Jacksonville councilman says he was threatened by mayor's chief of staff following disagreement

A Jacksonville City Council member says he was threatened by the mayor’s chief of staff, Brian Hughes.

Hughes is also the interim director of the Downtown Investment Authority and will soon hold one of the most powerful positions in the city.

Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole spoke to the councilman, who says Hughes didn’t like questions he raised about a downtown project and responded with what he believes is a threat.

"It's my way or the highway. That's incredible someone would think that out loud — and do it,” said Matt Schellenberg, councilman of District 6.

STORY: Jacksonville residents react to Berkman II plans

Schellenberg says he got that message loud and clear via text, following his response in a local newspaper to a proposal to redevelop Berkman II.

“He basically texted me and said, 'I hope Matt gets everything he needs prior to June 30th.' To me, that's an indication he's threatening me, either with projects going on in my district, Mandarin area generally speaking, or my future if I have a future in public service — that he was going to get even with me,” Schellenberg told Cole.

Last year, the DIA approved $122 million for the project and $36 million in incentives.

STORY: $36 million in Berkman II redevelopment incentives now before the city council

"I represent 70,000 people and they want me to represent their tax dollars. And since we were basically giving — incentivizing — this company to come to Jacksonville, it's their money. And they should know exactly how their money is going to be spent ... And who's going to spend it.

“I wasn't always onboard with this, because I didn't understand why we were doing $36 million in total for a tax incentive, as well as giving them money. Five percent of their revenue, we would actually give them another 5 percent and I've never heard that before — ever,” Schellenberg said.

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The Stewart family, who would be behind the development of Berkman II, also has a financially checkered past.

“Everybody has issues, I understand that. But it should be open and transparent and it wasn't done correctly,” Schellenberg told Action News Jax.

Although Schellenberg’s term ends June 30, he said it won’t stop him from standing up for what's right for the people of Jacksonville.

“I want to make sure, in the future, that these things can get vetted and you can actually disagree without any repercussions,” Schellenberg said.

Cole reached out to Brian Hughes to get his side of the story. Nikki Kimbleton, the director of public affairs for the city, said Hughes was out of town, but sent this response:

"Councilman Schellenberg had voiced questions in a news article. Since Mr. Schellenberg is a termed out politician whose term ends June 30th, Mr. Hughes was simply stating that to have questions addressed by DIA, he would need to do so before his term ends. There was no threat and any claim otherwise is mistaken."

Cole also reached out to all 19 council members to ask if they have had any similar run-ins with Hughes.

Since the story aired on Action News Jax at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., Cole has had seven councilmen respond to her.

Two of them acknowledge having disagreements with Hughes, but said they’ve never felt threatened.

Four others described their relationship with Hughes as professional and expressed not having any issues with him.

Councilman Garret Dennis of District 9 shared a different perspective in the following statement:

"It's no surprise to hear that Brian Hughes threatened Councilmember Schellenberg. I, too, have been the subject of bullying and threats. I applaud Councilmember Schellenberg for having the courage to come forward. I hope his boldness serves as encouragement to speak up and call out the disrespectful, unethical and possibly illegal behavior. From my understanding, Florida law says it is unlawful to threaten a public official. I hope the proper authorities investigate."

Cox Media Group