Name: Chief (Ret.) Carson Tranquille
Family: Husband, Father, and Grandfather
Occupation: Ret. Law enforcement – Real estate professional (Realtor)
Political/Government experience:
- 15 years as a political appointee of two sheriffs (interacted with city government officials regularly)
- Assisted in the political campaigns of several candidates (I.e. John Rutherford, Retired Judge Senterfitt, etc.)
- Attended City Council meetings for 2.5 years the Sheriff's representative at the meetings
Years lived in Jacksonville: 30 + years
Campaign website: www.votechiefcarson.com
Why did you decide to run for office: For many years, I felt that after I retire from law enforcement, I needed to stay involved in the community and to continue to give back. I needed to continue to serve and to address the crime issue in Jacksonville by addressing the root cause; and that can be done more effectively and efficiently as a councilmember. There are many other driving forces that motivated me to continue to serve. One most important reason I believe, is because I have the ability and the experience to lead by empowering people, guiding them, providing the vision and the resources they need to get the job done.
What is the biggest problem facing Jacksonville as a city overall, and how specifically would seek to address that: Crime, fear of crime and the negative reputation that Jacksonville has as a crime infested city – I will work closely with citizens, law enforcement and city officials to address the violent crime issues. Take steps to repair and eliminate the city's negative reputation as a crime infested city.
What makes your constituents unique, and how would that influence your time in office: District 2 is the only District that is separated by a river. As a result, the constituents have different concerns and priorities; therefore, I will have multiple priorities to advocate. District 2 Northside – District 2 East Arlington/Ft. Caroline area. I expect to stay busy and I will be required to have multiple town hall meetings because what is important to the Northside/Oceanway area will not be important to the residents of East Arlington. I am experienced in dealing with this type of problem because as a Division Chief over several patrol zones, I knew that each zone and sub-areas of the zone had different needs and required a unique approach. The only are that was common to all the zones and sub-areas was crime reduction and the elimination of crime.
What would be your main budget priority for the upcoming fiscal year: As a councilmember we don't set the budget priorities that is done by the mayor, but in areas where I have input, I would vote to protect programs that help children, and provide the adequate resources for public safety.
How do you define what you hope Jacksonville will be ten years from now:
- Great booming downtown
- A redesign downtown and sport complex
- A more diverse community that is willing move forward
- Cultural events become the norm that the exception
- The City is financially stabled
- The Pension debt is paid and all city employee have a safe and competitive retirement plan.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: WOKV asked all candidates in a race to answer the same questions, and the answers here are their unedited responses. WOKV has not independently verified information in these answers, nor is WOKV endorsing any candidates.
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