Comment

Comment by Patricia M. McBride on May 6, 2010 at 7:01pm

Bill, if you haven't joined, I started a city for city council and I really do try to post articles and information and anyone in the group can do that as well. You might wish to join the group and stay engaged. We don't have meetings to attend or anything, but a notice goes out anytime something new is posted on the group by anyone which lets you know there is something new (or at least I think that's the way it works as I get something any time there is a new post)

Comment by Patricia M. McBride on May 6, 2010 at 6:59pm

Actually, you can go to any of the city council meeting when they are doing regular business at any time except for I think 2 which are closed to the public. They will be running more town halls when it comes time for the budget and it is crucial at that time that we go in as large a numbers as we can muster because everyone who has a stake in taxpayer money will be there fighting for their money (or should I say our money). I would also say a very interesting point was made that during Mayor Peyton's term the city budget has gone up 70% which is huge.

Comment by Patricia M. McBride on May 6, 2010 at 2:47pm

That's great Gladys, but it can never hurt for them to see a few taxpayer faces sitting their in front of them. Actually, the more the better, so they know people are paying attention to what is going on.

Comment by Patricia M. McBride on May 6, 2010 at 11:05am

You can find the city budget here if you would like to take a look: http://www.myjaxbudget.com/Departments/departmentindex.aspx

Comment by Patricia M. McBride on May 6, 2010 at 11:00am

It isn't bad at all and the council members are really quite nice. You should not feel in the least intimidated or be afraid to speak up. You will have to find the building and room by asking at the information desk in the first building you come to or asking one of their security guards. Sign in and get a card to speak. Although they did not limit any of us on time at the other town hall I went to, they can limit you to 3 minutes on any one issue you wish to speak on. And yes, it would be great if many people showed up for this as you may rest assured anyone trying to protect their tax paid for pet projects will be their to explain how important it is for them to have you tax dollars even if it means having to raise taxes. Last time, we simply pointed out that unemployment in Jacksonville was 12.6% and many people today are deciding between their house payment and buying food during this recession. Things are not getting better (the size of government and number of employees thye are hiring is increasing which is making it appear the economy is getting better but the private sector really hasn't been doing that much). As we explained, it doesn't make sense to ignore the economic situation the rest of us are in and increase spending again this year with another tax increase when everyone else is tightening their belt. That kind of thing or if you want to look at their budget and find something you think they are wasting money on, you certainly can tell them what you think about anything. This mayor has also taken very good care of his family and friends and has lost millions of dollars (taxpayer dollars). There is furtile ground almost every where you look with both council ruling and the mayor and his buds.