Mayoral candidate: Brian Griffin

Name: Brian Griffin

Family: Single

Occupation: Artist

Political/Government experience: None

Years lived in Jacksonville: 21 years

Campaign website: Brian Griffin for Jacksonville Mayor on Facebook

Why did you decide to run for office: I have been visiting Jacksonville for 34 years and now have lived here for 21 years. 34 years ago I would say this is going to be a great city one day, I still feel that way today. When Mayor Curry said " I can't even imagine how something like this could happen in a school", after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and our leaders announcing there is no danger to the general public, after a gang shooting in a Black neighborhood, I knew none of our leaders are visionary or have any good plans for Jacksonville. They are basic managers who will never step up. I will change us from a town feel to a great city, bringing in new and growing companies that will create better paying jobs and opportunities for advancement.

What is the biggest problem facing Jacksonville as a city overall, and how specifically would seek to address that: Crime. 1.I would create incentives to get illegal and stolen guns off the streets, focusing on the youth. 2.I, personally, would sit down with gang members, in and out of prison, to find permanent solutions and alternatives to the killing. 3.I would increase punishments for people who harm children. 4. I would increase resources and protections for victims of domestic violence. 5. I would authorize mobile police substations to be moved into high crime areas, creating a permanent police presence until the problem is solved. 6. I would find where we need more permanent police substations, to protect and serve all Jacksonville residents efficiently.

What makes your constituents unique, and how would that influence your time in office: Jacksonville represents America well, in our amazing mix of people and world cultures. I would always seek to bring us all together, making Jacksonville an inclusive society, where everyone feels equal and protected.

What would be your main budget priority for the upcoming fiscal year: Our Public Schools. I want our public schools to be the best in the nation. We will invest in complete renovations and technology upgrading, so our public schools are ready for the next two or more decades. You cannot attract new business, if those companies cannot attract a better workforce, most having families and children.

How do you define what you hope Jacksonville will be ten years from now: A smart metrolpolis city, with low crime, amazing public schools, low traffic, great jobs, city government and police we trust and a citywide high speed monorail that will take you almost anywhere in Jacksonville.

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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.