A.G. Gancarski
A group of Jacksonville activists plan to express their opinions about Mayor Lenny Curry‘s plan to remove two active Democrats, Planning Commission Chairwoman Lisa King and member Joey McKinnon, from the city panel.
About 45 people are expected to attend Tuesday’s City Council meeting in what event organizer Kristellys Zolondek describes as a “community feedback session” about the midterm removals they contend are unwarranted.
“This move, unprecedented in Jacksonville politics, has prompted individuals from all over the city to hold our elected officials accountable to the mantra of ‘One City, One Jacksonville’ by encouraging them to keep independent commissions and boards with current membership to work with city officials to make the best decisions for our city,” Zolondek said.
“The community has been able to galvanize around this issue mainly because of the strength and leadership shown by Lisa and Joey, who have refused to resign given the lack of good and logical reason to do so. We are seeing that if individuals are willing to step up for what’s in the best interest of Jacksonville, the community will follow suit. That’s encouraging and makes me hopeful to what can be achieved through an organized, collective community voice actively engaged in local politics. The Florida Times Union has been interested in this “lobbying effort” and there have been many shares and signatures of the online petition started on change.org that will be sent to city council members.”
Some have wondered about the motivations of those objecting to these moves. Zolondek contends that the motivations are not partisan, but are driven by a concern for the civic greater good.
“The main message we want to get across is that our elected officials should make decisions that are in the best interest of Jacksonville and nothing else. The nominated replacements are making our case easier than it would be if they would have qualifications and experience that relates to issues of planning, development, and land use. In this case, the decision that’s in Jacksonville’s best interest is clear,” Zolondek said.
A contention among those who object to these and other moves is that they were driven by political considerations, to reward campaign supporters. That said, Zolondek contends that “this is not a partisan issue for us despite what media or elected officials may perceive it as. We would be supporting Lisa and Joey regardless of party affiliation.”
As well, there are many issues on which Zolondek aligns with the mayor.
“I have read the mayor’s transition plan and I’d like to commend the mayor and his transition team for what seems to be a very solid plan to improve our city. There are many initiatives in that plan that I support and, more recently, I have to commend his handling of the Eureka Gardens issue,” Zolondek said.
Curry has reacted strongly to the dilapidated hellscape that the 400-unit Section 8 complex has turned into, aided and abetted by neglect from past administrations.
“I say this because I want to go on record saying that I support the mayor and his plans for Jacksonville and what he’s done recently to address critical issues. That, to me, shows exemplary leadership and will state that at City Council. We just don’t agree that we should lose such talent, knowledge, and experience at the Planning Commission in an unprecedented move. We’d like to encourage our elected officials to listen to and take into consideration the community’s feedback whenever they feel a certain decision is not in the best interest of Jacksonville.”
Curry, who famously said in response to criticism of these moves “let the conspiracy theories roll,” may not be open to such encouragement.
Zolondek also addressed the changes made on the JEA Board, which include the exits of two members, Lisa Weatherby and Peter Bower, urging dialogue in the Sunshine.
“Concerning the JEA Board moves, just as I would like for the Planning Commission situation, I encourage City Council members to make a case for the nominated replacements and honestly discuss how they would serve Jacksonville more effectively than the current board and commission members. I’m open to be corrected in my opinion and would like to hear the case made for appointments that will have an effect on the city of Jacksonville.”
FloridaPolitics.com has it on solid authority that the mayor’s office has the planned public action on its radar. However, that same office is resolute in its determination to shape boards and commissions in its conceptual image.
One comment
Marc Curtis Little
October 9, 2015 at 4:00 pm
If you are concerned about losing “such talent, knowledge, and experience at the Planning Commission,” are you also concerned about term limits for elected officials?
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