Jacksonville FL — Four candidates for Jacksonville Mayor debated a wide range of issues on stage Wednesday night in the Jacksonville University News 4 Jax Mayoral Debate. Some of the topics included how to prevent violent crime, improving infrastructure and the future of the Jacksonville Landing. The candidates included Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, City Council member Anna Lopez Brosche, General Contractor Omega Allen and former Atlantic Beach City Commissioner Jimmy Hill.
A recent UNF poll showed crime was the biggest issue facing the city, and preventing violent crime was the first topic that came up during the debate. Anna Lopez Brosche says in order to prevent violent crime more needs to be invested in children and neighborhoods.
“Clearly there is much more needed and we need to act fast with a sense of urgency.” Brosche says.
Meanwhile Lenny Curry says the investments in technology and more officers on the streets are starting to pay off.
“We’ve got a long way to go. There’s no celebrating, but to be clear our investments and work with law enforcement, the Sheriff and the State Attorney are beginning to work.” Curry says.
Jimmy Hill says community leaders need to be more involved and make sure they have the right resources.
“Government’s not gonna fix it, the people have to.” Hill says.
Omega Allen says more relationships need to be built between police and residents.
“When these relationships are built then you have respect, mutual respect, going between the citizens and the officers.” Allen says.
Another topic debated was what each candidate would like to see at the Jacksonville Landing site.
Omega Allen says ultimately, she believes the people should decide what the site should look like.
“I don’t believe that the Landing needs to be destroyed. I believe that it can be re-purposed.” Allen says.
Anna Lopez Brosche says she’d like to see restaurants, markets or an art scene there.
“The Landing is the home plate of our downtown.” Brosche says.
Lenny Curry says he’s proud of what the city is doing to try and improve the Landing.
“The Landing is the jewel and the front door of our city and its been sitting, rotting for years.” Curry says.
Jimmy Hill says it doesn’t matter what you have in the area, there needs to be parking.
“The crowning jewel actually, probably, is something like the Landing now that is a food court and a place for people to go downtown.” Hill says.
We have everything you need to know before the "First Unitary Election" in our Duval County Voter Guide.
If you missed the debate we have the entire exchange between the candidates below.
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