A.G. Gancarski, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiMarch 14, 2017

On a Tuesday agenda largely bereft of drama, the Jacksonville City Council moved bills related to microlending for small businesses, jobs for ex-offenders, and a boost for the council’s travel budget. All approvals were unanimous. ____ Microfinance: 2016-486 revives the city’s Access to Capital program for Jacksonville’s Small and Emerging Business program, allowing microfinancing from $5,000 to […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 14, 2017

Despite the election for Jacksonville City Council seats being two years away, a second candidate has jumped in to oppose incumbent Reggie Gaffney. Marc McCullough, who ran in 2011 and 2015, is running again in District 7. In 2015, McCullough drew 408 votes — good for 3.5 percent — in the first election. McCullough’s entry follows that […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 14, 2017

On Tuesday, the race to be the next president of the Jacksonville City Council tightened up, with Anna Brosche getting her fifth commitment. Meanwhile, Aaron Bowman — the frontrunner in the race for vice-president — expanded his lead over Scott Wilson. ____ On the presidential side, Matt Schellenberg pledged to support his fellow Republican, joining Sam Newby, Al Ferraro, Aaron […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 14, 2017

Legislation that could extend the concept of religious expression in public schools cleared its second and final Senate committee, and now awaits a floor vote. The “Florida Student and School Personnel and Religious Liberties Act” [SB 436], carried in the Senate by Sen. Dennis Baxley, was passed along party lines by the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. The […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 14, 2017

There is never a dull moment at a meeting of the Jacksonville City Council. On Tuesday, councilors mull microfinance, ex-offender jobs, and travel budgets. ____ Microfinance: 2016-486 revives the city’s Access to Capital program for Jacksonville’s Small and Emerging Business program, allowing microfinancing from $5,000 to $100,000 for Jacksonville’s small and emerging businesses. A sum of $932,032.65 […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 14, 2017

In February, the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund Board of Trustees balked at a Mar. 15 deadline to vote on the city’s latest pension plan. The board had worried that there would not be enough time to review the data of the new plan, which offers raises and uniformity of benefits for current employees, […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 14, 2017

Legislation that could extend the concept of religious expression in public schools will have committee hearings in the Florida House and Senate Tuesday. The “Florida Student and School Personnel and Religious Liberties Act” [HB 303 / SB 436] is being carried on the House side by Democratic Rep. Kim Daniels and the Senate side by Sen. Dennis Baxley. […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 13, 2017

On Monday, the Florida House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee approved the House version of a bill intended to crack down on so-called “sanctuary cities” in the Sunshine State, over the objections of Democrats and committee members on myriad grounds. It is the first of three committee stops for HB 697, sponsored by Republican Rep. Larry […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 13, 2017

On Monday, another Jacksonville union — the correctional officers — overwhelmingly approved the pension deal on offer from the city. Of sergeants/lieutenants/captains, 88.8 percent voted in favor of the deal; the raw tally was 72 to 9. Of officers, 87.53 percent voted in favor of the deal, with 12.16 percent against; the raw tally was […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 13, 2017

As we previewed last week, Jacksonville City Councilman Tommy Hazouri is looking to implement the next phase of the city’s response to human trafficking. In 2016, the city began a response, with awareness signs posted in strip clubs and massage parlors. However, Hazouri believes more can be done — and on Monday, the veteran pol met […]

A.G. Gancarski

Jacksonville City Council moves microlending, ex-offender jobs, travel budget bills

Reggie Gaffney draws second challenger for Jacksonville City Council

Anna Brosche, Aaron Bowman gain support in bids for Jacksonville council leadership

‘Religious expression in public schools’ ready for full Senate vote

Jacksonville City Council contemplates crowded agenda Tuesday

Jacksonville PFPF expected to vote on pension deal Friday

Religious expression legislation slated for Tuesday committees in House, Senate

Bill cracking down on sanctuary cities clears Florida House committee

Jacksonville corrections officers overwhelmingly approve pension deal

Jacksonville leaders move on human trafficking, an ‘industry without borders’