Donna Deegan highlights goals as Jacksonville’s new mayor

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FLV) – Democrat Donna Deegan was sworn in as Jacksonville’s new mayor Saturday.

Jacksonville’s first woman mayor gave a near 15 minute speech, highlighting her goals over the next four years.

“Potential is a word that is often used to describe our city,” Deegan said. “Too often that potential has been left unrealized because we’ve placed the politics of fear over the bonds that unite us.”

One of her first points included investments for critical infrastructure needs for roads, drainage, and septic tanks.

She promised to “fully fund” riverfront parks and complete the Emerald Trail in Jacksonville to help “ignite downtown so people will want to invest, live and play here.”

Investing dollars into “our neglected neighborhoods” to bring “long-ignored residents into our partnership” for Jacksonville was another top goal. That on top of grasping federal dollars to “bring back our share from Washington.”

She noted Jacksonville’s poor maternal and infant mortality rates, saying her administration already fulfilled a “major campaign promise” by appointing the city’s Chief Health Officer.

Deegan also wants to streamline the process so applicants can receive a permit earlier to open a business in Jacksonville.

“Our goal, to become the small business capital of the southeast during my time in office,” Deegan said.

“From today forward, I will use every ounce of my energy to harness the power of love we share for our city to take down the walls that divide us and remove the obstacles between us, mindful that in those most stubborn places, the only way around is through,” Deegan said.