Candidate: Derek Washington W/D

For over a century, my family has been a part of Jacksonville and living in just about every neighborhood in the 5th District from San Marco, Brierwood to now Mandarin, I have a unique sense of connection to both the needs of our community, and perspective on how to deal with the pressing issues that occupy our little corner of Jacksonville. My decision to run for City Council is the culmination of years of frustration with the status quo that I and others around me have felt for some time. It is, as Teddy Roosevelt once said, about making a decision to live deliberately and take action when it\'s called for. Where once our neighborhoods emphasized our sense of community, more and more we are becoming detached from each other and thus, less of a \"community\". Much of this detachment springs from the need for our families to have both parents working full-time to make ends meet… and often-enough that\'s still not enough. With increasing property taxes, personal income taxes, and rising costs at the stores and supermarkets it is hardly surprising that we cannot make the time for the quality of life we once took for granted in South Jax and throughout the City as a whole. As a long time resident in District 5 I have seen the effects of the diminishing spirit of the community and the toll on individuals that these hard economic times have brought forth. Our district needs a representative who will put the taxpayers\' interests above the government\'s interests, who will fight to reduce government waste and mismanagement and make the process of government transparent and reflective of the will of the People. I will fight the unnecessary spending and bureaucratic red tape that interferes with our city services and prevents them from being efficient and responsive to our needs. I will work with our community leaders to keep our union jobs and local businesses viable and competitive, with an eye to the future economic stabilization of our neighborhoods. The election of 2011 is critical to having your ideas, your desires, and your voice represented by someone who is TRULY a member of YOUR very diverse community and a chance to make a real inroad in Jacksonville\'s City Government. Thank you for taking the time and please visit my campaign website (www.voteDerekRWashington.com) with your help, I know that together we can make a difference. District 5 now has a real choice, Vote for someone that will work for you, March 2011 ELECT DEREK R. WASHINGTON FOR YOUR DISTRICT 5 CITY COUNCILMAN.