kendall bryan questionnaire

8/7/2019 Kendall Bryan questionnaire

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Kendall Bryan

1. In recent years, the mayor and City Council have used a mix of revenueincreases and cuts in expenses to balance the city budget. Do you agree?If not, what would you do differently?

Government is necessary and needed in order to provide a limited set of servicesthat are not readily available or typically provided by the free market. When youare dealing with limited resources in what is a very difficult economy you have tomake tough decisions based upon what is best for those paying the bills, thetaxpayers and not for what is best for the organization spending it, government.Philosophically I am opposed to tax increases because I do not believe that theproblems we face are due to not being taxed enough, I believe our issues stemfrom the tendency of politicians believing that every problem is solvable withmore taxes and more government. We need to work to decrease both the sizeand scope of government to more appropriate levels and refocus on providing

those functions that are both appropriate and essential.

2. Do you support the Jacksonville Journey? Explain your answer.

The Jacksonville Journey has been a subject of much discussion recently due toit’s cost and the challenge in determining if in it’s short life it has had ameasurable impact on its stated goals. At this stage it is difficult to tell if theknown successes have been worth the expense. And while the goals are mostcertainly laudable whether they could be more effectively achieved at a lower cost by a different structure.

3. What endorsements have you received?

I have received endorsements from many individuals both inside and outside of District 14.

4. How much civic activity do you perform outside work?

While the numerous civic groups in Jacksonville play an important role in our city,the path I chose focused on raising a family, running a business and furtheringmy education. I have been invited to join different organizations but did not wantto do so after I filed because I did not want it to appear that it was being done for

political purposes.

5. How do you intend to comply with Florida’s public records andGovernment in the sunshine laws? If you saw an elected official breakingthe sunshine law, what would you do?



I intend to obey all laws as I have done throughout my life and would expectothers to do the same. Should someone in an elected capacity be accused of breaking the Sunshine or any other law, I would presume them to be innocentuntil proven guilty and if proven guilty to be appropriately punished.

6. What can you do to help support the clean up of the St. Johns River?

I believe one of the best things that we can do to support clean up of the St.Johns River is to promote its use. Once people get out on the river andappreciate its beauty from a different perspective they will understand why it is soimportant to help maintain our natural resources. I am a forth generation native of Jacksonville and I have always heard stories about how bad the river used to beand seeing the river now, we have certainly come a long way. And while wehave made strides, we certainly have far to go. The St. Johns River is awonderful and valuable natural asset that is also an economic driver for our cityand region. Senator Thrasher was right in creating the “River Caucus” to focus

on ways that we can grow usage, protect quality and highlight the beauty that isthe St. Johns River.

7. How can you become engaged in the city’s high murder, infant mortalityand suicide rates?

Education and job opportunity are the two ways that crime in general can bereduced. There will always be a criminal element with us and in some casesnothing you do can change that. Should we want to create an economicenvironment where current businesses can grow and thrive and new businesseswant to move here, we need to have an educated workforce that is ready, willing

and able to meet the needs of those businesses. A strong education system andgrowing work force go a long way in providing individuals with the opportunity tobetter themselves, provide options and a way to become productive citizens.

Infant mortality is an issue and has many factors that contribute to it. Two of which are economic opportunities and lifestyle choices. The infant mortality rateis lower in the upper socio-economic demographics. Again, access to good jobswith good benefits will help to solve a portion of this problem. Individuals thatuse drugs, smoke or drink while pregnant harm not only themselves but also thechild. Unfortunately, there are only so many ways that you can tell someone notto use drugs or smoke or drink while they are carrying a child. There is personalresponsibility and accountability involved and that should be stressed. There arecultural differences that contribute to infant mortality, diet, geographic locationand many others. Reduction in infant mortality is an excellent goal and education,personal responsibility and accountability are keys in furthering that goal.

8. Has consolidation been a good or bad deal for Jacksonville? Pleaseexplain your answer.



Consolidation has been very good for our community; my Grandfather was veryinvolved in it’s passing in 1968. I believe it created a more effective and efficientgovernment and included parts of the population that had not had much of avoice in the political process. It has accelerated economic development and

provided more unified city services and reduced duplication.

For council candidates:

What is the role of a council member? As mini-mayor? Or as legislator?

We have a system of three distinct branches of government. The city council isthe legislative branch and each branch has a different role and those rolesshould be respected and understood. I do not see council members as mini-mayors, I see them more as liaisons for constituents to help guide them throughissues with the city, I see them as cheerleaders for the city and I see them as co-

managers of the city finances with the solemn responsibility of ensuring to thetaxpayers that their money is being spent in the most productive and efficientmanner possible.

kendall bryan questionnaire

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