A.G. Gancarski
One veteran Democratic city council member endorsed Lenny Curry. The other one vilified Alvin Brown‘s ads accusing Curry of wanting to “turn back the clock” as “race-baiting.” They were together on the council. Now Johnny Gaffney and Denise Lee will be together on Curry’s staff.
Gaffney was appointed as the mayor’s liaison to Boards and Commissions and Lee was appointed as director of Blight Initiatives, both at about $90,000 annually.
Additionally, Kerri Stewart, a self-described “moderate Republican”, was appointed chief of staff. She’ll make $195,000 annually.
Among other career high points, Stewart was the Chief Administrative Officer for Jacksonville under Mayor John Peyton and Mayor Brown.
“As I continue to fill critical staff positions the appointments included in today’s announcement represent a strong level of talent and commitment to the people of Jacksonville,” Curry said. “Jacksonville has many pressing needs and our team is being assembled to tackle the tough issues, work with all levels of the community and reach for a common goal, make Jacksonville the best city it can be. I am proud of the people who have agreed to join me in our mission to restore Jacksonville’s greatness.”
