A.G. Gancarski
The Jacksonville City Council vice presidential race got more competitive Monday, as Councilman Aaron Bowman abandoned his bid and threw his support to Doyle Carter.
Carter, who had difficulty getting traction early in the race, seems poised for an increase in said traction. Bowman’s backing, coupled with support from a surprising quarter (Democrats from the Minority Access seats in Districts 7 through 10), could be the key for the Westside Republican to push past John Crescimbeni, a veteran member of Council who knows the issues but whose irascible style works against him.
Carter, meanwhile, is described by almost everyone in City Hall as one of the nicest, most genuine people in city government.
The Monday meeting between Bowman and Carter, along with Sam Newby, was a prelude to two scheduled open meetings between Carter and interested Council members on Tuesday.
It was short and to the point, as these meetings tend to be.
Carter said his goal was “to bring consensus to our Council,” and said his experience would be key to that.
“We’re getting better all the time,” Carter said. “I try to walk the testimony, and not talk the testimony.”
Among his goals: “bringing businesses in.”
Bowman spoke about the friendship he had with Carter, developed over the past few years.
“What we need is somebody who can bring together the new Council and the old Council,” Bowman said.
“I really appreciate … the dignity and respect [with which] you treat everybody.”
“I’d put my name in to run against you,” Bowman said, but after thought, he threw in behind Carter, offering to be a surrogate and meet with people if needed.
Newby, meanwhile, described Carter as a “uniter” who can “bring the new guard and the old guard together.”
With Matt Schellenberg, who Newby supported originally, out of the race, it’s now a two-man contest.
Crescimbeni 6. Carter 3.
But we’ll see how it looks after Tuesday.
