ISSUES IN
DISTRICT 4

Neighborhoods –

Jacksonville taxpayers should be confident that services provided by the city will be done correct and in a timely manner. Earl will be there for his constituents to listen to their concerns and act on their behalf.

Safety –

The safety of the citizens of Jacksonville should be a top priority for elected officials. Earl has received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police and will work hard to ensure that local law enforcement has the necessary resources to ensure residents’ safety. Earl would like for you to let him know your concerns about the community you live in. Visit the contact us page of this web site for our phone number and e-mail address.

Ethics in Government –

As an attorney, I have been schooled on statutory interpretation. However, it does not take a law degree to know how to follow the law. Simply put, I will adhere to the strict standards of compliance with the public records and sunshine laws.

River Clean Up –

The St. Johns is hands-down our most valuable natural resource, as a community. A local legislator can play a significant role in the clean up of the St. Johns River in three main ways. Firstly, we can continue create laws which protect our river from pollutants and, thereby, our people. Secondly, we can ear-mark local funding and rededicate ourselves to seeking state and federal dollars to assistance in River clean up. Thirdly, we can be strong advocates for the St. Johns and support the missions of organizations like the River Keepers.

Crime –

I am already engaged in combating the City’s crime problems. For years I have served on Sheriff Rutherford’s community task force which exchanges information and ideas on crime fighting. I was also a founding board member of Crime Stoppers; and organization which has helped bring hundreds of criminals to justice. As an attorney, I have represented victims of crime seeking restitution and have worked with the Justice Coalition.

Infant Mortality –

The high infant mortality rate and the disparities that cut along socio-demographic lines are troubling. According to JCCI studies, the problem is entrenched in economy and culture. The City Council can be instrumental in moving our health department toward focusing on this issue. I suspect that a campaign on prenatal education and services will help stem the infant mortality rate.

Taxes –

Fiscal responsibility is a core value for me as a potential legislator. Generally, we enjoy moderate property and electricity rates. But as a fast growing community, we are continually challenged with paying for City services (including public education) for new residents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, local government must strive to be more efficient in its spending.

Efficient Government –

The promise of consolidation was a more streamlined, responsive local government. While we have greatly achieved over the last four decades, there remains great room for improvement. Effective and cost-efficient delivery of City services should be expected by the tax payer at all times. Local government structure should reflect clear lines of accountability. Where practical, those who benefit from public services provided should bear the cost of those services. Neighboring units of government should work with one another to achieve economies of scale. Fiscal responsibility in local government should be encouraged and rewarded. Elected offices requiring specific skills should be held by individuals possessing the training and qualifications necessary to carry out the functions of those offices.

City Council Role In Government –

Under our Charter of consolidation we are a strong Mayor-Council governmental form. Council members are not meant to be “mini-mayors,” rather this system requires the Council to be the legislative arm of our government. While At-Large seats are meant to be more global in their charge, District Council members must be prepared to represent the interests of their constituents. In short, although the Mayor can propose, the Council must dispose.

Lollipop Funds –

I am not sold on the notion that each Council member needs a “slush” fund to be used arbitrarily. Each district has real needs and legitimate concerns that bond funds can benefit. However there are examples, such as a Council member building a monument in self-adoration, where those funds go wasted.

Growth –

Smart and sustainable growth is critical to maintaining our quality of life. Development that focuses on renewing town centers in older neighborhoods, that is pedestrian and transit oriented, that has a greater mix of housing, commercial and retail spaces, and preserves open spaces is smart.

Better Jobs –

I have had this conversation with many captains of industry and community minded people. As Chair of JCCI Forward, we studied job growth trends in our City. Growing good jobs is a complex problem, requiring a comprehensive solution. On one hand we need to increase our ability to attract and retain talent, and overcome the perception that we are a low-wage town. On the other hand, we have to rededicate of business recruitment efforts to continue to land employers such as Fidelity National. Ultimately though, the long term solution requires a cultural change in our City about education in order to upgrade our work force readiness.

Affordable Housing –

When police officers and teachers are unable to buy a home and invest in Jacksonville for the long run, we have a fundamental problem. I have been engaged with the City’s work force housing task force and support their initiatives thus far. There are programs now available to assist first time home buyers, driven by realistic income requirements. But most potential home buyers are unaware they exist. Therefore the opening of a City office, geared toward facilitating a connection between home buyers and existing programs, makes sense and costs little. I am not yet convinced that home builders should be burdened with an “affordable” pricing set aside in every housing development. In some respects, this becomes a subsidy – paid for by the neighbor down the block.

Homeless –

As a board member of the Clara White Mission and the Salvation Army, I have been intimately involved in helping our needy and homeless. I have also spent a great deal of time with small business owners downtown, who are deeply frustrated with vagrancy. I see a stark distinction between the homeless and law breakers. Those involved in panhandling, loitering, theft, and lewd and lascivious behavior need to be arrested and prosecuted. The mentally ill on the street should be Baker Acted and provided treatment. District 4 includes much of Downtown. Until we deal with the homeless issue in an effective manor, downtown’s redevelopment will not reach its fullest potential.