Jacksonville candidates discuss priorities on election day

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FLV) – Republican Jacksonville mayoral and city council candidates gave their elevator pitches as residents vote in Tuesday’s election.

If candidates do not receive more than 50% of the vote, the top two will compete in a May election.

Republican mayoral candidate Daniel Davis spoke with Florida’s Voice about some of his priorities, which include repurposing the money that is “wasted” in city hall.

“That means more police officers, that means better infrastructure, better neighborhoods,” Davis said. “I cannot wait.”

Davis has served as the president and CEO of Jax Chamber since 2013 with an emphasis on promoting business-friendly policies.

He was previously the executive director of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. It is Florida’s largest local membership trade association representing the building and construction industry in Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties.

Davis also served on the Jacksonville city council and served four years in the State House of Representatives.

Davis said local elections are “critical” and the mayor’s race is going to “set the stage” for the next eight years in Jacksonville.

“I believe I’m the right person to be able to do that. We have to bring the right personality, the right experience, and I’ve got that opportunity for Jacksonville,” Davis said.

Republican candidates for Jacksonville mayor include Daniel Davis, LeAnna Cumber, Al Ferraro and Frank Keasler. Democrat candidates include Donna Deegan and Audrey Gibson. Omega Allen and Brian Griffin are not affiliated with a party.

Full list of Duval County candidates in 2023 election

Republican Ken Amaro is running for city council district 1. He is a retired journalist who previously served WTLV as a reporter for First Coast News for more than 40 years.

Florida’s Voice asked Amaro how his 40 years of covering the community might set him up for success.

Amaro said he knows what the community needs are and that he believes he would bring the “experience of listening to the folks.”

“So I think I bring that compassion, that listening ear, that voice for the voiceless to city hall and that’s why I’m in the race, I think I can make a difference,” Amaro said.

Amaro said two of his top priorities, if elected to city council, would be infrastructure and public safety.

“I know that sounds cliché, but I’ve lived here more than four decades, I’ve seen how the neighborhood has changed,” Amaro said.

Amaro is running against Democrat Alton McGriff for city council district 1.

Republican City Council President Terrance Freeman, who is running for city council at-large group 2, said the council has had “smart, common sense, conservative principles.”

“Biggest thing is keeping our city moving in a direction that’s gonna make it great not only today, but great for the generations to come,” Freeman said.

Freeman talked about his priorities going forward.

“The biggest thing is managing the city budget like we do at home, we want to make sure that we’re not spending more than we’re bringing in,” Freeman said.

Freeman’s other priorities, he said, are supporting law enforcement and keeping citizens safe.

“It’s government’s number one job is to keep our citizens safe. And to getting Sheriff Waters in, making sure that our first responders, the men and women who run to the fight when everyone else is running from it, making sure they have the technology needed in today’s times to keep us safe,” Freeman said.

Freeman is running against Eric Parker, who is a part of the Libertarian Party of Florida, for city council at-large group 2.

Republican Councilmember Nick Howland currently holds a seat for city council at-large group 3 and told Florida’s Voice it is a “huge day” for Republicans.

Republicans currently hold the supermajority on the council.

He said Republicans have a chance to hold the supermajority if Republicans “come out and vote.”

“Everyone’s got to come out and vote. Republicans, show up at your precinct today. We can do this today,” Howland said.

Howland said he thinks Davis is going to have a “strong showing for mayor today.”

He said he believes City Council President Terrance Freeman, who is running for city council at large group 2, is going to win.

“But again, for all those races we need strong Republican turnouts,” Howland said.