Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiApril 8, 2016

FloridaPolitics.com can’t be everywhere at once. And regrettably, we were not present for the almost two hours that Jacksonville City Councilman John Crescimbeni spent with Councilman Tommy Hazouri and Councilwoman Katrina Brown. We were, however, able to hear the audio recording. And it spoke to the problems Crescimbeni is having, regarding getting over 10 pledges in his run […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 5, 2016

Beth McCague, interim executive director of the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund, addressed the Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee on Tuesday, responding to charges levied in an email from Pension Fund gadfly Curtis Lee. McCague, who has patiently borne the brunt of Lee’s criticisms since she took the role, seemed to be at the end […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 4, 2016

The Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee resumed Monday after its “fifth week” break, considering contract disparity and pension fund issues, along with a surprisingly controversial bill on human trafficking signs that was deferred after some discussion. • A presentation on investment management expenses of pension funds, including the Police and Fire Pension Fund and the […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 29, 2016

At the start of the year, I made 12 predictions for 2016 in Jacksonville politics. A fourth of the way through, revisiting them is useful. Some I got right. Some I got wrong. Some are still in progress. Predictions 1 and 2 revolved around the Human Rights Ordinance expansion, which was the issue du jour. […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 15, 2016

Jacksonville’s Chief Administrative Officer Sam Mousa on Tuesday pitched the Neighborhoods Department reorganization to Rules as a move toward “cost control and fiduciary responsibility.” “The reorganization does create a stronger focus on neighborhoods,” Mousa said, in alignment to Mayor Lenny Curry‘s vision. “Several department heads will no longer have a direct report to the mayor,” […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 1, 2016

The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee meeting was highlighted Tuesday by possibly the final disposition of Council policy on “electronic communications” during regular Council meetings between Council members and people with an interest in agenda items. During the agenda meeting before Rules, Council President Greg Anderson signaled his intention to “tweak policy” prohibiting Council members from […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 29, 2016

The Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee mulled on Monday an agenda including bills on the Bob Hayes Track Meet, JEA Agreement, increased money for JSO, and stolen property. • 2015-764, the JEA Agreement ordinance, passed Finance 6-0. Included: a floor amendment from Lori Boyer. One such sticking point: revenue from future utility businesses in which JEA […]

Melissa RossFebruary 24, 2016

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Vowing to reintroduce it “in two months,” Jacksonville City Councilman Tommy Hazouri says he’ll keep bringing back HRO legislation because it’s “simple and to the point.” “We have a human rights ordinance that covers everybody but the LGBT community, and all we’re wanting to do is include them,” he told WJCT’s First Coast Connect. “It’s […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 22, 2016

On Tuesday, the Jacksonville City Council will attempt to fix its written communications policy, and finalize its ongoing conflict with former Police and Fire Pension Fund head John Keane. The two bills will likely take up the most time in deliberation, with opportunities for both honest disagreement and tub-thumping demagoguery on both. The written communications bill, […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 17, 2016

The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee, again, addressed Bill Gulliford and his bill prohibiting Council members from texting or exchanging other written communication with lobbyists, union representatives, or members of the Council on Wednesday. As was the case two weeks ago, there was pushback, including from Council members whose verboten texts in September led to the […]

Tag: Tommy Hazouri

John Crescimbeni works to overcome trust gap in Jax Council VP race

Jax PFPF head Beth McCague addresses Rules Committee

Jax Finance Committee talks pension fund, disparity study

A.G. Gancarski: So far, so good on 2016 predictions

CAO Sam Mousa successfully pitches Neighborhoods re-org to Jax Council Rules committee

Jax City Council “tweaks policy” on electronic communications

Jax City Council Finance Committee OKs Bob Hayes, JEA, inventory control bills

Tommy Hazouri: will reintroduce HRO “in two months,” challenges Bill Gulliford to on-air debate

Jax Council to mull written communications bill, John Keane deal

Jax Council Rules Committee OKs ban on in-meeting written communications