My next communication was going to be one where I would ask that we all send thank you notes or make calls thanking the city council members for their "no" vote on 296. We should do that and I encourage you all to take the time to let them know that we appreciate their listening to the voice of the people.

     Right now, Councilmen Gaffney and Brown need to feel our support for they are under attack. Please take action and let them know that they are not alone in this struggle. We can show them that we are there all the time not just when we "have an issue".

     The following  information was provided to me from an attorney working with a group of individuals in oppositon to 2012-296. I am withholding his name.

     "Please, we need your assistance. I am requesting a few minutes of your time to read this important request (for which some background should be helpful).

     Since the overwhelming defeat of Ordinance 2012-296 (17-2), after the Substitute was also defeated, on Wednesday of this week, Councilman Johnny Gaffney (who along with others courageously voted NO on the Substitute and Original Ordinance) has come under undue and blatant personal attacks by supporters of 296 and the media unlike no other Council member.

     One of the first tactics of the supporters that has taken place is an outright public assault on Councilman Gaffney. After a news reporter followed Dr. Gaffney down the Council’s private hallway (leaving Council chambers) pressuring him to answer questions about his vote (while Dr. Gaffney was trying to leave to travel to another commitment for which he was scheduled to attend), Dr. Gaffney has been made a prime subject of an article in today’s Times Union and is being publicly pressured by supporters of the Ordinance to “change his vote”. http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-08-16/story/jacksonville-su...

     Another Council member, Reginald Brown, who also voted NO was mentioned in the paper today, as well.

     Along with the other eight Council members who voted NO on the Substitute ANTI-FIRST AMENDMENT ORDINANCE, Councilmen Johnny Gaffney and Reginald Brown were willing to stand on the right side of this issue. These two men should be made aware that a majority of Jacksonville citizens appreciate their leadership in this vote.

     WE NEED TO IMMEDIATELY LET DR. GAFFNEY KNOW THAT HIS VOTE OF “NO” ON 296 IS APPRECIATED AND THAT HE HAS OVERWHELMING PUBLIC SUPPORT FROM THOSE WHO OPPOSED 296. ALSO, WE NEED TO LET COUNCILMAN BROWN KNOW THE SAME. (Yes, all of those members who voted to defeat the measure should be thanked, and I know many of you have already done so; however, it is imperative that Dr. Gaffney and Reginald Brown hear from us immediately.)

     Please immediately let Dr. Gaffney know that you appreciate him taking a stand and voting the way he chose to vote. Please send him a “Thank You” now! Again, it is critical that Dr. Gaffney and Councilman Brown both know that their courage and taking a stand are appreciated.

     While I know it is late in the day, after hours, and the close of the week, will you PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO CONTACT THEM AND SAY “THANK YOU”. Don’t put it off.

     An immediate Email will be great. In addition, a telephone call (even just leaving a short message) will be of added benefit. And, in addition, if many of you will write just a short note and drop it in the mail to each of them, that will be awesome (yes, “paper mail” still grabs the attention of the recipient; and , if the note is mailed today or tomorrow, it should arrive at City Hall on Monday, August 20, and I personally belief it will make a great impact).

     PLEASE, TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO LET THEM HEAR FROM YOU! If you think that you don’t have time and that “someone else will do it”, you are right, because the supporters of 296 have already been (and are continuing) doing so. And, please ask all like-minded people that you know to do the same.

1. Email each Councilman right now.
2. Call each Councilman (yes, even after hours or on the weekend, leave a message on voicemail if no one answers).
3. Write a short note and send by “snail mail”
4. Ask as many like-minded people that you know to do the same.

     LET’S HAVE THOUSANDS OF EMAILS, CALLS AND NOTES GOING TO DR. GAFFNEY AND COUNCILMAN BROWN BETWEEN NOW AND MONDAY!

Mailing Address for both Councilmen is : 117 West Duval St., Suite 425, Jacksonville, Florida 32202.

Dr. Johnny Gaffney, District 7
Phone: (904) 630-1384
Email: Gaffney@coj.net

Reginald L. Brown, District 10
Phone: (904) 630-1684
Email: RBrown@coj.net

Thank you FCTP Patriots!!!

Leanne