Peter Schorsch
The Jacksonville area sees two races for the United States Congress that are competitive, at least in theory.
In reality? They are more like political homecoming games.
Except, as far as we know, opponents aren’t being paid to come in and lose.
In Florida’s 4th Congressional District, Republican John Rutherford battles Democrat David Bruderly on the November ballot. The winner will replace outgoing Congressman Ander Crenshaw.
And in CD 5, Democrat Al Lawson has to dispatch Republican Glo Smith, with the winner replacing Rep. Corrine Brown, who was sent packing in the August primary by Lawson.
Two open seats. No drama at all.
A big part of the story can be told through October’s quarterly fundraising reports.
In CD 4, Rutherford has raised, in total, upward of $616K; of that, the former Jacksonville sheriff has just north of $31K on hand.
Bruderly? He hasn’t bothered reporting for October yet. Bruderly was late for the pre-primary report as well. It doesn’t matter much. He’s running the campaign out of his own pocket, or that’s how it looks on the outside.
In the CD 5 race, the same scenario is in play, with the party labels flipped.
The Democrat is running a real campaign; the Republican is not.
As of the October quarterly report, Lawson had $79,309 on hand.
Lawson’s $79,309 is well ahead of the cash-on-hand of his GOP opponent, Glo Smith, who had $11,908 on hand (as of the same report) and had little to show for that spend other than a few billboards.
Bruderly isn’t going to get a debate with Rutherford, try as he might.
Meanwhile, Smith got one shot at Lawson last week, in a non-televised debate in Jacksonville.
The debate was held outside the district; beyond this outlet, media didn’t bother to cover it.
And that may be just as well.
Neither Smith nor Lawson seemed particularly clued into issues.
Lawson expressed interest in dredging Jacksonville’s river for port expansion. After all, he said, the city has to compete with the port … in Charlotte.
Lawson also wants to expand Jacksonville’s “fleet system” … to avoid a potential Pearl Harbor attack.
Banzai?
Smith, too, cares about expanding the military, as Jacksonville is positioned for a “terror attack.”
“China, Iran, Japan … they’re equipping their people,” Smith said.
The prospect of demographically-cursed Japan launching an expansionist war on the Eastern Seaboard could be the most ridiculous trope of a silly debate, where the Republican served up crowd-pleasing talking points while the Democrat attempted to sound as Republican-lite as possible.
Smith’s partisans say she “won” the debate. In reality, it doesn’t matter.
Lawson will win in November by roughly 20 points; Rutherford, by nearly 40.
If this were college sports, these races would be like homecoming games.
In the intricately gerrymandered world of Northeast Florida politics, this is simply business as usual.
“Fundraising slowed in NE Florida as Hurricane Matthew approached” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics – In House District 11, which includes the hard-hit areas of Jacksonville Beach and Nassau County, Republican Cord Byrd raised $2,000 from two PACs: the Florida Conservative Alliance and the Beer Distributors Committee. In House District 12, Clay Yarborough faces a similar scenario: a heavily Republican district, no Democratic opponent and a write-in still on the ballot. Yarborough raised nothing in the first week of October; he spent $563.30, including $500 to a consultant and $40 to reimburse himself for campaign supplies and gas. Yarborough’s campaign account is actually in the red by $328. In HD 16, Republican Jason Fischer, who likewise faces a write-in in a heavily Republican district, raised $1,500 Oct. 7, the day the hurricane came through Jacksonville. The most interesting donation: $250 from the First Coast Manufacturers’ Association, which backed Fischer’s opponent, Dick Kravitz, in the primary. In HD 19, Travis Cummings reported raising $1,500, in three $500 checks from Kraft-Heinz, T-Mobile, and the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association. Meanwhile, candidates in two other state house races simply filed W’s for the first week of October. House District 14 Democrat Kim Daniels reported no financial activity between Oct. 1 and 7. Daniels, a former Jacksonville city councilwoman running in a heavily Democratic district, faces a Republican challenger who appears unlikely to get meaningful traction. The same held true for incumbent Republican Jay Fant in HD 15. Fant, running against a write-in, currently has an ad on Jacksonville television.
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“Must-read – ’48 hours on the brink’: Hurricane Matthew tests Jacksonville and its Mayor” via Nate Monroe of the Florida Times-Union – It’s useful to note how the city of Jacksonville dealt with the prelude and the aftermath of the storm … Mayor Lenny Curry has been adamant about storm preparation since he came into office; even for storms that didn’t have their eyes come anywhere near Jacksonville, Curry and his team activated the Emergency Operations Center, mindful that even with feeder bands for tropical systems, there could be real damage – flooding, downed power lines and so on.
Jacksonville, historically, has felt insulated from tropical systems; the line is always “they never come here.” Matthew was different. Curry and his team knew that … Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham walking through his house, after an evacuation order was issued for the beaches, thinking “that was the last time I’d ever see it.”
Curry, describing the loneliness of leading: “I like it, but it’s not easy, and it’s incredibly lonely. Being a leader is a very lonely position. This event just made me believe it even more deeply.”
The ultimate illustration of the burdens of leadership that Monroe documents; Curry weighing the decision of the evacuation order … the type of decision that has made Jacksonville residents feel burned in the past, when the storm didn’t quite hit.
“When Curry was weighing whether he needed to expand his evacuation order Thursday, he called Scott. ‘He didn’t even flinch. He said ‘Go, send them,’ Curry said.”
“JEA Board meets; Mayor Lenny Curry will be there” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics – For most of the last year, the JEA — Jacksonville’s municipal utility — had benefited from positive news cycles. In the fall of 2015, Curry requested the resignation of JEA board members. The source of Curry’s ire were scripted comments in a board meeting related to a pay hike and contract extension for CEO Paul McElroy. This collusion incensed Curry and his chief lieutenants, who felt the board had become “puppets” of the chief executive. Curry reshaped the board according to his own vision, and the move paid off. The JEA Agreement was struck between the utility and the city, good through 2021. The utility’s bond rating was hiked to AAA, after a successful trip to New York for Curry and JEA higher-ups. Through Oct. 7, things were rosy for JEA and the board. Then Hurricane Matthew happened. The utility made the fateful unilateral decision to promise all power restoration issues would be resolved by Monday at 11:59 p.m. As of 4 p.m. Friday, less than 1,000 people were still without power and the extended restoration process elicited pique. The heat could be brought to a harder boil at the JEA’s noon board meeting. Though the agenda doesn’t include any direct discussion of the storm, it almost seems inevitable the post-Matthew JEA will be discussed. And Curry will be attending that meeting on the 19th floor of the JEA Building.
“FEMA officials touring damaged areas in Duval County” via Action News Jax – Federal disaster relief agents will be in Duval County as it continues to tour storm-damaged areas in Northeast Florida … inspecting the damage and will make recommendations for federal relief. FEMA said there are some steps people can take now before crews show up. Officials are asking residents to take the time to clean up debris, seaweed and boards that are lining our coastline. Hundreds of volunteers spent the weekend cleaning up some of the damage left behind. President Barack Obama made some funding available for Florida after Hurricane Matthew. However, the partial declaration does not include individual assistance. Many representatives [said] people need the Individual Assistance Declaration to provide temporary housing for displaced families or loans for small businesses.
“Rick Scott visits St. Augustine to boost tourism after Matthew” via Ashley Harding of News 4 Jax – “People are afraid to come down here,” Pizzalley’s Restaurant manager Jared Rice said. “We want them to come out. Ninety percent of the businesses are open, you know? Even if you guys aren’t coming here, come down, hang out, spend your money, please. These businesses need it.” [Scott] visited the Castillo De San Marcos and addressed the media. The fort was closed for several days after the storm but reopened Oct. 12. “We have people hurting, but we are open for business,” Scott said. St. Johns County was one of the hardest hit areas from Hurricane Matthew, suffering billions of dollars in damage, but Scott announced that 250 tourism businesses are back up and running after the storm, and they want visitors to take advantage. Turning things around after Hurricane Matthew is Scott’s ultimate goal, and he’s encouraging citizens to visit the area’s beaches and business to take the recovery effort to the next level. One monument that still remains closed until further notice is the Fort Matanzas National Monument. Residential and commercial properties took a hard hit, too. Real estate data from CoreLogic estimated that insured losses could be between $4 billion and $6 billion and are still growing.
“St. Augustine leaders are calling for federal aid” via Steven Dial of WTLV – The St. Augustine City Manager is calling for President Obama to sign an Individual Assistance Declaration. The piles of people’s belongings continue to grow larger in St. Augustine and across northeast Florida. It’s been more than a week since hurricane Mathew swept across the area and city leaders say president Obama needs to take action. “We have people that are living in homes that are flooded. People that are sitting on wet couches and in environments that are not safe,” said St. Augustine City Manager John Regan. Regan says places in North Carolina have already received this assistance and he is demanding his city and others on the First Coast get the same help. “Our optics are the same as North Carolina. We need help. We need an IA declaration now.”
“Backup generator recycled and rebuilt by JAXPORT employees keeps information flowing during Matthew” – A backup power generator made of recycled crane components successfully completed its first real world exercise during Hurricane Matthew, keeping JAXPORT’s main office near downtown Jacksonville connected with tenants, customers, employees and the community during the storm’s power outages. The generator was constructed by JAXPORT terminal personnel using surplus crane parts, including an engine and electrical generator. The unit, housed in a recycled shipping container, is capable of providing the port with 30,000 continuous hours of backup power. JAXPORT’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal Equipment Manager Dave Barber led the rebuild project. “Thanks to the hard work and commitment of our personnel, JAXPORT was well-prepared to meet the needs of our customers during the storm,” Barber said. The rebuilt generator allowed JAXPORT to provide continuous updates via www.jaxport.com to cargo customers, shippers and other port partners around the world during the height and immediate aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.
“Jacksonville barbershop turns voter registration hub” via News4Jax.com – Jacksonville African-American leaders gathered at the Vixen Beauty Suites barbershop to register voters for this year’s upcoming general election. With the new voter registration deadline approaching … leaders in the African-American community are coming together to get more people to participate in the political process. “Your ability to vote exercises your right to freedom of speech and your contribution to democracy and we have come a long way through the years,” Tony Hill, a former state senator and state house representative, said. “Don’t waste your rights. Allow your voice to be heard and get registered today. It’s time for us to do the three Ts: Tune in, turn on and turn out.” Jacksonville City Councilman Garrett Dennis said voter turnout is essential to addresses systemic injustices for future generations.
“Sale of Jacksonville HUD properties making progress, says mayor’s office” via AG Gancarski of Florida Politics – Lenny Curry and senior staffers had another meeting this week with the potential buyer for some of the city’s most beleaguered HUD properties, and it went well, says the mayor’s office. In September, Curry confirmed the interest of Millennia Housing Management of Cleveland, Ohio, —which has specialized in the low-income housing market for over two decades — in acquiring properties owned by Global Ministries Foundation. Those properties had, especially in the last year, gotten national scrutiny for being in disrepair, with issues ranging from propertywide gas leaks to mold infestations and structural damage that compromised safety. Curry’s office says the meeting was productive, and it seems the deal is moving toward completion. Millennia … is “finalizing purchase and sale agreement now with hopes to be in due diligence period soon.” The due diligence period allows the potential buyer to do a final review of the portfolio of properties it is acquiring. One issue with GMF’s ownership of properties such as Eureka Garden, Washington Heights, and Cleveland Arms was the insufficient capital committed to rehab; roughly $3,000 a unit, for rental apartments approaching half a century old.
“Cord Byrd is hiring” – In preparation for opening Byrd’s legislative offices in November in Jacksonville Beach and Yulee, he is seeking candidates for district executive secretary. Qualified candidates possess excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills plus an interest in public service/government/politics … Minimum 50 WPM typing skills, two years of clerical experience (or 60 semester hours of college education) and proficiency in Word are required. Applicants who reside in District 11 will receive preference, but others are encouraged to apply. Send resumes to [email protected].
“School Board chair who sought Nikolai Vitti’s resignation is millionaire trying to help disadvantaged students” via Denise Smith Amos of the Florida Times-Union – Duval County School Board Chairwoman Ashley Smith Juarez shocked many people last month when she privately asked for Superintendent Vitti’s resignation. Over her four years on the Board, Smith Juarez publicly supported Vitti’s proposals most of the time. Often in Board conflicts, hers was a calm voice urging Vitti and the board toward consensus. Now, even after her resignation suggestion, Smith Juarez, is not widely considered to be impulsive. Friends, colleagues and even some detractors say she is usually conscientious, deliberate and thorough. She studies the issues and analyzes data if it’s available before she makes decisions. She usually seeks input, said Darnell Smith, Florida Blue’s market president for North Florida and a colleague on community projects. This time with Vitti seems different. “I was surprised she was willing to take a stance and to go in a direction no one else was willing to go,” Smith said. “A leader would take input and if there’s a better path forward … you want to try to follow it. I was a little surprised that it had gotten to that point.” That point was an ultimatum.
“Keynote speaker announced for 2017 JAXPORT Logistics & Intermodal Conference” – Seven-time Olympic medalist Shannon Miller will serve as the keynote speaker for JAXPORT’s biennial Logistics & Intermodal Conference. The conference will be held March 20-22, 2017 at the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine … Miller remains the most decorated Olympic gymnast, male or female, in United States history. Now president of Shannon Miller Lifestyle, a company focused on health and well-being, Miller strives to inspire and motivate others. Her keynote presentation is designed to energize the senior level logistics and transportation executives attending the JAXPORT Conference, and will demonstrate how a gold medal mindset can lead to victory in the marketplace and the boardroom, as well as enhance personal success. To register for the conference, visit www.jaxportconference.com. For sponsorship information, contact Karen Crawford of CMC & Associates at (888) 320-6129 or [email protected].
“Happening tomorrow: National Seafood Month celebration” – State Sen. Audrey Gibson and Seafood Nutrition Partnership will celebrate National Seafood Month with over 150 seniors at Mary Singleton Senior Center, 150 E. 1st St. in Jacksonville. Event begins 11:45 a.m.; for further information, contact John Finotti of Tucker/Hall at 904-493-5006 (office), 904-891-3867 (mobile) or [email protected].
“Microbreweries fight for the right to exist in Springfield” via Christopher Hong of the Florida Times-Union – While Jacksonville’s local craft beer industry continues to flourish, several entrepreneurs faced difficulties opening breweries near the city’s urban core because of a decades-old law that bans alcohol sales near churches or schools. Unique, historic buildings and the prospect of moving into up-and-coming neighborhoods, like Springfield and New Town, attracted microbreweries to areas near downtown. The establishments brew craft beer and run tap rooms, where patrons can buy beer to take home or drink it on-site. But many of those same areas are home to a number of churches, creating a large swath of land shielded by the city’s prohibition of alcohol sales within 1,500 feet of a church or school. Business owners can apply for a waiver to the rule, and the city has been lenient allowing breweries to open near churches. Still, neighboring churches and council members who oppose the breweries have tried to run interference.
“Jaguars simply have to play better” via Gary Shelton – They have won two straight games, but the Jacksonville Jags know they have to play much better.
A day after the 17-16 victory over the Chicago Bears, Jags’ coach Gus Bradley talked about a litany of things that have to be better.
For instance:
The running game.
Blake Bortles.
The offensive line.
And all of that’s after a victory. But as a team, the Jags remain a work in progress. Winning is good, yes, but it doesn’t forgive everything.
“I can’t argue with the run game,” Bradley said. “It’s not coming along. Sometimes, you see it, and some of the same things are popping up. It all comes back to, why aren’t we playing fast? It doesn’t look to me that, when we’re out there, the offensive line, tight ends and everybody, we’re executing. It comes down to execution, technique, but there’s just not a certain speed or urgency in our play. Whether it’s too complicated, something is holding us back from playing as aggressively as we need to in the run game. That’s where our attention is now. How do we get this fixed?”
That running game is 31st in the NFL. Coming into the season, the Jags thought they would be much better.
“It’s hard,” Bradley said. “Sometimes you’re searching for answers, and you go, there it is. Sometimes you might not find the truth, but the journey to find the truth. You keep having conversations, hey, that’s the answer? Well, what happened on the first series? We moved the ball well, and we huddled, and we took our time, and we come out, and we had great execution. What is the answer? It is no-huddle? Is it something within both segments that’s showing up as consistent? I think that’s what we’re looking at to see maybe, hey, we had the first 15 plays scripted, and the guys really know those plays and they’re on it and execute them really well.”
Bradley said that quarterback Bortles played well against the Bears.
“I thought he played pretty well,” Bradley said. “When you see him, especially in that situation where it was no huddle I thought he played pretty well in that area. The fumble, he has to take care of the ball in that situation. Overall play, I know there were some drops that took place. I don’t look at his performance and go, ‘Boy he is really struggling, or he is really frustrated.’ I don’t see that. I thought we were down in the game and he brought us back as the leader of the offense. We only had limited possessions, and we scored on those three possessions. Pretty good.”
Bradley did admit the offensive line needed to play with more urgency.
“I think that is the discussion for all of us. We are taking a look at it,” Bradley said. “I think you look at, first, how are we coming off the ball? You look at double teams and are we getting movement on double teams? On the zone scheme, are we targeting correctly? Sometimes when you do a zone scheme if you are not targeting correctly – why aren’t we? What are the factors that are keeping us from targeting? Double teams – what is keeping us from double teaming? Is there some uncertainty there or what is it that is keeping us from being aggressive? I think those are the factors we are looking at right now.”
One aspect of the game Bradley was pleased with was the play of rookie Jalen Ramsey in the second half.
“I think in the second half, he told me, he felt some of the talk at halftime was directed at him,” Bradley said. “It wasn’t. I didn’t mean for him to take it personal, but he said you know what, he continues to challenge himself. He played that way in the first half. He’s a very talented receiver, and I go back to what we’re asking Jalen to do in that game. He’s learning. It’s his fifth game in the NFL. He’ll continue to learn. Just like he did from the first half to the second half. Hopefully, he takes it into the next game.”
