A.G. Gancarski
Tuesday night was rough for Jacksonville City Council President Anna Brosche.
Her attempts to stall out a vote on Mayor Lenny Curry‘s children’s program reform, the Kids Hope Alliance, failed. And her allegations of Curry Administration attempts to keep the bill from public view, by having a Councilman introduce a substitute in committee earned a sharp rebuke from the Mayor.
Brosche didn’t address this Tuesday night. And in the end, Brosche ended up voting for the bill.
Despite what many in City Hall perceive as a political setback, Brosche is still Council President — and in that capacity, she addressed the Southside Business Man’s Club’s weekly luncheon Wednesday.
She was surprisingly upbeat after a marathon Council meeting. Brosche described it as a “long night” and a “challenging process,” but “we made it through.”
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Brosche took questions from the crowd — and the first was about Confederate memorials, along the lines of “where does monument removal stop.”
Brosche noted that she is focused on “monuments and markers on city property.”
“I appreciate the question where it ends — I know where mine ends,” Brosche said, noting that the most prominent local monument is the statue in Hemming Park.
A legal review from the city’s lawyers is being conducted, and Brosche expects a report soon.
Additionally, Brosche noted 500 emails and 93 public comments, as well as 50 letters and phone calls.
The feedback is split, Brosche said, and “the version of history I’ve received in all those communications runs the gamut.” As do suggestions — which include private purchase.
“It’s about what they mean to the entire community, not just one section of the community,” Brosche said, though she doesn’t “personally favor” a referendum.
“I’ve studied what it is we’ve taken to the voters in the past, and I personally have a hard time putting a vote to the majority, to decide [for the minority],” Brosche said, occasioning murmurs from the crowd.
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Brosche was also compelled to discuss the confrontation between Councilors Reggie Gaffney and Katrina Brown and police officers after a Council meeting last month.
Gaffney has issued the expected mea culpa statements for attempting to leverage his power as a Councilman to check the officers who pulled him over. However, Brown — who accused officers of racial profiling — has yet to apologize.
That point was not lost on the Fraternal Order of Police, which saw its national and state presidents in Jacksonville Tuesday night to condemn Councilwoman Brown’s accusations and unwillingness to walk them back.
“The ultimate repercussion is going to be leveled by their districts … if there is any,” Brosche said.
Brosche has requested “options” from the General Counsel, including what authority Council has, and expects them at the next Council meeting.
“The question is around censure — is it an option for Council,” Brosche said.
8 comments
Seber Newsome III
October 11, 2017 at 3:33 pm
I hope and think Mrs. Brosche realizes that if she moves the Confederate Monuments from public property, especially the one in Hemming Park, that her political career in Jacksonville will be over. One of the questions in the survey, done by nationally recognized non partisan Gravis Marketing Research Firm, asked that exact question about whether people would vote for Mrs. Brosche if she removed the monuments, 77% said NO they would not.
The idea of selling it a a private party is unbelievable. The citizens would be up in arms!! This is our history, Jacksonville’s history. And she wants to sell it. Its hard for me to believe she would even say that. And Mayor Curry, if you go along with her, your political career in Jacksonville will be over too. You will be booed everywhere you go, just like the mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu. And the city council members, if you follow Mrs. Brosche down this path, your constituents and others will boo you wherever you go in public, I know I will.
Marion
October 11, 2017 at 10:58 pm
Brosche needs to be rescinded from public office for simply antagonizing Jacksonville over the issue to begin with.
Frankie M.
October 13, 2017 at 5:12 pm
I like it when politicians put what’s best for their constituents ahead of re-election or next office. Any Joe Blow can tell people what they want to hear. It takes someone special to lay it on the line. Like her or hate her Brosche has more cojones than anyone in that building. She didn’t run to be popular. She ran to do the right thing. If that ruffles some feathers so be it. At least she will sleep well at night.
seber newsome III
October 13, 2017 at 5:59 pm
Yes, if sleeping better with her political career over is her objective, then she has won. Any city council member who goes along with Mrs. Brosche, their political career is over, including Mayor Curry. And those who are termed out, whenever their constituents see them for the rest of their lives, they will let them know what they think of them. That is what has happened to the Mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu. When every he goes out to eat, he is booed.. So, sleep better Mrs. Brosche, because your career will be over.
Barbi Martin
October 19, 2017 at 12:01 am
This is completely ABSURD!!! You are talking about Our HISTORY and HERITAGE! You’re political career is going to be coming to a screeching halt, very rapidly and what you do here and now will reflect on your dim political future. LEAVE OUR CONFEDERATE or ANY OTHER MONUMENTS ALONE!!! This is still America and part of her History.
Ralph M Reese
October 19, 2017 at 3:35 pm
I am certain that Ms. Brosche is going to pay the total costs related to the removal of these Monuments, aren’t you Ms. Brosche? I am certain that she will not respond to this!
Deborah Perez
October 19, 2017 at 7:25 pm
We are here,we are watching,we will vote you out!
Todd Thompson
October 21, 2017 at 6:24 pm
There are paintings, photos and postcards with pictures of the Hemming Park Monument in them. The monument is a big part of Jacksonville’s history.
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