JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mayor Alvin Brown is defending his trip to New York City for a big fundraiser.
The event was the same night City Council worked until 2:30 in the morning to pass the city's billion dollar budget. Council members started voicing concerns early on. "Shock and awe. I think it sends the wrong message," said Councilman Bill Gulliford.
"I don't think it sends the wrong message," said Mayor Alvin Brown Wednesday.
We caught up with Brown at the opening of Fresh Market in Riverside. We asked how he explains the trip to council members.
"I respect my colleagues," said Brown. He went on to say, "Traditionally mayors do not go to council meetings," said Brown.
Former Mayor John Delaney did tell us last night he didn't usually attend the meetings unless there was a controversy. He monitored them at home. But he was surprised when we sent him the flyer showing where Brown was.
Brown did not want to answer our question about Delaney's comments. "I can't respond to Delaney's comments. The former mayor is entitled to say what he wants," said Brown.
Council members Greg Anderson and Warren Jones were both with the mayor Wednesday morning, but both expressed disappointment when we asked about where the mayor was Tuesday night. Even when we told Brown that, he still defended his decision. "They're entitled to their opinion. I care about the city," said Brown.
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Lenny Curry, Republican candidate for mayor, issued the following statement about Brown's absence:
"Throughout the city's budget process Alvin Brown has refused to lead. He failed to propose a fiscally responsible budget, and he ignored the pleas of City Council to work together to create a plan of prosperity for the whole city. This shows Alvin Brown remains hopelessly out of touch with Jacksonville's needs.
"But Alvin Brown's latest stunt, choosing to skip out on the final budget meetings to attend his $10,000 a plate fundraiser in New York City is the height of arrogance and a slap in the face to the hardworking people of Jacksonville.
"Alvin Brown is an out of touch career politician and the last thing Jacksonville needs to get back on track toward a better future. We deserve a mayor who will stand up and fight for the things that matter to us all. We can do better than Alvin Brown's failed leadership. Jacksonville deserves better than this."
Councilman Bill Bishop, who is also a Republican candidate for mayor, issued this statement:
"City Council wrestled with a difficult problem because of the ongoing budget expenses and it took until 2 AM to create a sustainable model by fixing a previously irresponsible budget.
"And the Mayor was absent.
"This was a serious moment for Jacksonville and a serious moment for the leadership of our city. It's simply irresponsible for Mayor Brown to be absent when he knew this would be a difficult evening.
"The Mayor's job is to lead and be involved in the operation of the city and be invested in the outcome of the process.
City Council did a great job coming as close as possible, without significant increase in the budget, to maintaining the status quo on operations without increasing the tax rate, again."
The mayor says he will look at the budget, and the changes council made. He has not signed it yet.
Some of the highlights of the budget include, the restoration of the 2 percent across the board cuts for all city departments. That means JFRD will be able to get new equipment and vehicles. We are still waiting to hear how much money is being pulled from reserve funds. Only Councilman Reggie Brown voted against the budget.
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