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

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 26, 2016

Expectations going into Tuesday’s JEA Agreement meeting were that this process may be winding toward its conclusion. Winding is the operative word here. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. And it’s being filmed in slow motion. The terms by and large had been agreed to in principle weeks before, regarding JEA’s contribution floor and other […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 26, 2016

The JAX Chamber of Commerce board of directors in a prepared statement Tuesday “reaffirmed its 1992 Declaration of Community Values and urged the Jacksonville City Council to pass an all-inclusive ordinance to ensure everyone in our community has equal protection against discrimination.” “The Chamber has a long history of leading on issues of equality in […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 26, 2016

The Jacksonville Vehicles for Hire subcommittee met Tuesday for the latest skirmish between the Uber/Lyft rideshare side and traditional taxicab companies. The agenda included “a discussion of the state legislation, a look at ordinances in other cities, a discussion on enforcement of city ordinances, and an open discussion on the issue.” The big takeaway was potentially […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 26, 2016

Tuesday, the Community Affairs Committee of the Florida Senate approved Senate Bill 1652, the Discretionary Sales Surtax bill introduced by Rob Bradley and co-sponsored by Aaron Bean. The bill has its first House committee stop scheduled for Wednesday; it still has two Senate committees to go. As the meeting soldiered toward the presentation, Jax Mayor Lenny Curry could be […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 26, 2016

The Jacksonville City Council VP race continued on Tuesday, with Matt Schellenberg courting supporters. Schellenberg’s meetings: with Scott Wilson, who hadn’t already committed, and Jim Love, who had pledged to frontrunner John Crescimbeni. Wilson, chair of Land Use and Zoning and previously an aide for Don Redman, would be a key pickup. Schellenberg noted that “I don’t know if we’re compatible” […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 25, 2016

A bill by Keystone Heights Republican state Rep. Charles Van Zant that would severely restrict abortion rights passed the Criminal Justice Subcommittee Monday. The bill, among other things, “prohibits induced abortions; prohibits operation of facility for purpose of providing abortion services; prohibits termination of pregnancy unless specified conditions are met; requires informed consent; deletes exemption […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 25, 2016

Matt Schellenberg spent Monday afternoon courting support for an expected runoff scenario in the Jax Council VP race, including a scheduled meeting with Tommy Hazouri, who had already pledged to Aaron Bowman Schellenberg had already criticized Bowman, a fellow Republican, for a] running too early in his term and b] perhaps not having enough “independence” from the […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 25, 2016

In a hallway conversation Monday, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams talked about the pension surtax bill now in Tallahassee. Williams’ comments are especially noteworthy, given that his officers will be affected by whatever happens. Regarding the major sticking point, the defined contribution requirement for new employees that some in the Senate would want to see as a […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 25, 2016

As of Sunday night, Rules Chairman Matt Schellenberg had three meetings scheduled Monday to engage support for his Jax City Council VP bid. Anna Brosche was his first. Schellenberg, a second term Republican representing Mandarin and Beauclerc, had introduced at-large candidate Brosche to voters in his Mandarin district last year during the campaign, as he did Sam Newby, […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 25, 2016

Without a doubt, the most interesting Senate committee meeting of the new Florida Legislative Session for Jacksonville will occur Tuesday morning. The Committee on Community Affairs meets to consider nine bills, but it’s the sixth that should interest Jacksonville locals. The Discretionary Sales Surtax bill, introduced by Sen. Rob Bradley and co-sponsored by Sen. Aaron […]

A.G. Gancarski

JEA Agreement inches closer to resolution

Jax Chamber backs all-inclusive HRO

Jax Vehicles for Hire panel considers stiffer penalties for rogue operators

Jax pension tax bill clears Senate Community Affairs Committee

Jax Council VP candidate Matt Schellenberg hustles for votes Tuesday

Charles Van Zant abortion bill clears Criminal Justice subcommittee

Matt Schellenberg asks Tommy Hazouri for VP support

Jax Sheriff Mike Williams talks pension tax bill

Jax Council VP candidate Matt Schellenberg questions Aaron Bowman’s independence from Chamber

Senate panel to discuss Jacksonville’s pension liability surtax Tuesday