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Robin Rukab

1. In recent years, the mayor and City Council have used a mix of revenue

increases and cuts in expenses to balance the city budget. Do you agree? If

not, what would you do differently?

I believe cuts in expenses should be addressed before any kind of revenue increase is

discussed to help balance the budget. We must find ways to increase revenue without

passing the burden on to the taxpayer. Hopefully with the economy turning around our

tax base will start increasing again to have more funds available for much needed City

services.

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

The Jacksonville Journey has many great ideas and positions that will be good forJacksonville, provided funding can be found. The early childhood intervention programs

are an effective way to keep crime down. I trust with more private funding and help

along with some City monetary assistance we can see many of the Jacksonville

Journeys plan implemented.

3. What endorsements have you received?

No formal groups have endorsed me yet. I have several appointments with endorsing

groups committees. I expect the overwhelming endorsement of Jacksonvilles

electorate on March 22nd.

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

Work with community groups have been somewhat curtailed from my former

involvement due to keeping my small business making a profit. My financial donations

and encouragement as I have been able to give will continue.

5. How do you intend to comply with Floridas public records and government

in the sunshine laws? If you saw an elected official breaking the sunshinelaw, what would you do?

I plan on fully complying with the Sunshine Laws. I will make all records available to the

press and constituents. I plan on meeting with the General Counsel's Office and

making sure I am apprised fully as to the letter, intend and sprit of the Sunshine Laws. I

am for Open Records and Fully allowing our citizens to see what is happening in their

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government. If I saw an elected official breaking the sunshine law, I would immediately

report them. There is a purpose behind the sunshine law, and it is not discretionary

we represent the people of the great city of Jacksonville and not our own personal

interests.

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

I have been in contact with Dr. Quint White of Jacksonville Universitys Marine Science

Center and have had discussions about one of our main resources in Jacksonville, our

St. Johns River. I feel we as elected officials need to support the cleanup of our river

and hopefully with the anticipated deepening of the navigatable channel to support

super tankers we will see more revenue in our coffers and can use some of this for our

rivers health.

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

This is a multifaceted question that has no easy answers. Helping the Jacksonville

Journey and the Sheriff's office on early education programs to make our youth less

prone to being thrust into poverty and crime riddled streets will help with the Murder

Rate and Crime. Better living conditions and creating a feeling of Hope will help curtail

the suicide rates. Infant mortality needs to be addressed with programs that help single

and under privilidged mothers and fathers have better education on caring for their new

born.

8. Has consolidation been a good or bad deal for Jacksonville? Please

explain your answer.

The Consolidation of Jacksonville was a good thing for our great city. It brought county

and city government together as one and is the most efficient way to run government. It

has saved our citizens millions in tax dollars over the years and allowed our city to grow

and flourish.

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

I believe the role of the city council is to represent all of the citizens making sure that the

government is balanced and fair. City council should have all legislative powers of the

consolidated government and they may legislate with respect to any and all matters

which are within the powers of the consolidated government. At times Council

members have to investigate issues and deal with public service issues that should be

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handled by the Mayors office, however the constitutes expect Council member to follow

up and make sure the departments of the city do their jobs.