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Local Elections
Tuesday, March 06, 2007 By: Juan Paxety

What will City Council candidates do to reduce government?

It's local election time here in Jacksonville/Duval County with early voting already underway and the election set for March 20th. I have one city council at large election to vote in, and I don't know who to vote for. I have a choice between Bob Harms (D), a former educator and present owner of a mortgage company, Jay Jabour (R), a clothing store owner who has served on numerous government boards, and Theresa Graham (R), a realtor. Yes, there are both Democrats and Republicans - we have unified city elections.

Not seeing anything but the usual pablum in their ballot statements and on their websites, I sent each candidate the following email:

Dear XXX,
I am a voter in your district and have read your ballot statement and viewed your website. I don't see a question I think important addressed - What will you do to reduce the interference of government in the lives of the citizens, reduce public spending, and lower taxes for everyone. In other words, what will you do to get government off my back and out of my pocketbook?

Thanks,
Juan

Let's see if we get a reply. I'll post whatever I receive.

Update - Received two answers - first from Jay Jabour:

I am a small businessman and a fiscal conservative.All of my decisions will be based on what I have experienced and to be honest government is too involved in our day to day lives.I would like your support and if you want to talk about your experiences with government please call xxx-xxxx. Thank You, Jay (I removed the phone number as I don't see the need to publish it - ed.)

And minutes later from Theresa Graham:

Your right government seems to be taking a big supply of our money these days with property taxes, income taxes, and sales taxes. In Jacksonville their was voted on and passed a voter approved tax cap to stop raising property taxes. This was not kept by Mayor John Peyton. I as a city council person will not vote for any increases on property taxes. Also I will not vote for unnecessary spending within our city. I am not for more government. I stand for keeping the government out of my pocketbook! I want to be a voice for the people. I ask for your vote. Have a great day!

Theresa Graham

That's the two Republicans - will the Democrat answer?