Election Guide: Council-At-Large Group Two (Jacksonville 2011)

This guide is for Council-At-Large Group Two (Jacksonville 2011).

The four candidates and their platforms:

1) John R. Crescimbeni (Democrat)

• Served 10 years on the Jacksonville City Council where "he has never missed a regular meeting."
• "He is the only "City Council member who chooses to serve without the help of an Executive Council Assistant, thus saving taxpayers more than $70,000 each year."
• Board member of the Jacksonville Humane Society.
• Has been the "owner of the local Hickory Farms Franchise for more than three decades."
• Was against the "City's controversial $750 million no-bid landfill contract."
• Was against the "unpopular effort to expand Craig Airport."
• Member of Christ's Church in Mandarin.
• Graduated from Bolles High School, Florida Community College, and Jacksonville University.
• Supports Jacksonville Journey.
• "Fought hard against both of the mayor's recent property tax increases."
• Supports "increasing the retirement age for new hires and restructuring certain elements of the city's drop plan."
• Was against the decision to allow "Central Florida to siphon off 155 million gallons of river water each day."

Sources: http://johnforcitycouncil.com/

http://www.jaxtaxpayers.org/category/local-candidates/by-candidates/john-crescimbeni/

2) Paul Martinez (Republican)

• "Owner of Martinez Advertising Group and a Printing.com franchise."
• Supports "the efforts to land a new aircraft carrier for Naval Station Mayport."
• Advocates charter schools and the "opening of our system to the free market."
• "Endorsed by John Thrasher and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce."
• "Pro-life."
• B.A. in Marketing and Management.
• Supports a "repeal of the recent tax increase."

Sources: http://electpaulmartinez.com/index.php

http://www.news4jax.com/duval-county-elections/26915921/detail.html

3) Tom Patton (Republican)

• Has lived in Jacksonville for over 10 years.
• A "former television and radio host."
• "Backed by former Mayor John Delaney."
• Supports a "shift to the practice of zero-based budgeting, which would force entities to provide real justification for their budgetary requests."
• B.A. in Telecommunications.

Sources: http://electtompatton.com/

http://www.jaxobserver.com/2011/03/01/endorsement-tom-patton-for-city-council-group-2/

4) Vince Serrano (Republican)

• "Native of Jacksonville's West side."
• Father is an immigrant from Columbia.
• Started ASAP Towing & Storage a family business in Jacksonville.
• Graduated from Forrest High School.
• Veteran of the U.S. Army.

Sources: http://www.vinceserrano4jax.com/index.html