Candidate: Juan Diaz

I love Jacksonville. I met my wife Kristen, a Jacksonville native, here and we enjoy that it is our home. We have a wonderful quality of life that I seek to preserve and improve. Jacksonville has tremendous potential, but like most cities in our country we are at a crossroads. It is critical in difficult times that our city leaders be connected with, and accountable to, the taxpayers. They must listen – and respond. We need those leaders to make decisions in the best interest of the taxpayers, and not simply a select few special interest groups. I am running for City Council to bring that level of accountability – which is what our citizens truly deserve if we’re going to position our city to capitalize on its great potential. We have been lacking this level of leadership the past several years, which resulted in successive property tax increases and the creation (and increase) of “fees.” As a lifelong Republican, this is not how I believe government should be managed. In my time in Jacksonville, I’ve been blessed with a wonderful church home (Christian Family Chapel in Mandarin) and many opportunities to be engaged in the community: including service on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce and various non-profits, membership in Leadership Jacksonville and the Gator Bowl Committee, and service on a handful of city commissions. This experience has given me a broad perspective: the ability to understand the needs of large and small businesses alike, as well as those in our community who have struggled to make ends meet in the economic downturn. I’ve been a leader in terms of ensuring we put our taxpayer dollars toward the highest and best use possible, and will continue that approach as a member of the Council. I am currently an attorney with BAE Systems-Safariland, a military and law enforcement products manufacturer, and worked previously as in-house legal counsel for CSX railroad. My legal experience has provided the attention to detail, work ethic, and fact-based approach necessary to best serve on the Council. I received my undergraduate degree in Economics from Florida State University in 1998, worked for a period as a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch, and graduated in 2003 with a law degree from the University of Florida, where I served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review and was tapped for Florida Blue Key. We must have leaders who are principled and consistent, who do what they say they will do, and are fully invested in improving our city. I am committed to bringing this level of leadership that our taxpayers deserve. My focus will be to encourage job creation, bring fiscal discipline to our city budget and pensions, and keep our neighborhoods safe. In order for our city to prosper, I believe we must make difficult decisions and balance our budget without going back to the taxpayers for more of their money. This task will require a bold, new leadership – and I can bring that. I offer a fresh perspective and new energy to tackling our tough issues that is not beholden to special interests. We simply cannot afford more of the same. For more information on my background and my positions on various issues, please visit www.diaz4jax.com. You can also find us on Facebook – Juan M. Diaz for Jacksonville City Council. I hope to earn your vote for the At-Large Group 4 seat.