Jacksonville mayoral candidates debate less than two weeks from election

Lydia Nusbaum contributed to this report.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FLV) – Seven Jacksonville mayoral candidates attended a debate Wednesday evening less than two weeks from election. 

The candidates at the debate included Daniel Davis, LeAnna Cumber, Al Ferraro, Donna Deegan, Frank Keasler, Audrey Gibson and Omega Allen. 

The debate was in a partnership with News4Jax and JU’s Public Policy Institute. 

Candidates were asked questions such as how they would tackle crime, whether they would raise taxes for a possible Jaguar stadium renovation, and how they would encourage business development. 

Candidates were asked how they would tackle crime in the city. 

Davis noted his endorsements from Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters and the Fraternal Order of Police. He said their endorsements are because they believe he will be the “best partner with them to help reduce crime.”

Davis also talked about previously leading the charge when he was on city council to add 100 new police officers to the streets. He wants to “re-implement” that and continue to add more police officers to the streets.

“I look forward to this opportunity to reevaluate how we’re spending our money and make sure we get more officers in the high crime area,” Davis said.

Cumber said Jacksonville needs to “start addressing crime proactively” by making sure the sheriff’s office is “fully funded,” and getting the “education level up.” She also mentioned that on city council she proposed a “landmark” sex trafficking bill.

“And the sheriff’s office will be enforcing that immediately,” Cumber said. “The reality of it is we need to get our education level up. We have a 47% third grade reading level, we cannot reduce crime if our children can’t read.”

Deegan said while she is “all for adding additional officers,” she emphasized the need for tackling the “underlying causes” of crime such as food deserts and literacy.

“I’d love to see us look at a community policing model, that’s up to the sheriff. But for me, most of those levers are economic and I think we should bring a several pronged approach and get underneath these causes of crime,” Deegan said.

Ferraro said the city has the ability to add at least 250 more police officers “without raising taxes” because of the development happening in Jacksonville. The candidate said some people are afraid to speak up about crime because they are afraid of retaliation. He wants to “break the code of silence.”

“My number one priority is public safety and those are the things I’m going to work on to get us safe,” Ferraro said.

The moderator asked the candidates about business development and what they will do to make downtown Jacksonville more vibrant.

Davis said it would be a priority of his to “make sure that we have a great city.” He said it’s important to attract talent to “activate” Jacksonville’s riverfront. He thinks rooftops are what causes retail and restaurants to thrive and make downtown more vibrant.

“We can’t have a great city without a great downtown. And it would be a priority of mine to make sure that we have a great city,” Davis said.

Cumber said Jacksonville has made it “exceedingly difficult” to develop or open small businesses. She said “we have to completely revamp” the permitting system and fix the procurement code.

“If we’re serious about getting downtown moving, then we need to make it the easiest, not the hardest place to develop,” Cumber said.

Deegan said she is “excited” to open up Jacksonville’s riverfront. She said Jacksonville needs to be successful to “provide the commercial dollars” for it to invest in other “underserved neighborhoods.”

“We need to bring people of every economic type downtown, it can’t just be for the rich folks [….] And in my vision for Jacksonville, downtown will absolutely be a centerpiece,” Deegan said.

Candidates also had the chance to provide their opening statements during the debate. 

Davis began by talking about his career and history as the president and CEO of Jax Chamber, former Jacksonville city council president, and former state representative.

“My opportunity to serve you is going to be the greatest thing that we’ve ever had,” Davis said.

Cumber started her opening statement talking about her career and history as a former teacher, lawyer, and owning an infrastructure financing firm. She said Jacksonville needs to “finally break through its potential.”

“This city should be the safest, most vibrant, most educated city in the southeast and that’s why I’m running,” Cumber said.

Deegan opened by talking about her 25 years of experience as a news reporter and said she “loves” Jacksonville and wants it “to work for everyone, not just a select few.”

“I am ready to build a city with you, a unified, resilient city where our kids will want to stay and raise their children,” Deegan said.