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
The first issue I would like to attack is the economic deprivation that exists within the District. If we have a District that is healthy from an economic perspective then some of the other ills such as crime and blight, education and our overall heath can and will take care of itself.
What do you think of the current direction of the city, generally, and district 7 specifically.
I think our city is headed in the right direction for the most part. However, it is going to take committed fresh ideas to keep us moving forward. As it relates to District 7 I think we are on the cuff of something GREAT. This election will proved whether or not we are ready to take the next step.
Besides the murder rate, what do you think is the #1 issue in this district?
The number 1 problem I have identified in District 7 is economic redevelopment.
What will be your legacy should you be elected to city council?
My legacy will be that I united the entire District. People will know that I worked hard for the residents of the eastside just like I did the residents of Springfield, Metro North, Arlington and the Dunn Avenue area.
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?
I think the Metro Jacksonville plan is a no brainier. Having visited Portland, OR and used their Metro Line I thin it would be a win-win for the city and its residents. I would add that I would like to see a feasibility study on both ideas and its ultimate impact on the neighborhoods that the train would cut across.
What will you do, once elected that is different from your predecessor?
I will address each of the areas that make up District 7 (Arlington, Springfield, Eastside, Metro North, and Dunn Ave) separately. I will set an agenda of action items both socially and economically that will allow me as the council person to be accountable throughout my tenure.
How do you differentiate yourself from the other candidates when it comes to Springfield?
I see myself as different when it comes to the other candidates and Springfield because I understand that ultimately we must have a healthy core, which Springfield represents in order to have a healthy city.
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 challenge as I see it as it relates to the revitalization of Oakland is economic opportunity. If you create living wage opportunities within the area then people of the area will be able to help and sustain themselves. As the council representative I will make sure that we are a part of the collective discussion in terms of companies looking to relocate to our area.
Derelict and unkempt propertied are a real problem all across district 7. How would you, as a council person, help motive absentee owners?
Anyone who has met me knows from the very start I have advocated aggressive legislation as it relates to this matter. What I have suggested is RSC Legislation (Rent It, Sell It or Clean It), as the folks in the urban core can attest to unkept property is usually the start of criminal activity. Therefore, we must be aggressive in terms of holding property owners, in particular absentee landlords accountable for property they own in our communities. All my proposal will be asking is that property owners bring their property in line with what the “community” has identified as acceptable standards.
As a council person, would you support establishing a “Main St Town Center” with incentives and tax breaks for development?
Absolutely, this one of those other ideas that I have been extremely passionate about. We must make our entry ways (i.e. Main Street and A. Phillip Randolph) into the city viable economic corridors. Therefore, any program that spurns businesses to invest into this area I will be in favor of. A healthy entry way can only lead to a healthy and vibrant downtown.
About Irvin “Pedro” Cohen
courtesy of the Times-Union and the SPAR Forums
Lots of information on all district 7 candidates
www.irvincohen.com
Democrat
Age: 37
Previous experience in elected or appointed office: None.
Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of North Florida; MBA, Pfeiffer University.
Occupation: Directory advertising sales representative for AT&T.
Family: Single, no children.
I believe in the promise of our community. We deserve a council person, who is not only responsive to the needs of the community’s constituency, but who is prepared to go the distance to have those needs met. If we are to be prepared for success in the 21st century we need leadership that represents the absolute BEST District 7 has to offer. I hear and share many of the concerns of my fellow citizens. Therefore, I ask you to lend me not only your ear, but to lend me your collective voice and we will work to address and resolve those issues that matter most to our collective community. “I refuse to allow the possibility of failing to stop me from trying.â€
tags: tags: jacksonville, district 7, kenneth arnold, springfield, oakland, east jacksonville
