A.G. Gancarski
After Friday’s announcement by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry that further legislation expanding the Human Rights Ordinance wouldn’t be “prudent,” a surprising thing to media observers was the seeming cover provided Curry by activists on the other side.
Part of that cover was Curry actually taking a material step forward in offering employment protections to city employees and employees of those companies doing business with the city, bringing city practices in guidelines with the EEOC.
The move, framed by some as a Solomonic compromise intended to cool down the issue until at least after the pension tax referendum is voted on, has been challenged by a surprising group: clergymen who oppose expansion of the Human Rights Ordinance, who at first blush would seem to share Curry’s belief that such action would be imprudent.
Here’s something to consider, though: They have put good money and effort into the move toward a referendum. And apparently they won’t be deterred.
News 4 Jax reports that “faith leaders” intend to “push for voters to decide on the HRO” via referendum, and that the gimmick for their Thursday presser is to present thousands of petitions signed to that effect.
“The goal is to get the ballot measure on the August ballot, but sources tell News4Jax the petitions likely won’t be ready in time. Then, it would be put to vote in November,” according to the News4Jax report.
And apparently, yet another referendum on the ballot is “pure Americana,” one clergyman said.
“The public needs to vote. City Council’s already done that, and they were a different crew, but nonetheless, just like the people in Houston, they need to vote,” the Rev. Jeff Burnsed said.
Curry’s team blocked this outfit from using the City Hall atrium for its news conference before Thursday afternoon’s Committee of the Whole on the HRO … probably a wise move given the potential for everything from photo bombs to disruptions of the staged event … and probably a wise move given the always nebulous separation between church and state in this market.
A November ballot measure would make for interesting theater that could resonate nationally, as the hard right (and a not inconsiderable group of black Democrat pastors) would compel politicians to stand up and be counted on this issue.
For Hillary Clinton, rejection of this issue is an easy way to gin up her base, one consistent with campaign rhetoric over the years.
For the GOP nominee, triangulation would be required as he comes through, as Chamber Republicans want Council to pass an HRO expansion and be done with it, yet the church Republicans want this final showdown via a referendum.
In theory, this would have stronger turnout than the anemic 37 percent that voted in city elections.
With the days getting closer to the GOP Presidential Preference Primary in Florida, the HRO debate and drama will be something to watch as well, with candidates coming through no doubt being asked to weigh in on the matter.
