Lenny Curry ad touts first-term accomplishments

Lenny Curry seems to be in a good place for his upcoming re-election effort as Jacksonville Mayor.

Jacksonville on the Rise, a new local political committee designed to boost Mayor Lenny Curry‘s re-election bid, released its first ad this week: a six-figure buy.

As one would expect, the ad extols Curry’s first term accomplishments, framing them in a holistic, big picture narrative that makes the case that the mayor has kept the city safe and has instituted meaningful reforms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wQz6Lf1fII&feature=youtu.be

The ad trumpets investments in technology, such as ShotSpotter as well as the addition of 180 positions to the Sheriff’s office and 225 fire and rescue workers, a fulfillment of a campaign promise to remedy public safety staffing shortages.

Additionally, the spot mentions children’s program reforms, via Kids Hope Alliance: “a partnership with teachers and community leaders who help our children see their dreams become reality.”

The ad also discusses “balancing the budget without raising taxes  … increased transparency … and accountability” to taxpayers.

Toward the close, the spot describes the city’s reaction to the hurricanes that came through in back to back years.

“We came together as a city,” Curry says in the voice-over.

With no serious opponents yet declared (one filed Democrat raised just $600), the spot is a clear message to potential opponents, establishing a narrative that could be both difficult and expensive to counter.