Michael Dunn must be Don Redman's cousin.Redman doesn't like loud music
either.This is one instance when I can totally believe this hemorrhoid
of humanity must have been in some altered state to commit this heinous
crime.My heart goes out to the family of Jordan Davis.Those teenagers
weren't behaving any differently than we all behaved when out with our
friends at that age.There are plenty of narrow minded bigots out there
that still believe that "jungle music"is in itself a cause for severe
punishment,including as we have all witnessed,murder.
I bring Don
Redman,District 4 Councilman, up because he wants to shut down
Metropolitan Park to all rock music("jungle music"). Any other music is
okay.The fair,sports, etc. is fine.Lori Boyer,District 5,San Marco,
agrees with this, and is writing legislation now to be presented to the
City Council.The group's name is LOUD.The contact number
is:630-1394(Redman),and 226-0433(Eric Kaldor-Ad Hoc Committee Resident).
So there is a reason that this delay is happening.There is a reason
"loud music" from a vehicle is offensive to many, and as we can see an
excuse for murder.I keep reminding you we're in the South.We're in the
Bible Belt.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Kelly Mathis
I really think Mathis will beat these charges.There is much supposition
of fact, but no real cornerstone for the pending charges. He's a gifted
attorney and would not choose to take the stand and confront his
accusers if there wasn't more to this story. The Times Union practices
"yellow journalism",takes sides,and is a religious Southern newspaper.If
you go to other news sources and learned opinion writers, they are
siding with Mathis.I wish Mathis the best, and hope he can expose what
really took place.I believe very little the Times Union writes when it
comes to swaying public opinions.Newspapers are powerful tools, can be
formidable bullies,and sway juries.I think the Mathis trial needs a
change of venue.It would be a very different trial if it was moved to
let us say South Florida.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Can't Legislate Morality,Hiring From the Outside
Grumpieroldman:I
guess murder is also illegal,but we haven't stopped it either.I've said
many times you cannot legislate morality.Education,parenting,and
self-guidance by your own conscience are the only ways I know of that
people can change.If somebody wants to spend all their money on lottery
tickets,poker rooms,slot machines,prostitutes,drugs whatever, it's their
choice.
We take risks and make life and death choices each and every day.The only real crimes are murder,rape,larceny,and pedophilia.Gambling isn't banned in every state.People are hurt far more from alcoholism,also a drug addiction, than gaming.More people are jailed and convicted because of that than gaming.
Our favorite TV shows exploit bad morals.Take a look at the top TV shows in America.
http://www.tvguide.com/top-tv-shows
My point is that people find watching other humans doing bad things a national pastime.It doesn't mean we all want to do them.It's more like the "rubber necking"people do around accidents.Rubber-necking doesn't mean you wish you were in that accident,any more than watching gaming shows on television mean you want to gamble.It's curiosity without the need to act out.
I'm a proponent of letting people do what they want IF it doesn't kill,rape,steal from, or sexually abuse another person. The rest of these arguments are leftover religious relics.The Bible doesn't talk about gambling,but does reference greed and worshiping false idols.
http://www.biblestudy.org/question/does-bible-permit-gambling-lottery-ti...
I see no difference in filling the coffers in church, and playing the lottery, thus filling the coffers of a businessman,or for example the State.You cannot tell people what to do with their own money, and most of us do not take the chance of doing wrong with our money for a variety of reasons.
I play a variety of online games almost daily. Some include solitary games,and many are in direct competition with other people for prizes and money.LOTS of other people from all over the world.I've known about underground gambling,black market enterprises,and other illegal forms of entertainment for years.What do you call it when your Uncles get together around the kitchen table and play poker with money for hours and drink Old Grand Dad?Are we going to police that too?
The smart thing to do and profitable too is to allow all forms of gaming,then regulate & tax it.I'm tired of the Indian Reservations having all the fun, and taking all the proceeds.By the way, theFlorida Gaming Corporation owns jai-alai.
We take risks and make life and death choices each and every day.The only real crimes are murder,rape,larceny,and pedophilia.Gambling isn't banned in every state.People are hurt far more from alcoholism,also a drug addiction, than gaming.More people are jailed and convicted because of that than gaming.
Our favorite TV shows exploit bad morals.Take a look at the top TV shows in America.
http://www.tvguide.com/top-tv-shows
My point is that people find watching other humans doing bad things a national pastime.It doesn't mean we all want to do them.It's more like the "rubber necking"people do around accidents.Rubber-necking doesn't mean you wish you were in that accident,any more than watching gaming shows on television mean you want to gamble.It's curiosity without the need to act out.
I'm a proponent of letting people do what they want IF it doesn't kill,rape,steal from, or sexually abuse another person. The rest of these arguments are leftover religious relics.The Bible doesn't talk about gambling,but does reference greed and worshiping false idols.
http://www.biblestudy.org/question/does-bible-permit-gambling-lottery-ti...
I see no difference in filling the coffers in church, and playing the lottery, thus filling the coffers of a businessman,or for example the State.You cannot tell people what to do with their own money, and most of us do not take the chance of doing wrong with our money for a variety of reasons.
I play a variety of online games almost daily. Some include solitary games,and many are in direct competition with other people for prizes and money.LOTS of other people from all over the world.I've known about underground gambling,black market enterprises,and other illegal forms of entertainment for years.What do you call it when your Uncles get together around the kitchen table and play poker with money for hours and drink Old Grand Dad?Are we going to police that too?
The smart thing to do and profitable too is to allow all forms of gaming,then regulate & tax it.I'm tired of the Indian Reservations having all the fun, and taking all the proceeds.By the way, theFlorida Gaming Corporation owns jai-alai.
http://www.coj.net/departments/office-of-economic-development/business-d...
We do not have the infrastructure in place to attract shipping.I see a whole lot of cranes around the shipyards,but they sure aren't moving.
During these recent rains I had the displeasure of being in the Tallyrand/Gator Bowl Drive area.My SUV was floating in the rapid pooling of water caused by a normal summer rainstorm,and cars scrambled to get to high ground, and out of the area.I cannot understand why any company would want to move into an area that's blighted,under developed,and has no infrastructure.
Some Times Union Comments:Mayor Brown,The Pope,Atheists
Mayor Brown is an excellent leader,and
pays no attention to popularity.He does what the city needs and will not
bend to the whims of the City Council's personal agendas.The very
Council Members that were negative,are the very ones impeding
progress.Redman has to be the most near-sighted,bigoted,and potentially
dangerous member of the CC.
http://www.news4jax.com/news/-Don-Redman-Must-Go-Facebook-group-aims-to-...
A major problem with qualifying for the CC, is that you do not have to be educated. Redman,like the Council member before him for District 4,Suzanne Jenkins,doesn't have an education past High School. He relies on the support from the Baptist Church,just as Suzanne. Personally,I like Suzanne,but she is no leader.
Our CC works like our do nothing Congress. The Mayor is always blamed,but never helped by the CC.The objective of most Council members is the Mayor's job for themselves.
Some of the worst comments were so derogatory from the Council that it amounted to "slave language" being used to describe a budget:
Richard Clark: ..."I’d call it lazy if it weren’t so utterly incompetent."
City Council President Bill Gulliford echoed Clark.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-07-15/story/council-mayor-browns...
We have this budget problem because we spent money we don't have, and have made up the difference with pension fund money.Our pensions were stolen,just like Congress keeps raiding Social Security when they run out of money.
Basic economics says you must have positive cash flow to sustain a budget.When the pension programs were established we had the money.Now we don't.Where did it go?POOF!It grew legs and walked into pockets it wasn't intended for,leaving the intended broke in their old age.Those of us that are retired or semi-retired understand this concept.The last thing you want to do is run out of money before you die.Successful retirees never put their eggs in one basket.Retirees that are okay saved like crazy during their lifetimes.
There are still people that don't care about paying borrowed money back. Many cannot get a loan except from Finance companies.They don't care that they're paying extraordinary interest to already wealthy people.They don't really ever expect to pay the money back anyway.But guess what?Their heirs now get sacked with that debt.Nice way to leave your own when you die....
My last point,is that this is the South.Each Sunday about 11:00AM the biggest hour of segregation goes on in churches.The conversations in white churches and black churches are bigoted,selfish,and egotistical. Interfaith,once-in-a-blue-moon,breakfasts are a thing of the past.Last time Jacksonville had one "somebody"forgot to invite religious leaders other than Christians.That was a priceless amusing "sin". And let's not forget we have a growing,now huge atheist group.Atheism will be the next social hurdle to get over.Atheists have strong beliefs that just don't include imaginary friends.They are not psychopaths,but boy can I give you a list and a half of religious psychopaths,and sociopaths beginning with religious pedophiles.
http://www.news4jax.com/news/-Don-Redman-Must-Go-Facebook-group-aims-to-...
A major problem with qualifying for the CC, is that you do not have to be educated. Redman,like the Council member before him for District 4,Suzanne Jenkins,doesn't have an education past High School. He relies on the support from the Baptist Church,just as Suzanne. Personally,I like Suzanne,but she is no leader.
Our CC works like our do nothing Congress. The Mayor is always blamed,but never helped by the CC.The objective of most Council members is the Mayor's job for themselves.
Some of the worst comments were so derogatory from the Council that it amounted to "slave language" being used to describe a budget:
Richard Clark: ..."I’d call it lazy if it weren’t so utterly incompetent."
City Council President Bill Gulliford echoed Clark.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2013-07-15/story/council-mayor-browns...
We have this budget problem because we spent money we don't have, and have made up the difference with pension fund money.Our pensions were stolen,just like Congress keeps raiding Social Security when they run out of money.
Basic economics says you must have positive cash flow to sustain a budget.When the pension programs were established we had the money.Now we don't.Where did it go?POOF!It grew legs and walked into pockets it wasn't intended for,leaving the intended broke in their old age.Those of us that are retired or semi-retired understand this concept.The last thing you want to do is run out of money before you die.Successful retirees never put their eggs in one basket.Retirees that are okay saved like crazy during their lifetimes.
There are still people that don't care about paying borrowed money back. Many cannot get a loan except from Finance companies.They don't care that they're paying extraordinary interest to already wealthy people.They don't really ever expect to pay the money back anyway.But guess what?Their heirs now get sacked with that debt.Nice way to leave your own when you die....
My last point,is that this is the South.Each Sunday about 11:00AM the biggest hour of segregation goes on in churches.The conversations in white churches and black churches are bigoted,selfish,and egotistical. Interfaith,once-in-a-blue-moon,breakfasts are a thing of the past.Last time Jacksonville had one "somebody"forgot to invite religious leaders other than Christians.That was a priceless amusing "sin". And let's not forget we have a growing,now huge atheist group.Atheism will be the next social hurdle to get over.Atheists have strong beliefs that just don't include imaginary friends.They are not psychopaths,but boy can I give you a list and a half of religious psychopaths,and sociopaths beginning with religious pedophiles.
This new Pope is quite the politician.
Whenever he seems to get bogged down with the Bible, he rearranges, and
reinterprets it. Catholics are totally confused, and many have decided
to just "do their own thing".
The best story I've seen lately was on 60 Minutes last night about "Nuns on the Bus".
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/29/nuns-on-the-bus-kick-off-immigr...
Premium cable television has focused many a show on the segregation produced by religion,as have many authors.Stephen Hawking is the most famous.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/science/the-most-notable-stephen...
I encourage and invite you to come to some JAM(Jacksonville Atheists Meetup) meetings. When the first atheist monument was dedicated in Starke June 29th 2013, the ONLY people that had to be escorted off public property(The Bradford County Courthouse), was a small group of Christians. They were all white,carried rebel flags,and continued to try to disrupt the dedication from across the street by playing loud gospel music.Young white males circulated through the multicultural event trying to pass out pamphlets condemning all non-believers to an eternity with satan.First, you must believe in god to believe in satan.
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/monument.to.atheism/33030.htm
Famous Atheists:
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-90...
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_are_some_famous_atheists
The best story I've seen lately was on 60 Minutes last night about "Nuns on the Bus".
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/29/nuns-on-the-bus-kick-off-immigr...
Premium cable television has focused many a show on the segregation produced by religion,as have many authors.Stephen Hawking is the most famous.
http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/science/the-most-notable-stephen...
I encourage and invite you to come to some JAM(Jacksonville Atheists Meetup) meetings. When the first atheist monument was dedicated in Starke June 29th 2013, the ONLY people that had to be escorted off public property(The Bradford County Courthouse), was a small group of Christians. They were all white,carried rebel flags,and continued to try to disrupt the dedication from across the street by playing loud gospel music.Young white males circulated through the multicultural event trying to pass out pamphlets condemning all non-believers to an eternity with satan.First, you must believe in god to believe in satan.
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/monument.to.atheism/33030.htm
Famous Atheists:
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-90...
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_are_some_famous_atheists
ElMundo: Atheists never proselytize
because they are not a religion. The Christians at the Atheist monument
dedication were all white.White males circulated through the crowds
trying to give out pamphlets.If the violators of our rights had been
green horses,I would have identified them as such.
Jesuit priesthoods formed in 1520.That particular priesthood has remained stagnant,ancient,dogmatic,strict,and unproven in principles.Catechism, catechumen - Catechism comes from Latin catechismus, "instruction by word of mouth," and is literally a series of questions and answers; a catechumen is a young Christian preparing for confirmation. Catechisms differ among the Christian religions. Atheists have extensively studied and many have been a part of religion for many years.The answers to their specific questions have been answered by science, not men posing as gods in Medieval drag. Gay priests?Pedophiles?No women priests?Wars in the name of god?Tell me what is so good about religion?It's a social meeting place with a backdrop of one book written by people,that allowed the killing of a man.Not a group I would ever want to associate.
The biggest draw for religion is people in fear.They are scared of death.Believers want to live in a La-La Land(heaven). It just doesn't happen that way.There is no soul.There is just the moment, and what you do in deed that is good is remembered.Deadbeats and murderers go to the same place as civic leaders and priests.Nobody escapes death.You either rot in the ground and support a booming funeral business, or are cremated and disposed of in an urn,to the wind,sea, or vacuum cleaner bag.It doesn't matter because you are dead.And that's Christianity.
Other religions are far more appealing, if that's your thing.I love to read fiction,but I don't live fiction.
Jesuit priesthoods formed in 1520.That particular priesthood has remained stagnant,ancient,dogmatic,strict,and unproven in principles.Catechism, catechumen - Catechism comes from Latin catechismus, "instruction by word of mouth," and is literally a series of questions and answers; a catechumen is a young Christian preparing for confirmation. Catechisms differ among the Christian religions. Atheists have extensively studied and many have been a part of religion for many years.The answers to their specific questions have been answered by science, not men posing as gods in Medieval drag. Gay priests?Pedophiles?No women priests?Wars in the name of god?Tell me what is so good about religion?It's a social meeting place with a backdrop of one book written by people,that allowed the killing of a man.Not a group I would ever want to associate.
The biggest draw for religion is people in fear.They are scared of death.Believers want to live in a La-La Land(heaven). It just doesn't happen that way.There is no soul.There is just the moment, and what you do in deed that is good is remembered.Deadbeats and murderers go to the same place as civic leaders and priests.Nobody escapes death.You either rot in the ground and support a booming funeral business, or are cremated and disposed of in an urn,to the wind,sea, or vacuum cleaner bag.It doesn't matter because you are dead.And that's Christianity.
Other religions are far more appealing, if that's your thing.I love to read fiction,but I don't live fiction.
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Outline of the History of Consolidated Government
in Jacksonville, Florida
James C. Rinaman, Jr., Esquire
July, 2003
I. CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENTS--FORM OR FUNCTION--HISTORY.
A. Consolidated governments have been created in relatively few American cities, including New Orleans 1805; Boston 1822; Philadelphia 1854; New York 1874; San Francisco 1880; Honolulu 1907; Baton Rouge 1949; Miami 1956; Nashville 1963; Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Jacksonville 1967; Indianapolis 1968; Carson City, Nevada and Juneau, Alaska 1970's, Columbus, Georgia, Lexington, Kentucky, and Oklahoma City 1972. In 1998, Toronto was consolidated into a 350 square mile municipality of 2.5 million people, and in 2003 Louisville, Kentucky was consolidated.
B. Among 135 attempts to create a consolidated government between 1921 and 1977, 22 passed and 113 failed, including Daytona Beach, Tampa, Gainesville, Tallahassee and Palm Beach in Florida, and Chattanooga, St. Louis, Memphis, Richmond, Raleigh/Durham, Knoxville, Albuquerque and Portland. (1949 Osceola County School consolidation)
C. Florida's traditional local government forms. Until 1968, Florida cities and counties had only those powers specifically authorized by the Florida Legislature.
1. County--roads/courts and law enforcement/collect taxes for the state/county school districts.
2. Cities--broad municipal services (fire, police, water and sewer, streets, health, sanitation, recreation, etc.).
3. Special authorities, tax districts, and independent agencies--drainage districts, ports, bridges, utilities, etc. (Disney World/Reedy Creek Drainage District)
4. 1931 constitutional amendment permits Dade, Monroe, Duval and Hillsborough to create varying forms of consolidated government with home rule (implemented in Metro Dade 1956, Jacksonville 1967).
5. 1968 Florida constitution provided for municipal home rule powers to chartered counties and consolidated governments; all powers except those prohibited by the Legislature. (Home Rule)
II. CREATION OF JACKSONVILLE'S CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT.
1931 Constitutional amendment allowing consolidated government and home rule throughout the limits of Duval County.
1932 South Jacksonville annexation increased Jacksonville to 31 square miles, population 135,000; Duval County 844 square miles, unincorporated population 135,000.
1935 Consolidation referendum failed--C. Daughtry Towers (author of constitutional amendment), campaign chairman.
1950 Jacksonville population 204,000; Duval County unincorporated population 150,000
By 1965: Jacksonville population 196,000 (41.2% Black)
Duval County unincorporated population 330,000 ( 9.2% Black)
1956
1932 South Jacksonville annexation increased Jacksonville to 31 square miles, population 135,000; Duval County 844 square miles, unincorporated population 135,000.
1935 Consolidation referendum failed--C. Daughtry Towers (author of constitutional amendment), campaign chairman.
1950 Jacksonville population 204,000; Duval County unincorporated population 150,000
By 1965: Jacksonville population 196,000 (41.2% Black)
Duval County unincorporated population 330,000 ( 9.2% Black)
1956 Jacksonville Expressway Authority created--Fuller Warren and Mathews bridge built, expressway system begun ten years ahead of interstate highways and fifteen years ahead of other cities in Florida.
1956/66 Mayor Haydon Burns: “Bonds, Blitzers, and Birthdays”--Prudential comes to Southbank, new courthouse, city hall, civic auditorium and coliseum built, decayed downtown docks replaced with parking lots.
1959 Duval schools warned by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
1962 Duval County Tax Payers Association forms to find funds for schools
1963 Taxpayers suit filed, Schuler v. Walters, "just" value equals “full” market value (Pat Conroy vs. Charlie Towers)
Port Authority created to replace city Department of Docks and Terminals. Given 1.5 mils property tax authority, approximately $500,000, in 1963; would be over $30 million today (Senator Jack Mathews).
1963/64 City annexation votes failed in county, 1963 proposed 67 square miles, 1964 proposed 72.7 square miles for Jacksonville).
1964 15 high schools discredited--School Boot Strap Committee (Chairman Nate Wilson/Cecil Hardesty new appointed school superintendent)
Florida Supreme Court affirms Judge William Durden's order requiring full value assessments--doubled tax roll--most home owners began to pay property taxes for the first time in 1965.
Claude Yates Manifesto--Chamber group recommended governmental reforms and consolidation to legislative delegation (John E. Mathews and Fred Schultz)
1965 June: Local Government Study Commission created by legislature--50 members (no public officials) plus large advisory council (effective October 1, 1965--Chmn. J.J. Daniel, Executive Director Lex Hester--to report May 1, 1967--but reported in January, 1967 including a proposed charter)
1966 January: Haydon Burns becomes Florida Governor, campaigned on "Jacksonville story."
May 1966: grand jury impaneled by Judge Marion Gooding to review local government abuses
November 1966: grand jury reports:
1965 June: Local Government Study Commission created by legislature--50 members (no public officials) plus large advisory council (effective October 1, 1965--Chmn. J.J. Daniel, Executive Director Lex Hester--to report May 1, 1967--but reported in January, 1967 including a proposed charter)
1966 January: Haydon Burns becomes Florida Governor, campaigned on "Jacksonville story."
May 1966: grand jury impaneled by Judge Marion Gooding to review local government abuses
November 1966: grand jury reports:
A. 11 Public Officials indicted/142 counts of bribery and larceny--4 of 9 city councilmen, 2 of 5 city commissioners, city auditor, executive secretary of city recreation department, 1 of 5 county commissioners, and county purchasing agent--city tax assessor took the Fifth Amendment, refused to testify, and resigned his office (U.S. microfilm).
B. Grand jury presentment on local government:
1. Revise government structure to deny unlimited power and authority to a few political leaders.
2. Prevent city officials and their close business and political associates from using city employees and city contracts for their private and political purposes.
3. Instill honesty and morality in the conduct of public affairs and restore confidence in our public officials.
4. State audit of city financial affairs.
5. Revamp personnel structure and eliminate political patronage jobs.
6. Strict enforcement of laws prohibiting participation by city employees in political activities. (Burns Blitzers)
7. Require removal of public officials or employees who take the Fifth Amendment on matters pertaining to public duties, and suspend them from office after indictment, pending trial.
8. Severely criticized the community's moral climate which tolerated these conditions, referring to businessmen and city employees who participated in the wrongful acts, or went along with them and did not step forward to disclose the practices and conditions discovered by the grand jury, until duress of a subpoena.
9. Complimented those few employees who did assist--and the prosecutors, television, and newspapers who provided information from their own investigations. (Norm Vincent, Richard
Martin)
1967 January Local Government Study Commission publishes "Blueprint for Improvement."
Study Commission's formal report to legislature with draft for charter of consolidated government. Study Commission dissolved, reorganizes as Better Government Committee to campaign for August 1967 referendum.
June 1967: Hans Tanzler elected Mayor on reform platform, Reform City Council candidates also win (Lou Ritter--frogs).
May-July: Legislature adopts charter, sets referendum for August 8, 1966 (Black/White hats) WJXT Channel 4 “Government by Gaslight”.
Air and water pollution orders from state and federal agencies, 190 utility systems, 76 outfalls, 550/130 miles WPA sewers/drainage. River pollution, air pollution, (nylon stockings, auto paint, pulmonary problems).
August 8 1967: Referendum--charter passes 55,000-30,000. Three Beaches communities, and Baldwin opt out, remain "urban service districts."
October 1 1967: Transition begins -- Old government retaliation -- budget/zoning/long-term contracts
to cronies. Law suit contesting consolidation.
1968 October 1: Consolidated government created, Tanzler re-elected Mayor, Jacksonville Electric Authority, Jacksonville Hospital Authority created. Jacksonville Port Authority tax revenues capped at $800,000, (1968 value of 1-1/2 mils.)
December: Fletcher, Raines, Wolfson, and Forest high schools re-accredited; all other senior and junior high schools remain disaccredited.
III. FACTORS FAVORING CONSOLIDATION IN JACKSONVILLE
A. Single economic area/concentric development--one large city and four very small cities (versus fifteen to thirty cities in Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Pinellas, etc.).
B. Jacksonville 37 square miles, population declined from 204,000 to 196,000 1955-1965; unincorporated Duval, 807 square miles, population grew from 150,000 to 330,000 1955-1965.
C. Inadequate governmental regulation and services in county--subdivision regulations, fire, police, drainage, curb & gutters, sidewalks, street lights, water and sewer, (wells, septic tanks and outfalls) air and water pollution, etc.
D. Lagging economic growth and development, lack of land-use planning and regulation (weak growth management).
E. Weak tax base, disproportionate burden on downtown commercial property--awakening interest among residential tax payers after tax suit, tax rolls doubled, most private residences began to pay some taxes--greater interest in governmental operations and expenditures.
F. Disaccredited schools/public official indictments and grand jury presentments/poor self image and bad public image for Jacksonville.
G. Black population growth and political power in core city/awakening interest in future of downtown from white bedroom communities paying some property taxes for first time in 1965.
IV. STRUCTURE OF JACKSONVILLE CONSOLIDATION.
A. Philosophy: community corporation; taxpayers/voters are shareholders--mayor and department heads are executive officers; city council is board of directors; school board and independent agencies are corporate divisions; operates like a family-owned business with citizen participation, as volunteers on committees and boards.
B. Strong mayor/council--separation of powers--checks and balances similar to federal system, rather than old city commission/council; or popular city manager/council structures.
D. Executive Branch
1. Strong mayor (elected at large, limited to two 4-year terms)--appoints chief administrative offices, department heads and division chiefs who perform city manager functions, backed by career professional staff, strong educational and experience requirements. Lex Hester, first chief administrator-former executive director of Local Government Study Commission.
2. Central services--in-house professional staff, purchasing, public relations, motor pool, personnel, data processing, legal services (15 private law firms costing $500,000 to 20 in-house lawyers at $340,000 (1969-70) - advisory opinions, nerve center of government.
3. Independent agencies (subsidiary enterprises of conglomerate corporation)--unpaid volunteer board members appointed by mayor subject to council approval, (except elected School Board) separate business enterprises funded primarily from their own revenues and operated as fiscal entities.
a. Elected School Board (budget independent of city council up to 10 mils)
b. Expressway Authority 1956/ (took over mass transit as Transportation Authority 1971).
c. Port Authority established in 1963. In 1967 took over city airports, tax support limited to $800,000 (value of 1.5 mils in 1967) (Separate airport authority created in 2001).
d. Electric Authority 1967 (took over water and sewer 1997).
e. Hospital Authority 1967 (1988 evolved to management by a private corporation and later became a University of Florida Shands Teaching Hospital.)
f. Downtown Development Authority 1974.
g. Economic Development Council 1994.
E. Legislative (city council as board of directors)--set policy and approve budget; establish fiscal and long-range planning priorities.
1. 19 city council members, 5 at large, 14 districts (1968 - 40,000; 1997 - 55,000 to 60,000; 2001 - 60,000-75,000.)
2. Part-time public service citizen participation, financial sacrifice, non-career oriented, low pay ($2500)($40,000 in 2003) separation of powers, rules and regulations by ordinance, policies by ordinance or resolution, control budgets of city and independent agencies except school board.
F. Primary legislative compromises in charter.
1. Continued partisan elections (to unitary elections and two term limits in 1995 pursuant to JCCI report).
2. Elected civil service board--retained with full legislative, administrative and judicial powers. Impact of collective bargaining pursuant to a JCCI report was limited to appeals from personnel department actions only in 1981; and made an appointive board in 1993.
3. Elected constitutional officers retained. Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections, Tax Collector, and Tax Assessor (now Property Appraiser).
4. Three beaches and Baldwin allowed to opt out and became urban service districts, with most municipal rights, powers, and duties.
5. Judiciary including Clerk of Court left alone until Article V of Florida Constitution was amended in 1970. (Three tier court system.)
V. BENEFITS OF CONSOLIDATION.
A. Unified government, pinpointing responsibility for planning, budgeting, regulatory control and performance of city functions and services in the Mayor.
B. Financial
1. Broad uniform tax base Jacksonville USD phased out, by putting approximately $1,000,000 for street cleaning into the General Services budget of approximately $400,000,000 (1986), $741,595,539 (1994), $984,000,000 (2002). 2000 Real estate tax per $1,000 value in Jacksonville was $10.57, Tampa $11.81, Orlando, $11.61, Gainesville $12.78, Miami $14.55.
2. Permits budgeting for long-range plans and priorities, allocation of funds by function, not arbitrarily by district, or a single budget year.
3. Single integrated personnel system and fewer pension programs. (City Employees Fund; Fire and Police Fund; state plan still available to former county employees.)
4. Central services--purchasing power, economies of scale, legal services, data processing, motor pool, etc.
5. Pooling of assets—greater investment income.
6. New population bracket qualified for city or county benefits from both state and federal programs within the top 40 cities 1981 population rank 22nd; 1986 19th. Duval population increased from 550,000 in 1968 to 815,755 in 2003. MSA ranked 61st in 1986, and 46th in 2003 at 1,170,856.
7. Improved bond rating due to larger population, stronger tax base, bigger numbers.
8. Jacksonville's total budget and the number of employees of the city, independent agencies, and the school board make Jacksonville’s government the largest business in northeast Florida, and second only to the federal and state government in size of budget and number of employees in Florida.
C. Services
1. Air and water pollution substantially cleaned up--new sewer treatment and distribution system. ($650,000.00 bond issue to buy up private utilities in the 1970s)
A. Unified government, pinpointing responsibility for planning, budgeting, regulatory control and performance of city functions and services in the Mayor.
B. Financial
1. Broad uniform tax base Jacksonville USD phased out, by putting approximately $1,000,000 for street cleaning into the General Services budget of approximately $400,000,000 (1986), $741,595,539 (1994), $984,000,000 (2002). 2000 Real estate tax per $1,000 value in Jacksonville was $10.57, Tampa $11.81, Orlando, $11.61, Gainesville $12.78, Miami $14.55.
2. Permits budgeting for long-range plans and priorities, allocation of funds by function, not arbitrarily by district, or a single budget year.
3. Single integrated personnel system and fewer pension programs. (City Employees Fund; Fire and Police Fund; state plan still available to former county employees.)
4. Central services--purchasing power, economies of scale, legal services, data processing, motor pool, etc.
5. Pooling of assets—greater investment income.
6. New population bracket qualified for city or county benefits from both state and federal programs within the top 40 cities 1981 population rank 22nd; 1986 19th. Duval population increased from 550,000 in 1968 to 815,755 in 2003. MSA ranked 61st in 1986, and 46th in 2003 at 1,170,856.
7. Improved bond rating due to larger population, stronger tax base, bigger numbers.
6. New population bracket qualified for city or county benefits from both state and federal programs within the top 40 cities 1981 population rank 22nd; 1986 19th. Duval population increased from 550,000 in 1968 to 815,755 in 2003. MSA ranked 61st in 1986, and 46th in 2003 at 1,170,856.
7. Improved bond rating due to larger population, stronger tax base, bigger numbers.
8. Jacksonville's total budget and the number of employees of the city, independent agencies, and the school board make Jacksonville’s government the largest business in northeast Florida, and second only to the federal and state government in size of budget and number of employees in Florida.
C. Services
1. Air and water pollution substantially cleaned up--new sewer treatment and distribution system. ($650,000.00 bond issue to buy up private utilities in the 1970s)
2. Integration of city and volunteer fire departments--significant decrease in fire insurance premiums in county.
3. Establishment of world's best Rescue Service (Capt. John Waters). Replacing private funeral
home ambulances.
4. Improved police coverage (1992 Jacksonville was 22nd of the top 63 cities in crime rate).
5. 17,000 new street lights in old county area.
6. All Garbage collection and land fills funded from general revenue.
7. Downtown development (business-government partnership, better focus on long-range plans and priorities).
8. Improved growth management, building codes, subdivision regulations, comprehensive plan, land use requirements, landscaping, sign regulation, sidewalks, drainage, street lights. (One stop permitting).
VI. 1968-1980 JACKSONVILLE’S “CAMELOT”, MAYOR HANS TANZLER
October 1: Annual Consolidation Day Luncheon--Mayor's report, awards to outstanding public officials--celebration replaced 16 years of annual Burns’ birthday galas.
1971 Remainder of Duval County schools re-accredited--Federal Court orders school busing.
1972 Expressway Authority expanded to include mass transit, renamed Jacksonville Transportation Authority, private bus company acquired.
1974 June: Jacksonville Community Planning Conference--Amelia Island, 100 citizens—
Fred Schultz, Chamber President.
A. Keynote speaker, James W. Rouse,--"Two-thirds of Jacksonville's future in the next 10 years will be a result of the ideas and actions taken at this conference. You are undertaking a big job. You can be the model for the entire nation."
B. Recommendations as prioritized.
1. Downtown development
2. Education excellence
3. Open housing and low-income housing
4. Land use planning
5. Transportation planning--mass transit
6. Utilities improvement
7. Greater job opportunities and training
. Increased public revenues
9. Joint civic effort involving all races and economic groups
10. Strengthen cultural enrichment
1974 Downtown Development Authority created.
1975 Jacksonville Community Council, Inc., created.
1976 Leadership Jacksonville, Inc. created.
1980-81 On recommendation by the JCCI the legislature converts the Civil Service Board to an Appeals Board, removing administrative and legislative functions--remained only elected civil service board in a metropolitan area having public employee collective bargaining until 1993 when it became appointive.
VII. AFTER CAMELOT
A. 1980-88 Mayor Jake Godbold and new city council -- drift back to pre-consolidation concepts and personalities --Jacksonian populism; spoils system; cult of personality.
1. Positive Developments
a. JEA converts to natural gas and coal/joint ventures with Florida Power and Light for St. Johns power park, electric rates brought under control after oil crisis.
b. Downtown development--Hemming Park, Southern Bell Tower and other office buildings, Metropolitan Park, Southbank and Northbank Riverwalk, Jacksonville Landing, Convention Center, People mover system begun (ASE), J. Turner Butler Boulevard.
c. Culture--Florida Theater restored, improved museums, symphony, jazz festival, Arts Assembly.
d. Business/Government Partnering for economic development, attracting new industry, new ideas, Mayor/Chamber annual city visits begun.
e. Expanded financial and insurance base, new industry.
1. Positive Developments
a. JEA converts to natural gas and coal/joint ventures with Florida Power and Light for St. Johns power park, electric rates brought under control after oil crisis.
b. Downtown development--Hemming Park, Southern Bell Tower and other office buildings, Metropolitan Park, Southbank and Northbank Riverwalk, Jacksonville Landing, Convention Center, People mover system begun (ASE), J. Turner Butler Boulevard.
c. Culture--Florida Theater restored, improved museums, symphony, jazz festival, Arts Assembly.
d. Business/Government Partnering for economic development, attracting new industry, new ideas, Mayor/Chamber annual city visits begun.
e. Expanded financial and insurance base, new industry.
f. Regional medical center, development of area hospitals, health delivery systems and specialty centers, Mayo Clinic, JEHEP.
g. Progress in higher education--UNF, JU, Edward Waters, FCCJ.
h. Sports commission--Gator Bowl renovation - efforts to attract NFL franchise. (Colt Fever).
2. Negative Developments
a. October 1 Consolidation Day Luncheon/awards discontinued.
b. Education and experience requirements for department heads and division chiefs reduced. (Cronyism revived). Lex Hester fired, goes to County Manager of Broward County, then Orlando. His replacement later indicted for bribery and larceny.
c. City council develops "district courtesy" on funding, zoning, bond issues.
d. Budgeting priorities and allocation of funds and bond issues shift toward council district shares rather than area wide functional priorities based on long term planning. Responsive rather than proactive on policy and budgeting--shift to government by crisis (jail, parking, etc.)
e. City council salaries increased from $2500 in 1968 to $20,000 in 1985; ($32,000 in 1997, plus an aide for each member in 2001, and $40,000 in 2003).
. Separation of powers blurred--city council members fill role of ombudsmen for constituents rather than setting legislative policy and budget; seek control of independent agency budgets; intrude on day-to-day administration of departments; Tourist Development Council; bed tax budget controlled by city council, not mayor
g. General Counsel's office dismantled. Separate lawyers for city council, JEA, JPA, JTA, JHA, collections, bonds, condemnations. Quality and morale of general counsel's office degraded. General Counsel later indicted for conflict of interest, unauthorized compensation, and tax fraud.
h. Re-emergence of cult of personality; blurring of separation of powers/checks and balances/ Jacksonian populism/spoils system; patronage for professional services, circumvention of bidding requirements; shift to city council membership as a political career/livelihood; insider patronage and cronyism--Indictments of public safety director, tax assessor, general counsel, several city council members and staff, Mayor’s Chief of Staff, Motor Pool Director, and political cronies of the Mayor. (more indicted than in 1966)
i. Growth overwhelms infrastructure.
j. Spot and strip zoning, visual pollution/signs.
k. JTA mass transit/parking plans dismantled, transit subsidies redirected to subsidize downtown parking garages for new buildings.
l. Water and sewer program stalls, septic tanks increase.
m. Developers accommodated on an ad hoc basis rather than subjected to an overall development plan for infrastructure, roads, parking, schools, tax support, et cetera.
n. City's bonding capacity absorbed in support of current development, unavailable for future infrastructure. Mayor’s cronies take City and JEA bonding legal work from General Counsel’s office at five times the cost.
B. 1987-1990 Mayor Tommy Hazouri and new city council
1. Rededication to professionalism and integrity in government--rehabilitation of the Office of General Counsel -- Judge James Harrison.
2. High priorities on elimination of odor, growth management, central services, removal of bridge tolls.
3. More business-like and responsive attitude in city council.
a. New faces and attitudes.
b. Public interest--sign ordinance referendum.
c. School bond issue passes on second try.
d. Zoning, land use (comprehensive plan, garbage fees, address solid waste, Southeast Landfill proposal creates controversy with St. Johns County).
e. JTA tolls removed. Revenues replaced with 1/2 cent sales tax. Dames Point Bridge built.
f. New jail built ending years of controversy.
g. Only a few indictments and embarrassments.
C. 1991-1995 Mayor Ed Austin
1. Restores professionalism in City division and department chiefs. Rehires Lex Hester from Orlando as Chief Administrative Officer.
2. Mayor's insight committee involving 1,000 citizens, first such effort since 1974 Amelia Island conference, results in new objectives and priorities for the community.
3. Renaissance Plan for refurbishing or replacing public facilities.
4. New emphasis on parks and recreation.
5. Renewed emphasis on downtown development--Hemming Park, City Hall, and Federal courthouse. Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks.
6. Solution to solid waste disposal dilemma with new Trail Ridge landfill west of town.
7. Acceleration of projects to rebuild Acosta and Fuller Warren bridges/completion of ASE/plans for development of exclusive bus lanes and light rail, MPOs 2010 plan emphasizes mass transit, rejects plans to build two more bridges and 10 to 12 lane expressways.
8. City finally complies with state comprehensive plan requirements.
9. Long term planning and allocation of funding sources to community priorities and objectives/better growth management.
2. Mayor's insight committee involving 1,000 citizens, first such effort since 1974 Amelia Island conference, results in new objectives and priorities for the community.
3. Renaissance Plan for refurbishing or replacing public facilities.
4. New emphasis on parks and recreation.
5. Renewed emphasis on downtown development--Hemming Park, City Hall, and Federal courthouse. Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks.
6. Solution to solid waste disposal dilemma with new Trail Ridge landfill west of town.
7. Acceleration of projects to rebuild Acosta and Fuller Warren bridges/completion of ASE/plans for development of exclusive bus lanes and light rail, MPOs 2010 plan emphasizes mass transit, rejects plans to build two more bridges and 10 to 12 lane expressways.
8. City finally complies with state comprehensive plan requirements.
9. Long term planning and allocation of funding sources to community priorities and objectives/better growth management.
10. Development of new port facilities and international trade and investment. Ed Austin Bulk Terminal at Blount Island.
11. Military base closure process 1995 Cecil Field closed; 1996 Cecil Field Development Commission; 1997 saved NADEP -- Mayport nuclear upgrade program -- Wonderwood Expressway.
12. Unitary elections (no party primary), two term limits for elected officials pursuant to JCCI study.
13. First workable minority set aside program.
14. City becomes more directly involved in economic development. Jacksonville Economic Development Council (by executive order) ties City, Jacksonville Chamber, JPA, JEA, JTA and the DDA together for overall planning and implementation of economic development.
15. NFL Jaguars come to Jacksonville.
16. Austin Renaissance Plan, New football stadium, performing arts center, city hall, homeless center, extend Riverwalks, LaVilla redevelopment.
17. Established Children’s Commission.
D. 1996-2003 Mayor John Delaney (defeated Godbold and Hazouri).
1. Re-establishes Jacksonville Economic Development Council by council ordinance -- one stop shopping umbrella for all economic agencies and the Chamber. Chamber does marketing, JEDC facilitates permitting, land use, infrastructure, incentives, etc.
2. Cecil Field development takes off. Boeing/Northrup Grumman. FCCJ Aviation Training Center, Brannenfield/Chaffee Road
3. Lower property tax rate each year 1991 – 1995 (Austin); 1996 – 2003 (Delaney); 2004- 2005 (Peyton).
17. Established Children’s Commission.
D. 1996-2003 Mayor John Delaney (defeated Godbold and Hazouri).
1. Re-establishes Jacksonville Economic Development Council by council ordinance -- one stop shopping umbrella for all economic agencies and the Chamber. Chamber does marketing, JEDC facilitates permitting, land use, infrastructure, incentives, etc.
2. Cecil Field development takes off. Boeing/Northrup Grumman. FCCJ Aviation Training Center, Brannenfield/Chaffee Road
3. Lower property tax rate each year 1991 – 1995 (Austin); 1996 – 2003 (Delaney); 2004- 2005 (Peyton).
4. Neighborhood Department -- six Citizen Planning Advisory Commissions (CPAC) Regional land use, infrastructure and amenities planning -- six code enforcement districts funded at $1 million/yr to upgrade or demolish condemned structures.
5. Citizen accessibility -- branch city hall at Regency and Gateway -- clerk of court and county judge at beaches -- extended hours, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and one-half hour free parking at regulatory departments.
6. Government efficiency, merged five divisions, reduced employees, control of union contracts (1% to 2% raises), professionalism in risk management ($13 million savings in 1996, plus $6 million rebate).
7. Better Jacksonville Plan $2.2 billion for roads, drainage, water and sewer, ecology preservation, new Courthouse, Libraries, Baseball Park, Amphitheater, Equestrian Center.
8. Transferred water and sewer department to JEA, savings produced $60 million bonding capacity for drainage, program to eliminate septic tanks and private wells as part of Better Jacksonville Plan.
9. Plans for expansion of Riverwalk, Metropolitan Park/Kids Campus, expanded convention center, proposed transportation hub at old Railroad Station.
10. Ecology Preservation Program, leveraging Federal, State and private funding Timucuan Preserve, Julington Creek Peninsula.
11. Park space and amenities doubled, $300 million plan for preservation of environmentally sensitive land. (78,000 acres acquired 2000-2003)
12. Children's Commissions funded at $1 million/yr since 1995.
13. Separate Sea Port and Airport authorities created.
14. Surge of new downtown residential, retail, and entertainment facilities.
15. Jacksonville Metropolitan Planning Organization becomes three county First Coast MPO; funds $50,000 each to St. Johns and Clay counties for planning staff from $550,000 budget.
16. Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce renamed Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce for economic development initiatives in seven counties.
E. 2003 John Peyton elected Mayor – renewed emphasis on education, job creation, economic and urban development.
VIII. SHORT-FALLS AND LOST OPPORTUNITIES OF PAST YEARS.
A. Weak commitment and continuity; long term plans often changed drastically with new mayors until Austin and Delaney.
B. Poor growth management and long term planning, comprehensive land-use plan late/spot and
16. Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce renamed Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce for economic development initiatives in seven counties.
E. 2003 John Peyton elected Mayor – renewed emphasis on education, job creation, economic and urban development.
VIII. SHORT-FALLS AND LOST OPPORTUNITIES OF PAST YEARS.
A. Weak commitment and continuity; long term plans often changed drastically with new mayors until Austin and Delaney.
B. Poor growth management and long term planning, comprehensive land-use plan late/spot and strip zoning/sign regulation/tree preservation. Much improvement since 1990 comprehensive plan. Uncertainty in 2005 as legislature considers sea changes. Need for regional planning for land use, transportation, environmental preservation.
C. Mass transit/parking/traffic congestion, especially as compared to our 1970s model, Portland, Oregon which limits downtown parking to 3000, has 45 miles of light rail, and an extensive bus system, 15% commuter ridership – 3% in Jacksonville.
D. Downtown development was oriented toward encouraging individual ad hoc development rather than compliance with an overall plan. Austin Renaissance Plan, Downtown Development Council, and Delaney Better Jacksonville Plan have improved this.
E. Fire and police pension funds back under union control since 1980s; low level of professionalism, weak fiscal management, special time connections and buy-ins , cronyism undermine fiscal integrity of the plans.
IX. WHAT NEXT FOR JACKSONVILLE?
A. Expand regional planning for land use, environmental, drainage, transportation, growth management and economic development planning for Northeast Florida. Strengthen seven county Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council District. Expand First Coast Metropolitan
Planning Organization to three counties; 16 counties in St. Johns River Water Management District
B. Greater citizen involvement and participation in government, planning, and development (e.g. JCCI, Leadership Jacksonville, Chamber, independent agencies).
1. Public education. K-12 (1/3 of students and schools failing in 2003)
2. Higher education.
3. Improve funding sources and priorities.
4. Downtown development.
5. Transportation/mass transit.
6. Drainage control.
7. Parks and recreation.
8. Port and airport development.
9. Cecil Field development.
10. International trade and new and expanded businesses and employment opportunities.
11. Relationship with the Beaches and Baldwin.
12. Maintain and improve effectiveness of city sign and tree ordinance.
13. Community consensus, commitment, and continuity on long range issues like growth management, mass transit, port funding and economic development.
14. Address issues, not personalities -- avoid cronyism, helping friends and killing enemies.
15. Integrity, professionalism and citizen participation in government.
SOME PERTINENT THOUGHTS ABOUT GOVERNMENT
"Here each individual is interested not only in his own affairs but in the affairs of state as well. Even those who are mostly occupied with their own businesses are extremely well informed on general politics. This is a peculiarity of ours: we do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics is a man who minds his own business; we say that he has no business here at all."--Pericles, on Athenian values, 431 B.C.
"There is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage than the creation of a new system, for the initiator has the hostility of all who would profit by the preservation of the old institutions and merely lukewarm defenders in those who would gain by the new ones."--Machiavelli--The Prince, 1513.
"As soon as several Americans have conceived a sentiment or an idea that they want to produce before the world, they seek each other out, and when found, they unite. Hence forth they are no longer isolated individuals, but a power conspicuous from the distance whose actions serve as an example; when it speaks, men listen.
Nothing in my view, more deserves attention than the intellectual and moral associations in America.
If men are to remain civilized or to become civilized, the art of association must develop and improve among them at the same speed as equality of conditions spreads."--Alexis De Tocqueville, Democracy in America, 1835.
"Government reflects the values of its citizens."--Thomas Carlyle.
"Evil grows when good men do nothing."--Edmond Burke.
". . . we must realize that the practices which have been criticized could not have come about without the active connivance of many businessmen and businesses, both large and small in our community. . . some politicians and some businessmen have joined together and taken advantage of the community."--Judge Marion P. Gooding commenting on the Duval County Grand Jury indictments and presentments of 1966.
"It was the spirit of our people that made this moment possible. If we but follow in this spirit of Just concern for each other's well-being, of responsible involvement in government, and recognition and respect for mutual problems, we shall not fail. We shall build as Jacksonville has never built before."--J.J. Daniel, October 1968 on the establishment of Jacksonville consolidated government
#451281
in America, 1835.
"Government reflects the values of its citizens."--Thomas Carlyle.
"Evil grows when good men do nothing."--Edmond Burke.
". . . we must realize that the practices which have been criticized could not have come about without the active connivance of many businessmen and businesses, both large and small in our community. . . some politicians and some businessmen have joined together and taken advantage of the community."--Judge Marion P. Gooding commenting on the Duval County Grand Jury indictments and presentments of 1966.
"It was the spirit of our people that made this moment possible. If we but follow in this spirit of Just concern for each other's well-being, of responsible involvement in government, and recognition and respect for mutual problems, we shall not fail. We shall build as Jacksonville has never built before."--J.J. Daniel, October 1968 on the establishment of Jacksonville consolidated government
Once again JAX2025 is trying to correct problems that cannot be corrected until the citizens get off their butts and demand it. The next meeting is at WJCT August 13th from 12-1:30PM. If you seriously want to make a difference then you must get involved.