A.G. Gancarski
The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee was the second panel to vote Tuesday on withdrawing a bill seeking a November 2019 tax referendum.
Instead, they moved the bill — unlike the Finance Committee, with Chair Joyce Morgan deciding the 3-4 vote against the motion.
The Rules Committee voted for the bill to make the 2019 ballot.
It was a stunning rebuke to the priorities of Mayor Lenny Curry, who wants a 2020 vote, with charter carveouts.
Initially, it looked as if it would go the Mayor’s way.
Republican Rory Diamond pushed for withdrawal, seeking a “clean bill” from the Board after dialogue between members of the two legislative bodies. Republican Sam Newby went along with that. As did his new colleague, Republican Randy DeFoor.
All of them are Curry allies.
However, not everyone was ready to drop the tax vote. And the committee went its own way.
Republican Matt Carlucci couldn’t let go of the dream, saying “different committee reports” would make the Council floor discussion even more of a “jambalaya” than it might be otherwise. But the robust debate would be worth it.
Others, including Republican Michael Boylan, Democrat Brenda Priestly-Jackson and the chair were with him.
Immediately after the withdrawal motion failed, an emboldened Carlucci moved the bill forward.
He had some support.
Republican Michael Boylan said there had to be a good political effort to “make sure it’s a successful referendum.”
Priestly-Jackson was the third vote. She warned the School Board that it’s on them to sell the tax — should this go to the ballot —and raised doubts about the “level of engagement” demonstrated thus far.
5 comments
Frankie M.
August 20, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Nobody asked BPJ or anyone on the council to sell this plan to the public. The school board just asked them to do their jobs and put it on the ballot. All these armchair qbs on the city council when it comes to school board matters. Know your role. Stay in your lane. You don’t see the school board out there debating the merits of privatizing JEA, do you?
Frankie M.
August 20, 2019 at 5:39 pm
Why would school board cave on a carve out for a bunch of rich old white men? They have Hank Coxe and a Clay County ruling on their side. If it doesn’t get through next week take it to court. Council seems hell bent on stalling til next year anyway. They know the OGC opinion won’t hold up under scrutiny. They just want to kill the clock on this year.
Sonja Fitch
August 20, 2019 at 9:29 pm
Looting Lenny and his ca are in to control money and power! Stay on your lane city council as if everything is sooo perfect in .JVille. Sheriff Williams has no commanding abilities.3 rogue JSO cops committed domestic terrorism for a “friend” in Jacksonville Beach. IA says 3 rogue JSO cops disciplined??? No 3 rogue JSO cops took law into their hands for a friend. The 3 rogue JSO cops are domestic terrorists. Lock em up sheriff! Wait Lenny said he told themso it’s ok lol lol?!?!
Seber Newsome III
August 22, 2019 at 11:49 am
I say NO to a tax to the schools. They do not even want students to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. There are alot of military veterans and families in Jacksonville. It will never pass. If it even goes to a vote, make it 2020.
Frankie M.
August 22, 2019 at 4:24 pm
I’m with Seber on this one. I don’t negotiate with terrorists like Gary Chartrand. Vote NO on the sales tax referendum.
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