None of the five candidates in this race got more than 50% of the vote in the March election. The top two vote-getters, Democrat Jimmy Peluso and Republican Joseph Hogan, 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 |
Joseph Hogan
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: Home Builder
Age: 40
Your family: Lauren (wife), Sadie, Betty, Brother
Education: The streets of Jacksonville
Political experience: University of Mike Hogan, Lifetime Member
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
Ensure proper funding while being diligent to make sure that funding is being utilized for crime prevention.
Seek willing partners for community involvement.
Funding for parks/recreation to give opportunities for families and youth.
Voters’ No. 2 issue: Affordable Housing
Find creative ways to partner with builders/developers to produce affordable housing.
Land swaps and grants. Elimination of fees (impact, connection, tap fees etc) for approved projects.
Partner with suppliers and contractors to lower job costs.
Voters’ No. 3 issue: Infrastructure
Top priority. Key ingredient to successful city.
Dedicated funding. Develop a long term plan to address continual maintenance needs and improvements throughout EVERY community that will hold up through changing council/mayoral administrations.
Beyond those three issues, what do you see as the top issue you’ll likely face while holding this office?
Infrastructure / Public Safety / Parks & Rec are top three priorities of any successful city/municipality.
When these things are done well, people and business are attracted to those places.
The next step is ensuring top notch education.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I am available and approachable. I think this city belongs to all of us and not a few well connected at the top. I will be an open door at city hall.
I have grown up in Jacksonville. Attended public and private schools in town. Military for well over a decade. I can connect with people from all walks of life.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Setting Jacksonville on a path to developing a world class infrastructure. Implementing smart technologies that connect city residents and services in a seamless and efficient manner.
Campaign website: josephhoganfl.com
Social media: Facebook | Twitter
Jimmy Peluso
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Government Affairs
Age: 36
Your family: (no response)
Education: Master in Public Administration
Political experience: None
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
Our City continues to see crime numbers that are beyond startling. We need to get back into the mindset of crime prevention: providing afterschool activities, a summer jobs program, diversion programs for juvenile offenders, and the full implementation of the Jacksonville Journey program. I believe securing a dedicated funding source could assist us our City toward funding the above programs, while not affecting JSO funding at all.
Voters’ No. 2 issue: Affordable Housing
Our City requires a lot more inventory of all types of housing, and we are far behind where we should be. Changing our zoning laws to reduce single-family housing, particularly in denser areas, would be an excellent way to build higher capacity quicker. We should also engage with developers to ensure there are more properties and apartments available for those making 80% of AMI in their properties. I also believe a tenants bill of rights will reduce unsafe and inappropriate practices by landlords. Lastly, we need to discourage for-profit entities from purchasing massive amounts of homes and properties in a single area, potentially manipulating the market values.
Voters’ No. 3 issue: Infrastructure
This is a key issue in my campaign, as we still have massive needs across District 7. In several neighborhoods, some of which are hundreds of years old, we are missing curbs, sidewalks, drainage systems and lighting. Other areas still continue to use septic systems that are harming the water table and would cost families thousands to fix, as opposed to using JEA. We must also ensure we are funding the remainder of the Emerald Trail, which still requires funding for future phases; doing so will connect this city with a healthy and eco-friendly shared use path that will promote biking and outdoor activities for all.
Beyond those three issues, what do you see as the top issue you’ll likely face while holding this office?
I hope to have us address mass transit solutions for this City that actually connect our massive County. If we only build more roads and highways we will force our residents to sit in a car for vast hours in a day, increasing traffic and promoting more sprawl. By building out a rail system we can connect the main economic and residential centers of our city and provide a fast and affordable (and more eco-friendly) alternative for our residents. It could transform the way we move around this city, and will enable us to get to our destinations safely, all while taking less time to use public transit.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I believe my experience in Government Affairs and as a Naval Officer provide me with a unique qualification that others do not have. I have worked at the state and local level, and I have led policy groups within the military to find solutions to everyday problems. We need a councilmember who can start working on day 1. That person is me.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Pursuing policies that will affect the City for generations to come: Infrastructure spending, Homelessness, Parks, Economic Development, and Transportation.
Campaign website: jimmyforjax.com