A.G. Gancarski
In the Jacksonville City Council leadership elections, the main event was anticlimactic.
Everyone knew current Vice President Lori Boyer would be voted in as president-designate, offering meaningful continuity after the presidency of Greg Anderson.
However, the VP-designate race between Doyle Carter and John Crescimbeni offered considerably more drama, with both men deadlocked at eight pledges each ahead of the special council meeting Tuesday afternoon, before Crescimbeni pulled it out in a thrilling 10 to 9 vote, with twists and turns no one expected going in.
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The first election was the one for president. Boyer had no challengers.
Who would dare?
Danny Becton nominated Boyer, citing her “reputation, work ethic and knowledge” as “second to none and a role model for all.”
Becton cited Boyer’s financial prowess, her willingness to “dig into the weeds,” and other factors that make her a “great advocate for the taxpayers.”
Reggie Gaffney seconded the nomination, citing Boyer’s willingness to teach him the ropes as a new councilman, and the leadership she demonstrated on the council.
With one nominee, the outcome was a fait accompli.
Nineteen votes counted; Boyer got the nod.
“Last year,” Boyer said, “I pledged to learn the goals and concerns of each of you.”
Boyer reiterated her commitment to that pledge, and asked for a different council district to be featured at each meeting during her term.
From there, Boyer described “how hard it has been for me to learn the ropes … up here,” vowing to make it easier for everyone to learn their roles.
To help that process along, she plans a series of lunch and learns.
“I want each of you to feel empowered to do your very best,” Boyer added.
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Easy peasy. But the VP race between Doyle Carter and John Crescimbeni was destined not to be.
Aaron Bowman nominated Carter, citing his own leadership experience to explain Carter’s abilities.
“A leader coaches and builds a team,” said Bowman, noting Carter’s work in the private sector and as a baseball coach, as well as his chairing of committees.
“A leader sets the right example. Doyle treats everybody with dignity and respect,” Bowman said. “A leader gets the best out of people.”
From there, Bowman talked up Carter’s role in helping to build up Cecil Commerce Center, a cornerstone of his district.
“Doyle constantly gives,” Bowman continued, “but he doesn’t ask anything in return. Doyle always offers his time and effort to anything and everything, and I’m excited about him leading the council.
“People only do business with people they like,” added Bowman, in what seemed to be a rebuke to Crescimbeni.
Seconding the nomination: Reggie Brown, who had not declared support prior to this meeting.
“I have had a chance to learn not just the human being, but the leadership he’s provided,” said Brown, adding, “I believe in his ability to provide leadership.
“What’s important to me is honesty. I’ve never questioned in six years this man’s actions.”
Brown also cited Carter’s commitment to “fairness,” and Carter being a “man of faith.”
“His willingness to reach across the aisle … his helping me create success in my district … his leadership style … his drive … his tenacity,” were all cited by Councilman Brown when seconding the nomination.
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But it wasn’t a done deal.
Bill Gulliford rose to nominate Crescimbeni, describing having served with him, agreed with him, and disagreed with him.
“He can be aggressive,” said Gulliford, “but I am not vexed by his passion.
“What you can always count on is he will be prepared and will be present,” Gulliford added.
“I’m the only former council president serving on this council,” Gulliford said, noting that Crescimbeni’s “many years of service” and “passion and commitment for the citizens … brings respect and appreciation.”
Joyce Morgan seconded Crescimbeni, calling him a “legislative leader” who is “no stranger to hard work.”
“John is also willing to tackle the tough issues with you in your district,” Morgan said, saying he is “absolutely thorough” and a fountain of “institutional knowledge.”
“Some Saturday nights,” Morgan added, “you can find John Crescimbeni right here at city hall … answering his emails.”
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The nominations were closed.
The ballots, distributed, then collected.
By a 10-9 vote, Crescimbeni pulled it out.
“Not many 10-9 votes around here. It doesn’t get more exciting than that,” Crescimbeni said, extending kind words to Carter’s “good campaign.”
“I’ll do my best to earn your support going forward,” he said.
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The surprise: Gaffney reversing his pledge and going with Crescimbeni, swinging the election.
Doyle Carter’s comment?
“He doesn’t keep his word very well.”
Gaffney, for his part, “had no idea [he] was going to be the swing vote.”
“I did what I thought was best for Jacksonville,” Gaffney added in conversation with Dave Chapman of the Jax Daily Record.
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Boyer and Crescimbeni will team up, selling the pension tax and presenting a united front on city issues for the next year.
And soon enough, as early as January, these races will begin again.
