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

A.G. GancarskiMarch 9, 2017

Former State Rep. Charles McBurney opened a campaign account Mar. 1 to start his race for a judgeship in Florida’s 4th Circuit. Currently, McBurney is unopposed for the 2018 election. Of course, last time the Jacksonville Republican was up for a judgeship (via gubernatorial appointment), by appointment in 2016, he faced an opponent more powerful than any […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 9, 2017

On Wednesday, Jacksonville City Councilman Aaron Bowman continued his push for the vice-presidency of the 19-person legislative body with some success. Bowman solicited pledges from Tommy Hazouri, Greg Anderson, and Sam Newby, in an attempt to break a 3-3 deadlock with his opponent, Scott Wilson. Newby was sold without little prodding, noting that while he and Bowman were on opposite […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 8, 2017

The World Affairs Council’s loss is the world stage’s gain. President Donald Trump appointed Jon Huntsman to be Ambassador to Russia on Wednesday. And for Jacksonville residents, there were hints that deal was struck hours before it went out to the media Wednesday evening. An internal email to World Affairs Council members told the tale around midday: “Jon […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 8, 2017

Even as Enterprise Florida faces the chopping block in the Florida House, Jacksonville politicians are seeking to save it while there is still time. On Wednesday, Councilmen Jim Love and Aaron Bowman met to discuss a resolution of support for the beleaguered EFI, a concept they had discussed a week prior. The salient numbers for Councilman Love: […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 8, 2017

H.R. 1294, the Reducing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acquisition Cost Growth Act, seeks to stop wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars by agencies like the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. On Wednesday, the bill — a priority of first-term Republican Rep. John Rutherford — […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 8, 2017

Though the legislative process for the expansion of Jacksonville Human Rights Ordinance is over, questions have been raised about the unique advocacy role of John Stemberger in the process. Stemberger, an Orlando attorney and head of “Florida Family Action” who also was just appointed to the Constitutional Revision Commission, registered briefly as a lobbyist on the […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 8, 2017

Wednesday saw the Jacksonville City Council’s Finance Committee pass bills related to small business microfinancing, city contractor jobs for ex-offenders, and the council travel budget for groups like the Florida League of Cities. The full council will vote on these bills Tuesday night. ____ Microfinance: 2016-486 revives the city’s Access to Capital program for Jacksonville’s Small and […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 7, 2017

Cameras will be on soon. And in Jacksonville, the police say they’re ready for their close up. However, at a no-holds-barred town hall on Tuesday night, they might have found the lighting to be a bit harsh. As the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office prepares to implement a pilot program of body cameras for officers, the JSO […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 7, 2017

The ‘Stand Up for North Florida‘ group released a television ad Tuesday, designed to call attention to what it calls “the threat of the South Florida land buy, proposed by Senators Joe Negron and Rob Bradley, to the limited conservation funding resources available to the North Florida region.” The group, which includes Rep. Jay Fant, has […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 7, 2017

In prepared remarks for his speech Tuesday, Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran again threw down the gauntlet to Senate leadership and the Governor’s office, offering an unapologetic defense of the House’s approach to state government under his watch. That said, Corcoran asserts that the House is willing to negotiate, to “come to the table, sit down and […]

A.G. Gancarski

Charles McBurney files for 4th circuit judgeship

Aaron Bowman takes lead in Jacksonville City Council VP race

To Russia with love: Jon Huntsman postpones Jacksonville speaking gig

Jacksonville City Council support for Enterprise Florida builds

John Rutherford Homeland Security spending reform bill clears U.S. House committee

John Stemberger’s Jacksonville HRO advocacy raised eyebrows in Jacksonville’s city hall

Access to Capital, ex-offender jobs, travel budget bills cleared for full Jacksonville City Council

Jacksonville police body camera discussion exposes old controversies, trust issues

‘Stand Up for North Florida’ releases TV ad criticizing Lake O land buy

Richard Corcoran: Florida House is keeping the faith with voters