Al Ferraro hires councilmember’s wife as he needs council to waive requirements

By Michelle Vecerina

Published Jul. 19, 2023, 4:07 p.m. ET | Updated Jul. 19, 2023

Al Ferraro.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FLV) – Al Ferraro hired City Councilman Mike Gay’s wife at the same time Ferraro reportedly needs city council to waive the requirements to serve in the director of neighborhoods position.

Florida’s Voice received documentation showing Ferarro hired Meleana Gay to be his executive assistant as he was appointed by Deegan June 30 to serve as the director of neighborhoods.

Ferraro has yet to be approved by city council for the position because according to the Florida Times-Union, city ordinances say in order to serve as director of neighborhoods, the requirement is at least a bachelor’s degree, which the outlet said Ferraro does not have.

Deegan will reportedly ask city council to waive the requirement for her recently picked director of neighborhoods appointee to have a four-year college degree.

Another requirement includes five years of administrative or executive experience. Previously, city council waived a requirement for former Mayor Lenny Curry’s appointees, according to the Times.

Republican Mike Gay is now the council member of Ferraro’s former council seat, serving District 2.

Gay won the seat in May against Republican Lindsey Brock. Ferraro, a Republican mayoral candidate at the time and former District 2 city councilman, endorsed Gay.

“I have given much thought to my decision of who would be the best candidate to fill my seat in the next city council election for District 2. Integrity, honesty, strong moral compass in a person are just a few of the characteristics I wanted to see,” Ferraro said in his endorsement.

“I have worked with Mike Gay in our community for over the past year and a half. I don’t think he is somebody who can be corrupted or will shy away from having to stand up for you and me in challenging events that will affect us,” he continued.

Ferraro also reportedly owed thousands of dollars in fines to the same neighborhoods department he was appointed to serve.

Action News Jax reported they obtained records showing Ferraro was hit with 27 campaign sign violations totaling $2,635 between February and March of this year. Ferraro told the outlet those fines were officially paid.