None of the five candidates seeking this office received more than 50% of the vote in the March election. The top two vote-getters, Democrats Reggie Gaffney Jr. and Tameka Gaines Holly, advance to the May runoff. The race 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.
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Reggie Gaffney, Jr.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Vice President, Non Profit
Age: 37
Your family: Reggie Gaffney Sr, Dad, Rosalyn, Sister
Education: Masters in Business Administration
Political experience: Current Council Member, District 7
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
Crime is one of the most paramount issues facing our city. On City Council I’m focused on increasing funding to mental health services available to the JSO and their officers, On the economic development front, I believe we need to work with business leaders to create entry level jobs and vocational training opportunities to give young people alternatives to criminal activity.
Voters’ No. 2 issue: Affordable Housing
Our housing inventory in the City is low. Renters and first-time home buyers are struggling to live in even the most modest homes in our city. Together, we need to work with developers to identify opportunity areas to bring in or develop fresh affordable housing inventory.
Voters’ No. 3 issue: Infrastructure
I am focused on infrastructure as a Council Member. Our district is largely moving in the right direction in terms of identifying and adding new infrastructure to the City’s CIP.
From sidewalks to fire stations I remain committed to developing new infrastructure across the district. I believe we also need to ensure that resiliency is a top priority as we prepare our district for the next 100-year storm.
Beyond those three issues, what do you see as the top issue you’ll likely face while holding this office?
Confederate monuments continue to be an issue that is important to our district. At the forefront is also the revitalization of the Jacksonville waterfront and downtown.
The City also needs to seriously address mental health issues and how they are contributing to our homelessness. We can’t kick this can down the road any longer, and it needs to be addressed.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
My experience in this community since I was a boy means that I understand the needs of our friends and neighbors. There is no one else currently running for office who was engaged before, during and after office.
I am passionate about my services. It is important to always remember that the seat belongs to the taxpayer, and we are just lucky enough to have the chance to occupy it for a season.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
That I was able to improve the life of someone else, that the district is better than it was when I found it, and that I cared about those I served.
Campaign website: www.reggie4eight.com
Social media: Facebook
Tameka Gaines Holly
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Chief Operations Officer
Age: (no response)
Your family: Husband and three children
Education: Bachelor of Science - Florida A&M University; Master of Public Health - University of North Florida; Community Real Estate Development Certification - University of South Florida; Executive Master of Public Policy - Jacksonville University
Political experience: COJ Public Service Grant Council, Strategic Partnerships Steering Committee
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
I believe crime is the result of a myriad of social ills and by addressing these challenges collaboratively, we can solve our crime issue. When elected, I plan to engage the Sheriff to understand the primary needs of officers to help combat crime in our city. I will also work with the Mayor’s office and others on the City Council to provide funding to support crime prevention and intervention programs that have been proven to be effective, such as previous Jacksonville Journey programming or recommendations from the Safer Together Subcommittee. Mental health services and job training will also be a focus to help curb the issue of crime and violence in our city.
Voters’ No. 2 issue: Affordable Housing
I have served as an advocate in the affordable housing space for many years, including being certified in community real estate development from the University of South Florida and creating rental and mortgage assistance programs in our area. Affordable housing has been an issue for many in our community for years. The recent economic challenges has only exacerbated this issue. My experience has shown me the city should fund home security programs for the prevention of foreclosure, eviction, tax liens, etc. to help residents maintain stable housing. For city-owned land, the city could work directly with governmental and nonprofit entities to develop, own, and operate (non-profit) publicly owned housing, which can provide mixed-income affordable housing options below the fair market rate and enhance competition in the housing market. Home ownership programs such as first time homebuyer, down payment assistance, and gap funding could also assist citizens of Duval County obtain affordable housing. Additional subsidies and housing development incentives could be used as means to curve this growing issue, as well.
Voters’ No. 3 issue: Infrastructure
Our city is very broad and complex and our infrastructure challenges range from poor drainage, water management, septic tanks, aging bridges and roadways, and much more. Although the original Better Jacksonville Plan (BJP) and BJPII sought to address our greatest infrastructure needs, our growing city and environmental issues continues to compound our infrastructure challenges. Under the current funding mechanisms, I would advocate that we prioritize projects that directly contribute to the quality of life of our residents. Our water is an essential element to our community and should be managed, as such. As a council member, I would recommend we regularly monitor our water management systems and add additional funding, staffing, and partnerships. Another priority would be to make additional headway on the over 55-year promise of Consolidation for septic tank removal. I would work with the Mayor’s office, City Council, and JEA to continue to address all neighborhoods who desire to have septic tanks removed.
Beyond those three issues, what do you see as the top issue you’ll likely face while holding this office?
Economic development is an issue many voters have recently expressed to me. The ability to attract quality jobs to our area is at the top of mind for many residents. As a part of council, I would work with stakeholders to enhance our city’s ability to attract businesses to our area, as well as expand local businesses’ capacity to provide jobs and job advancement opportunities. I would work with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Investment Authority, Duval County Public Schools, our local colleges, and others to collaboratively create a comprehensive plan to attract businesses and new talent to our great city.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I was born and raised in Duval County, specifically in District 8, the District I seek to represent. I am thoroughly familiar with the District’s challenges and needs, but most importantly its opportunities and will serve as the consistent, competent, courageous leader with high moral character that the District deserves. I bring real-world experience and firsthand knowledge of how to effectively address social, economic, health and other great issues in our community. Therefore, voters can expect to receive an experienced and equipped leader who will advocate for all residents, which sets me apart from other candidates. Contrary to others, I will be prepared to lead on Day One.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I hope to be remembered as a servant leader who helped to reduce crime, repair aging infrastructure, bring good jobs, invest in economic development, and ultimately provide a better quality of life for residents and families in District 8 and our city.
Campaign website: votetameka.com