A.G. Gancarski
The changing of the guard in Jacksonville City Council happened Thursday afternoon, with Lori Boyer being sworn into the presidency at the Ritz Theater.
Boyer pledged an “ambitious agenda,” one undeterred by Jacksonville’s fiscal reality.
“I realized months ago that the budget would not accommodate any big initiative,” Boyer said, yet she wanted to develop a plan to create a lasting impact nonetheless.
Her goal, as she has said to the press, is rooted in the consolidated vision: the promise of an effective city government without “conflicts and overlaps.”
Boyer spoke of creating “pathways” to that, with her council embracing a “policy-making role that too often has been reactive rather than proactive.”
Much of what she said she had articulated to FloridaPolitics.com in recent interviews, such as her expectation that Public Health and Safety will tackle body cameras for police officers.
However, there was other stuff she held in reserve, such as the need for a “full five-year capital improvement plan with meaningful out-years.”
Boyer, of course, spent her first term attempting to straighten out a wayward CIP process; now, she is in her element in this role, and can ensure that process is made cohesive and transparent.
She also spoke of collaboration across branches of government, and across governments themselves.
“The last legislative session was an example of what we can achieve,” Boyer said, referring to getting the pension tax issue through Tallahassee.
Boyer also addressed the essential nature of civil discourse, as a means to providing the “transparency our citizens deserve.”
Ultimately, the goal: “to fulfill the promise of consolidation.”
The clock is rolling.
