None of the three candidates in this race received more than 50% of the vote in the March election. The top two vote-getters, Democrat Rahman Johnson and Republican John Draper, advance to the May runoff, which is open to all voters in the district.
News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| CANDIDATES |
John Draper
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: Signs & promotional Items retailer
Age: 65
Your family: Loretta (wife). A step daughter, a step son, three step grandsons, a step granddaughter, and a step great granddaughter.
Education: BA Economics, Stetson University
Political experience: Former City Councilman from southwest Jacksonville, 1991-1995
Over the last few months, we surveyed News4JAX Insiders to find out what they saw as the top issues facing our city, ahead of the city elections. These issues below are the top three – how would you address each one if elected?
Voters’ No. 1 issue: Crime
The city needs more police officers and fire fighters. We must increase the funding for both the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
Voters’ No. 2 issue: Affordable Housing
With proper land use planning, the city can help locate affordable housing in appropriate areas.
Voters’ No. 3 issue: Infrastructure
Increasing the funding for youth sports league facilities along with adult nature and recreation parks.
Beyond those three issues, what do you see as the top issue you’ll likely face while holding this office?
Neighborhood roads and drainage along with water and sewage lines is a priority.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I have been actively involved in many issues impacting southwest Jacksonville for the last twenty-five years. My opponents have been absent.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Helping to improve the safety of every neighborhood and enhancing the neighborhood quality of life through infrastructure improvements.
Campaign website: (no response)
Social media: Facebook
Rahman Johnson
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Professor
Age: 46
Your family: (no response)
Education: BA - Edward Waters University;
Political experience: Duval Soil and Water Conservation District 1998-2002
Over the last few months, we surveyed News4JAX Insiders to find out what they saw as the top issues facing our city, ahead of the city elections. These issues below are the top three – how would you address each one if elected?
Voters’ No. 1 issue: Crime
Since crime continues to be and almost insurmountable problem in our city, steps have to be taken to ensure that our communities are safe. One of the first things that I would do is work with the Sheriff’s office to ensure that the community is working with authorities and not against them. People have to feel comfortable working with police and that centers on education. Educating our community and officers on how they can best work together and most importantly feel and be respected will go a long way.
Voters’ No. 2 issue: Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is something that plagues many of the major cities across the country. I believe that innovative solutions have to be enacted in order to move beyond where we are. From tiny house and former rail car communities to unique pod living – we must explore all options. Most importantly we have to work toward ensuring that families here are earning a living wage for the work that they do.
Voters’ No. 3 issue: Infrastructure
It is without question that in order for a community to respect itself that it is able to see itself as a viable part of the world. That means people within the community must feel as if they are part of the fabric of the city. Right now we live in communities with a lack of viable fresh food options, communities where there are no sidewalks or places for people to pursue fitness and live healthier lives, and or issues with transportation connection to other parts of the city. I will work to enact these small changes. I believe that they will help people feel better about themselves, and allow people to live longer healthier lives. I used the word sustainable often because this vision is not something that should be a temporary fix but something that must become a consistent part of our communities. This starts with the creation of a better infrastructure for growth.
Beyond those three issues, what do you see as the top issue you’ll likely face while holding this office?
I believe that the key issues that we will deal with when it comes to my time in office will be creating a sustainable push for managed growth, ensuring a living wage for citizens, and finally laying the issue of confederate statues to rest.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
My service can benefit this community through my work as an academic, media professional and volunteer. I plan to use all of my skills to ensure that my community is well-informed and to work to protect the rights of citizens in Jacksonville. I am a fresh new voice, something others in the race or not. If we want to grow tomorrow we cannot do it looking at yesterday.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I want to be remembered for being a connector and not a divider. A leader who is focused on bringing everyone to the table so that our full potential can be reached.
Campaign website: www.rahman.vote