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

A.G. GancarskiDecember 2, 2016

A bill requested by the office of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry proposes to tighten definitions for what is and isn’t an academic degree. The bill, filed in the wake of a report that found would-be Neighborhoods Department head Derek Igou had a degree from an unaccredited college (thus driving his letter of resignation), seeks to tighten up […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 2, 2016

A pastor who was vocal in his opposition to expanding LGBT rights in Jacksonville is poised to become a member of the JEA Board, via recently filed legislation at the request of the mayor’s office. And in doing so, that pastor will fill the vacancy of a councilman who introduced a bill for an expanded […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 1, 2016

“Who knew what when?” That’s the question posed by Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police head Steve Zona in a two-paragraph open letter regarding the latest in Jacksonville’s police and fire pension fund drama. On Tuesday, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry expressed frustration over problems with calculations of a “waiver” from the Jacksonville PFPF that could result in an […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 1, 2016

Lake City Republican Rep. Elizabeth Porter’s House Bill 57 proposes extending current “crimes evidencing prejudice” protections to law enforcement and correctional officers. A companion bill, SB 70, has been filed in the Senate by Sen. Rene Garcia. The bills in the House and Senate both propose enhanced penalties for crimes committed against police officers, correctional officers, and first responders. […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 1, 2016

The keynote address at the First Coast Legislative Delegation meeting Thursday was delivered by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. Curry, in the manner of many stakeholders, sees a cohesive regional vision for Northeast Florida, and his pitch to Northeast Florida legislators addressed that. His message: as Jacksonville goes, so goes the region. As he said Wednesday at […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 1, 2016

Thursday saw a host of Northeast Florida stakeholders from the education, transportation, and healthcare sectors address the First Coast Legislative Delegation at Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute. Legislators from well beyond the First Coast, such as Gainesville Sen. Keith Perry, Lake City Rep. Elizabeth Porter, and Palatka Rep. Bobby Payne, are included in the delegation, which is a […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 30, 2016

Despite major turnover in the Duval County legislative delegation, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry‘s priorities are largely unchanged. Money for public safety. Money for infrastructure, such as the city’s ongoing septic tank removal project. And one big ask: Curry wants $50 million in state money for Hart Expressway ramp modifications, noting the current setup has outmoded designs and creates […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 30, 2016

HD 16 Rep. Jason Fischer wasn’t at the Duval Delegation meeting Wednesday, yet the first-term Jacksonville Republican filed a bill that will be a big talker. HB 65, dealing with Civil Remedies for Terrorism, would allow a person injured as a victim of terrorism to collect minimum damages of $1,000, along with legal fees. Those committing acts of terror, […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 30, 2016

The Duval County Legislative Delegation selected a new chair and a new vice-chair on Wednesday, during a meeting in Jacksonville. Stepping down from the chair: Mia Jones, who reminded the new members that “home is where the rubber meets the road,” and to not fall into the trap of putting state issues over local concerns. Selected […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 30, 2016

Whether or not FBI Director James Comey was actually responsible for Hillary Clinton not being elected president due to his on again/off again inquiry into her handling of classified emails is a matter of interpretation. Less subject to interpretation: Comey’s travel plans, which include a January journey to Jacksonville, just two days before the inauguration of Donald Trump. […]

A.G. Gancarski

Jacksonville to tighten controls on academic credentials for city employees

Anti-HRO pastor Fred Newbill to replace Warren Jones on JEA Board

Jacksonville FOP fires back against mayor’s office in pension flap

Police officers could be extended protections against hate crimes

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry outlines priorities to regional legislators

First Coast legislators mull education, transportation, healthcare needs

Jacksonville wants $50M to remove, replace Hart Bridge ramps at sports complex

Civil Remedies for Terrorism bill proposes recourse for terror victims

Duval Delegation elects Jay Fant new chair, Aaron Bean vice-chair

FBI director James Comey plans January journey to Jacksonville