Phil Ammann
Nine candidates for the Jacksonville City Council election this spring received thumbs up from JAXBIZ, the non-partisan political action committee of the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
Christopher Hong of the Florida Times-Union reports that two endorsements are for candidates challenging incumbents, and all but one are Republicans.
JAX Chamber, in a statement on Monday, said they based selected candidates on their positions on local economic issues such as deepening the St. Johns River, downtown development and pension reform.
“The JAXBIZ board will assist candidates and elected officials that are committed to supporting economic development and a strong business climate in this region,” says a press release.
Although seven of the candidates are incumbent council members, JAXBIZ did choose two challengers: Dave Barron, facing Councilman John Crescimbeni, and Anna Brosche running for Councilwoman Kimberly Daniels’ seat.
For more than 25 years, Barron has owned a small business in Jacksonville, says his campaign website. He is also business partners in a scrap tire recycling company with Councilman Richard Clark.
A certified public accountant, Brosche is managing shareholder of Ennis Pellum CPAs.
Starting January, JAXBIX will begin interviewing each candidate for all 10 open City Council seats.
JAXBIZ endorsements:
- District 5: Lori Boyer (R)
- District 6: Matt Schellenberg (R)
- District 10: Reggie Brown (D)
- District 12: Doyle Carter (R)
- District 13: Bill Gulliford (R)
- District 14: Jim Love (R)
- At-Large Group 1: Anna Brosche (R)
- At-Large Group 2: David Barron (R)
- At-Large Group 4: Greg Anderson (R)
