A.G. Gancarski
Pastor Mark Griffin is the fourth Republican in the House District 13 race, hoping to win the primary and challenge embattled Democratic incumbent Reggie Fullwood.
Griffin is by far the most credible challenger of the bunch.
The pastor and CEO of Wayman Ministries, Griffin’s focus on Eureka Garden, the troubled HUD apartment complex on Jacksonville’s Westside, has been notable.
Griffin led a campaign to get the complex a new playground, which cost $95,000 according to the Florida Times-Union.
More recently, Griffin has indicated interest in acquiring the troubled (but profitable) complex, according to First Coast News.
Griffin was on hand during Marco Rubio‘s visit to Jacksonville earlier this month, a visit which catalyzed meaningful reforms in HUD’s process that were spearheaded by Rubio.
Via email, we got the first post-candidacy interview with Pastor Griffin.
The first question: can he overcome the Democratic registration advantage?
Griffin is confident.
“I hope that the voters of District 13 would review the record, experience and credentials of each candidate and make a decision based on the person, not the party,” he said.
The other obvious question: would he make an issue of Fullwood’s legal troubles?
Short answer: no.
“Reggie Fullwood is a personal friend. Perhaps the toughest part of my decision is based on him being the incumbent. I am supportive of his efforts to overcome his legal challenges, and I feel that the campaign should be based on issues and qualifications. I believe that negative campaigning is one of the reasons why voter turnout has become so low,” Pastor Griffin said.
Beyond that, Griffin feels he is “well-positioned to serve this diverse district, which includes colleges, hospitals, the downtown business community and suburban and urban neighborhoods. My diverse educational and career experiences will serve the district well. Knowing first hand how policy eventually impacts communities and neighborhoods will inform my legislative philosophy.”
Finally, some have questioned his residency in the district. Griffin was forthright on that point.
“Because of Jacksonville’s large geographic territory, it is not unusual for candidates who do not live in the district to relocate after a successful election. If I am so honored by the voters of District 13, I will maintain residency within the boundaries of the district,” Griffin said.
With support from powerbrokers in both parties and a meaningful role in the community, Griffin may be the man to turn HD 13 Republican. Time will tell, but of the four Republicans, he’s the one who looks most like a winner.
