A.G. Gancarski
Though it’s somewhat under the radar since Corrine Brown lost the primary, there is a competitive election in Florida’s 5th Congressional District this year.
Tallahassee Democrat Al Lawson takes on Jacksonville Republican Glo Smith.
As compared to the primary, when candidates hustled around the east-west district to forums, joint candidate appearances are few and far between thus far in the general election period.
One notable opportunity, however, has been slated for such: the Southside Business Men’s Club has scheduled a debate between Lawson and Smith on Oct. 12 during the noon hour at the San Jose County Club in Jacksonville.
Moderating the non-televised event is Rick Mullaney, a former city general counsel, mayoral chief of staff, and mayoral candidate who now helms the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute.
Mullaney expects the debate format to be familiar to those who have watched the seven televised debates from Jacksonville University over the last year and a half. There will be opening and closing statements, and alternating questions with each candidate given the opportunity to respond, in what Mullaney expects to be a “real discussion of policy” rather than politics.
And that “substantive” policy discussion will be tailored toward Northeast Florida concerns, including issues related to international trade and the dredging of the St. Johns River to deepen the port, issues related to the military (including Mayport), and issues related to transportation.
When asked if Smith had an advantage over Lawson based on locality, Mullaney conceded that was the case, but that’s “not an advantage that can’t be overcome,” lauding Lawson’s performance in the August primary debate at Jacksonville University.
Smith should, because she is from here, have an advantage talking about Northeast Florida issues, and she will need it; Lawson has proven to be the stronger fundraiser thus far, with deep bipartisan connections throughout the state.
If Lawson were to win in November, it creates a situation Mullaney says is “new for Jacksonville [after] more than two decades with Corrine Brown.”
It would be incumbent upon city insiders and leaders to bring Lawson up to speed quickly on local concerns, should he be elected, “working with him very closely” on important issues such as deepening the port.
Another challenge to be faced: no matter who wins in Congressional District 4 or Congressional District 5, the reality is two rookies are going to D.C.
Thus, “getting them off to a quick start” is necessary, with local leadership “working closely with both,” Mullaney said.
