Guest Column
By ERROL D. JONES
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 10/31/02
Editor's note: The Record accepts unsolicited guest columns from readers all year. With the political season in full swing, several columns have come in from candidates for elected office. This one is from Errol Jones, who is running for St. Augustine Commission Seat 3. Other candidates interested in writing about local issues in fewer than 1,500 words may call 819-3514 for deadlines and details.
I am Errol D. Jones, and I want to work for you as your next commissioner for Seat 3 city of St. Augustine. I'm running for this office because I believe God has blessed me with a vision that would bring unity, respect and prosperity to the residents of St. Augustine. I am best qualified to administer the general purposes of a city commissioner, and possess the receptivity for other ideas and courses of city government actions. As an independently oriented candidate I am committed to equity and fairness. I have cultivated a proper sensitivity when it comes to cooperation with others inclusive beyond the so-called "influence." I understand that the role of an elected official is that of setting policy, and giving leadership and direction to management level staff.
I grew up in Lincolnville and attended Excelsior School. My grandparents lived in north city on Gault Street. My great-grandmother lived on Pine Street which is now a part of the old mission grounds. I spent many fun days in both neighborhoods. I am a graduate of Richard J. Murray High School. I received my bachelor's degree in political science from Florida A&M University and a master's of social work in administration and social policy from Adelphi University in L.I., N.Y. I have worked as a high school teacher (Florida), director of Community Outreach at Long island Jewish/Hillside Medical Center, where under my supervision program funding level increased from $200,000 to $1 million a year. I was director of Drug Treatment Services for Nassau County, where I managed a budget of $20 million-plus. I was an adjunct university instructor at Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y. I was CEO at A to Z Equipment and Sales in Honolulu. I have served as a consultant for Fred Fox Enterprises Inc., where we acquired more than $2.5 million in grant funds for the city of St. Augustine to rehabilitate 90 homes and to build the Willie Galimore Center and its pool. I also assisted St. Johns County in obtaining funds for rehabilitating homes in West Augustine and Hastings. I have experience working with more than 25 small cities and county governments throughout Florida with housing rehabilitation, economic development, commercial revitalization and comprehensive plans I feel that my experience and knowledge in these areas will be of great value as a city commissioner.
I have been in numerous organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, chairman of the board for Head Start and the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency, (the first non-Duval County resident to hold that position). St. Francis House, habitat for humanity, "Share" food program, Community Hospice, past exalted ruler of Elks Fountain of Youth Lodge #649, and member of First Baptist Church. I have also served as the president of the Lincolnville Association, and chairman of the County's Health and Human Services Advisory Council. I am president of the Willie Galimore Chapter of the Florida A&M University Alumni Association and sit on the national board of directors.
In my present job as district social worker with the St. Johns County School District in the office of Student Services, I work with students at all levels throughout the district. Students are referred because of multiple discipline problems. In my role I often serve as an advocate for the student and his or her family. I sit on the district discipline committee and attend juvenile court as district representative. I also sit on the district equity committee. I teach government and social policy as an adjunct instructor at Bethune Cookman College.
During my 35-plus years' career I have worked both the public and private sectors. I understand and have worked with budgets exceeding $20 million plus. I have dealt with issues ranging from major funding reductions, economic development, rehabilitation of historic homes, to jail overcrowding, drug treatment services and health care for the elderly. I have worked cross discipline. I have had to build bridges and come to consensus that everyone could live with.
I intend to use my experience, decision-making and teamwork skills, and leadership capabilities to help make city government more accountable (responsive) to the people. My commitment to being "of service" to others is well-documented. I was here yesterday, I am here today and I will be here tomorrow. I want to ensure that you are a part of the vision of the city of St. Augustine plans for the future.
What I bring to the table is a new lens by which you see people, and understand how to value them. I will be both accessible and friendly, allowing folks who wouldn't normally participate in government issues to contribute. I pride myself in knowing the pulse of the community. I make sure I'm hearing what the community is saying.
I have studied and worked hard over the years to prepare myself for a responsibility of this statue. We need a fresh start. We need new energy, new blood, and new ideas. It is time for change in the way our city governs.
If we continue to elect persons with the same mind set, same interest and same agenda as those in office, we are going to continue to get the same results.
The general feeling is that we are experiencing an erosion of public confidence in our elected officials, and that they are no longer listening to the people. Some say that they continue to ignore or give token attention to your concerns or issues. Many of our problems exist because we created them. We created them through transgressions of commission and omission. It does not have to be that way. You do not have to simply accept things the way they are. I believe that just as we created these problems, we can solve them. We have to begin to act consciously and deliberately toward creating a commission, which we all can work with.
I will use town hall meetings (held in your neighborhood) as a vehicle to not only receive feedback and service as a sounding board, but to maximize the talent and expertise of the people of the community, giving you and your issues a new level of credibility and legitimacy. I will sit down and listen to what you have to say, what community issues are most pressing to you and your family.
I will work to continue the revitalization efforts in communities such as Lincolnville and the protection of our pristine neighborhoods, like North City from encroachment by new developments.
As your commissioner, I will work for a balanced approach to growth and maintaining our historic past. I will work for affordable housing and encourage and foster economic development in outlying areas of our city.
You need a commissioner who will be objective. To be objective one must remove self-interest from the equation. I can and will be that type of commissioner.
I believe in St. Augustine. I believe in you. I believe that I am the best candidate for the job. I can and will represent all the people of St. Augustine.
I want to work for you. I ask that you give me that chance.
Vote for and elect Errol D. Jones, City Commissioner Seat 3. Thank you.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/103102/opi_1084282.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
No comments:
Post a Comment