Daniel Blanchard (Downtown Parks) and I asked each of the council candidates for District 7 a few questions related to Springfield and general district interest. At the end of the questions you will find more information on the candidate and links to their website. If you have any questions for the council candidate, be sure to leave them in the comment section. I’m saying they will get answered, this isn’t Flog, but we are emailing each candidate their Q&A post once it gets published.
Aside from procedural issues like city budget, what will the the very first issue you want to attack once elected
(I will) Look at the development plan for all areas of the district and address any deficiencies, slow work, and neglected areas in the district.
What do you think of the current direction of the city, generally, and district 7 specifically.
I think that there is too much growth for the current revenue base with the growth bypassing this district. Economic development and image of district 7 needs to be improved.
Besides the murder rate, what do you think is the #1 issue in this district?
Livable wages that are tied to skilled work force being connected to good paying jobs.
What will be your legacy should you be elected to city council?
That he worked to improve life for everyone in the city even if his it meant to oppose those who were for only personal gain. The members of the district could actually see a better life and community as a result of his efforts.
How do you feel about the Metro Jacksonville plan to use existing railway lines in North Jacksonville to create a commuter rail system rather than the city’s current BRT proposal?
Based on the cost and less disruption the Metro Jacksonville plan makes more sense.
What will you do, once elected that is different from your predecessor?
I would be responsive and out in the community finding creative, different ways to get things done in the community, with the help of the community.
How do you differentiate yourself from the other candidates when it comes to Springfield?
I would push to make Main Street a different type of retail focus that would attract people from all parts of town to come and spend time and money. Currently there is no attraction to the area. Also the infrastructure needs a lot of improvement. A historic style shopping district would match the historic homes, complete with lighting to match.
What do you see as the biggest challenges to the revitalization of Oakland (East Jacksonville) and what will you do to help this struggling community?
The biggest problem is that when you ask someone what has to be in a community in order for them to live there, the list would have many things. When you look at the Oakland community the infrastructure needs to be improved, this includes physical and fiscal (local business that support the needs of the community). The community needs to be attractive for individuals to want to live in the area.
Derelict and unkempt propertied are a real problem all across district 7. How would you, as a council person, help motive absentee owners?
Be creative with property tax incentives and grants/low interest loans to encourage owners to repair their property. Also a plan to buy property and sell it to low income citizens with a focus of fixing it up and ownership similar to Habijax.
As a council person, would you support establishing a “Main St Town Center” with incentives and tax breaks for development?
There are some local businesses that need to be part of the plan and not get squeezed out with a town center. I would support a plan that would make it attractive for everyone who comes to visit or live here to be curious enough to make sure that they came to the center. The center would have to have shops and restaurants that increasingly attract individuals.
About Kenneth Arnold
courtesy of the Times-Union and the SPAR Forums
Lots of information on all district 7 candidates
Democrat
Age: 51
Previous experience in elected or appointed office: Chairman, San Mateo School advisory panel; state Task Force on Treatment Courts.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Southern Illinois University, MBA, Webster University.
Occupation: Senior director and consultant.
Family: Wife, Sharon; two daughters; son.
I am a life long resident of Jacksonville, military veteran and graduated from the public school system. I have worked in the business sector as a manager and currently work as a manager in the non-profit sector. I have a Bachelor Degree in Health Care Administration and a Master Degree in Business Administration. I have been married to my lovely wife for more than 14 years and we have 3 children. I am a faithful, working member of First Timothy Baptist Church. I have worked in the community and assisted individuals and families to build a better life for themselves for the past 16 years. I have worked in the court system helping people with behavioral and substance abuse problems regain their lives. Working with them has given me insight into how these problems affect both our community and their families. I have worked with youth as a coach, volunteered at many schools and served on school committees. These are some of the reasons why I am running for this seat. I want to continue to make a difference in people’s lives and feel I can better serve the community by working for you on the City Council.
tags: jacksonville, district 7, kenneth arnold, springfield, oakland, east jacksonville
