Melissa Ross
Facing strong challenges in Tuesday’s election, incumbent Mayor Alvin Brown said he’s confident — and that he’s fulfilled the campaign promises from four years ago that made him a come-from-behind winner in Jacksonville’s 2011 mayoral race.
“I made a promise that I would streamline government, that we would live within our means, put Jacksonville back to work, and close the education gap,” Brown said, during and election eve appearance on WJCT’s First Coast Connect.
“I think the key is keeping your promise.”
Brown said he’s delivered on everything from balancing the city’s budget without raising taxes (although critics strongly strongly disagree) to promoting the city’s urban core, and tackling the thorny issue of pension reform.
“Don’t take my word for it, The Florida Times-Union, the civic council and the bipartisan task force all support my plan,” Brown said. “And three top business leaders all came up with a funding solution that JEA approved. You have a plan on the table.”
Brown said he’s disappointed that City Council President Clay Yarborough is “playing politics” on the pension vote.
“He’s delayed the vote until a day after the election, but it’s time to vote this up or down.”
Brown also brushed aside the recent flap over a testy conversation between him and an LGBT advocate during Jacksonville’s weekend Gastrofest. Brown (and the top Republican in the race, Lenny Curry) have consistently refused to take a specific position on whether to update the city’s human rights ordinance to cover the LGBT community. Insurgent Republican Bill Bishop has drawn progressive support for saying he’d vote in favor of an expanded HRO.
“This conversation that I had with Ben (Weaver), who’s a friend I’ve known for years, was a constructive conversation,” he said. “He brought up the HRO and we had a good conversation. I will always listen to all points of view.”
On the matter of the city’s crime rate, Brown defended his record, which has come under fire on the campaign trail.
“All seven candidates running for sheriff have said that they could bring on more officers right now with the budget I’ve proposed. In fact, crime has gone down 10 percent since I’ve been in office. The sheriff’s budget has increased over $48 million since I’ve been mayor. In my budget I’ve advocated for 80 more officers to be included, and secured more dollars for community policing.”
Meanwhile, Brown’s likely runoff opponent Curry has hit the mayor hard on his public safety record. Says Curry campaign manager Brian Hughes:
“Just as Alvin Brown took office, Jacksonville had fought its way to record low crime rates. Since Brown’s time in office, we have seen a horrific surge in violent crime. The increases in violence on our streets are linked to Brown’s budgets that forced 147 police men and women to be lost.”
And on the matter of pension reform:
“Alvin Brown’s smoke and mirrors continue. His solution for pension is to leave a gaping hole in how it gets paid for. Even with new debt he proposes there is still a gap that leaves taxpayers paying the bill long after Alvin sails off to go back to work with Hillary and Bill Clinton,” Hughes said.
During the early voting period, Duval County’s registered Democrats outpaced Republicans. Traditionally, absentee ballots favor Republicans however, and those mailed ballots are still coming in.
Now it comes down which side wins the turnout game on Tuesday. Brown predicted his message will carry the day, although most pundits expect a May runoff between him and Curry, according to the latest polling data.
“We’ve been ranked the No. 1 city in the country to start a business. Thirty-six thousand new jobs. I’m excited about the future of this city,” the incumbent said.
“I want to make Jacksonville a model for the world, that if you want a great place to work, live and play, have a good quality of life, get a quality education, and take care of your family, Jacksonville is the place to be.”
