A.G. Gancarski
Late Tuesday afternoon, Mayor-elect Lenny Curry announced his transition policy committee leaders. The names include both Republicans and Democrats, giving insight into his stated desire to be a “mayor for all of Jacksonville.”
The subcommittee chairs are :
- The Honorable John Delaney, president, University of North Florida – Chair for “Economic Development”
- The Rev. Fred Newbill, pastor, First Timothy Baptist Church – Chair for “A Safer Jacksonville”
- Jay Demetree, president, Demetree Brothers – Chair for “Fiscal Responsibility”
- T.R. Hainline, attorney and shareholder, Rogers, Towers – Chair for “Streamlining Growth and Opportunity”
- Kerri Stewart, partner, Infinity Global Solutions – Chair for “Operations, Human Resources and Productivity”
- Paul Perez, chief compliance officer, Fidelity National Finance and former U.S. attorney, and The Honorable Dr. Johnny Gaffney – Co-Chairs for “Prevention Intervention and At-risk Youth”
- Ed Burr, president and CEO, GreenPointe Holdings – Chair for “Infrastructure”
- The Honorable E. Denise Lee, Chair for “Blight, Revealing the Beauty of Jacksonville”
The transition meetings will be hosted by the Public Policy Institute at Jacksonville University.
“Today the mayoral transition team is taking an important next step by building the structure for committees that will bring together the best and brightest of our city,” said Curry in a written statement.
“I thank these civic leaders for their service, and am grateful that the JU Public Policy Institute has agreed to host. Specific thanks go to JU President Tim Cost and Public Policy Institute Director Rick Mullaney for their support of the transition effort by offering to serve as the conveners.”
What is notable about these committee chairs is the distinctly bipartisan feel. With Democrats such as Newbill, Lee and Gaffney, along with Chamber stalwarts such as Burr and Delaney, it’s evident that Curry is starting his administration from a moderate Republican position, in accordance with his campaign pledges to address the needs of neighborhoods that have been historically neglected.
“The Transition will be conducted with full transparency and encourage citizen participation. Subcommittees will be tasked with analyzing and evaluating organizational structure and delivery of services and will be aligned with City of Jacksonville departments and other critical functions of government. Ultimately,” continues the email, “some staffing recommendations for appointed leaders will be presented to the Mayor-elect and his new team.”
The use of the Public Policy Institute for this initiative fulfills a goal of JU President Cost as well.
“When we formed the Public Policy Institute, we envisioned creating a neutral gathering place where elected officials, civic leaders, and policy makers could convene for important work. Consistent with that mission, we have been honored to host Mayoral and Sheriff debates, numerous events for prior administrations, and we look forward to hosting future debates, public policy forums, and Mayoral Transitions. Hosting this Mayoral Transition process will enrich the valuable public discourse and we are pleased to serve our community in this way,” Cost was quoted as saying.
