Name: REGINALD K BLOUNT
Family: Amy Blount (spouse) 5 adult children
Occupation: Retired Military, Project Coordinator fscj
Political/Government experience:
Years lived in Jacksonville: 52
Campaign website: www.reginaldblount.com
Why did you decide to run for office: I was compelled to run for office particularly in my home district. My military and civilian experience gives me a well-rounded view and working knowledge what to do in an area like district 10. It has not progressed in over 50 years and continues lag behind the rest of Jacksonville. It going to take person with Command type mentality in organizing, communicating, planning, visioning, and working across party lines with the rest of City Council and the Mayor's office to move this district into the modern error. A love of the community and people is not enough. We need a field General to lead us out of this combat zone and establish the northside quadrant as a major force for living, working and playing.
What is the biggest problem facing Jacksonville as a city overall, and how specifically would seek to address that:
Public Safety: This continues to be an extreme problem all over Jacksonville. One report found Jacksonville was the 133rd safest of 157 Florida cities. The city had 6.5 violent crimes and 35.82 property crimes per 1,000 people. Even though they are not the worst in Florida, they are still unacceptable.
Development of the Northwest quadrant of the city: Northwest Jacksonville remains one of the most economically depressed areas of the city. The newly signed executive order (opportunity zones) granting funding for many of these areas should help bring some relief. We (Blount campaign team) has mapped out a 5- 10 year strategic plan to tackle many of the issues with developers who might have interest in developing areas in the district.
The Selling of JEA may be the most important decision the city has made since consolidation in 1968. The initial benefits could garner a more efficient energy department, but the long term effects to sale this public utility company could spell concerns on employment cuts, retirement pensions, and rate hikes..
A good faith referendum at the voting ballot might be one solution for the citizens of Jacksonville. We are currently researching because I believe the city cannot sale without a voter referendum.
What makes your constituents unique, and how would that influence your time in office: I am the best and most well-rounded candidate in district 10. I am a resident of the community and maintained my residency throughout my 29.5 year military career. My skill-set in civil governance, Human Resources, gives me the experience in dealing with populations, communicating with various nationalities, accessing entire cities for its total capabilities in infrastructure, finance, education, and resources. I managed budgets in excess of $4 million, volunteered as mentor and high school track coach over 20 years, and possess expert skill and education in security, and development in complex environments. I have worked at the congressional diplomatic level and served on policy councils.
What would be your main budget priority for the upcoming fiscal year:
1. Prioritize funding and possible tax initiatives to push forward completion in getting city residences off septic tanks and on city systems.
2. Work with parenting programs to create safe and productive environments to raise children. This includes: education, nonprofit funding for after school programs, faith based programs
3. Ensure Police and Fire, other vital services are maintained at current levels, pending review for more and current funding.
4. Employee Pensions; City must properly pay into the pension funding and minimize/eliminate carryover.
How do you define what you hope Jacksonville will be ten years from now:
If city leadership and community development rails in the direction that I propose, I see Northwest Jacksonville being a major development part of Jacksonville. With corridors such as US1, this is another great through fairway into Jacksonville’s downtown and TIAA Bank Field.
With the opportunity zones legislation by executive order, this should provide much needed value in developing and improving existing infrastructure in the Northwest quadrant.
We will need assertive and intelligent leaders who will navigate through the black hole of government red tape to find, enforce, and ensure that allocated dollars are spent properly without restraint.
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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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