. 

Lieutenant Governor Carroll gets high marks, but hasn't yet fit job description - Florida Times Union

Lt. Gov. Carroll gets high marks, but hasn't yet fit job description


Story via the Florida Times Union.

A Peek in Jacksonville Beach - Metro Jacksonville

Jacksonville's Atlantic coastal city is a sun-beaming hideaway for visitors and a transit-friendly, all-inclusive community to its residents. An 8-square-mile mix of housing, hotels, retail, dining, nightlife, and outdoor recreation is enough reason for those who live there to "never cross the ditch" - and enough for guests to follow. MetroJacksonville takes a photo tour to see just why.

Story via Metro Jacksonville.

Surface Parking Lots: A Downtown Vibrancy Killer - Metro Jacksonville

According to Downtown Vision (DVI), more than 50% of downtown Jacksonville's streetscape consists of "dead space" - either parking lots, garages, vacant buildings, or buildings less than 25% occupied. This collection of aerials visually highlight the impact dead spaces (surface parking and underutilized vacant property) in downtown Jacksonville and a number of cities across North America have. Naturally, those with the least amount of surface lots tend to be the most vibrant pedestrian-scale environments.

Story via Metro Jacksonville.

Audrey Moran at Zonta: Women in Politics

The silhouettes of the Jacksonville skyline peeked through the haze of a smoky sky as the sun set over the St. John’s river. It was a spectacular view from the University Club as the local Zonta Club gathered to hear from former Jacksonville Mayoral candidate Audrey Moran.

Audrey Moran was invited to give a presentation on her experiences as a woman in politics. Her resume is long and illustrious. Most recently she was a contender for Jacksonville’s Mayor, having missed the runoff by 4%. She is also the CEO for the Sulzbacher Center, a prominent homeless shelter here in town. She has worked in City Hall in Legislative Affairs for Mayor Ed Austin and as Chief of Staff for Mayor John Delaney. She worked as prosecutor for the State Attorney, owned her own mediation firm and served in leadership positions for the Downtown Development Authority and the Jacksonville Economic Development Council.

Thrasher's residence in district, but real home might not be - Florida Times Union

It's clear that state Sen. John Thrasher meets the legal residency requirements for living in his Senate district.

His and his wife's 1,527-square-foot St. Augustine Beach condominium has a homestead exemption. He calls it his primary residence and most of his legal documents list it as such.

Story via the Florida Times Union.

The Hogans Creek Master Plan - Metro Jacksonville

A look at the finalized master plan developed by the City of Jacksonville, Project for Public Spaces, and HDR, Inc. to revitalize Jacksonville's original 'Central Park.'

Story via Metro Jacksonville.

Cheating Suspected On 7K FCAT Exams - WJXT

A 'highly improbable' number of similar answers or excessive erasures has education officials suspecting cheating on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests in 14 counties, including eight exams at one school in Jacksonville.

Story via WJXT. 

Commission approves proposed mosque - WJXT

Fear and emotion versus cold hard facts.

That's how one person painted the sides of a dispute about building a mosque on Anniston Road on Jacksonville's Southside.

But after all the talk at a meeting downtown Thursday to discuss the proposed mosque halfway between Atlantic and Beach boulevards, the city planning commission voted in favor of allowing a property owner to build a place of worship at the location.

Story continued at News4Jax. 

City Council: Sharing aides is no great sacrifice - Florida Times Union

All City Council members profess to be fiscal conservatives. Usually, you can't get elected in Jacksonville otherwise.

Yet, few of the candidates in the last election promised to do without a personal council aide.

They just couldn't do their work without one, they said.

Yet, previous City Councils operated just fine by sharing aides. Take Peggie Helms. She was a council aide in the mid-1970s.

Read more in the Florida Times Union.

Redistricting: The devil is in the details - Florida Times Union

In a once-a-decade effort to redraw City Council districts, there are some clear goals.

• Put the Beaches area in one council district. Mayport currently is attached to a sprawling Northside district.
• Some districts need to be fixed without creating new problems.
• Reduce the size of the huge Northside district, which wraps around the county like a brain from Mayport, extending all the way to the Clay County line.
• Reduce districts that cross the river. The St. Johns is as much a mental barrier as a physical one. Several districts cross the St. Johns River.

And as the membership of the council's redistricting committee changes, here's another goal: Show up.

Story continued in the Florida Times Union.

Laquidara to start on as general counsel for three months -Florida Times Union

Jacksonville General Counsel Cindy Laquidara leaving City Hall after three months in the Brown administration. Her position is the first announce to be filled from the transition team.

Story via the Florida Times Union.

Tony Nelson to face up to 600 years - Florida Times Union

Prosecutors consider forgoing remainder of Tony Nelson case. He could face up to 600 years in prison on corruption charges.

Story via the Florida Times Union.