Are you sick of watching them make deals where working people usually get the dirty end of the stick? I am......
Why am I running?
Because I'm sick of watching the best city services go to rich areas that don't need it and watching developers basically buy elected offices so they can do whatever they want, while our working folk live in poverty with high crime, failing schools, and so many other problems that I just can't stand it anymore and I think I can maybe do something about it if I get in there.
Why vote for me?
Anyone can make promises, but what I tell you I will do I actually will.
I have a history of being VERY outspoken on things that matter to me.
I am middle class. I deal every day with fighting to stay ahead of bills, wondering why our government doesn't do more to help the little guy.
If you're sick of "business-as-usual", and think our elected officials don't really represent you, I just might be the guy you want in there.
And in case you're interested, I may be listed as "democrat", but I am a conservative democrat. On some issues I seem like a liberal republican. I intend to cross party lines and support two republicans this election as they run for state offices. I'm supporting Don Foy of MAD DADS because I think he's the best person for the job, and I support Lake Ray, because he's an honest guy who did a lot of good things when he was on city council.
I see people on the extreme right or left, and I consider myself to be somewhere in the middle. I think it is time for a working man with strong middle of the road opinions and ideas to sit on a city council seat instead of people who are puppets for developers, who have no clue as to what us working folk go through, who serve the rich, make promises and do nothing for most of us.
I am not part of the machine or establishment, and no one will own me except myself and my duty to the people whom I represent. I don't expect to get loads of money from developers like most candidates do. Just check campaign contributions and you can see who they have their loyality to.
I will make some campaign promises....I will try my best to represent those who elected me. I will make myself available and have regular public meetings where people can come to me with concerns.
I will seek to see Jacksonville develop our resources the right way, and with attention to the needs of future growth, without laying waste to long standing established communities, or with a lack of concern for the environment or overburdened infrastructure.
I want to work with others to reach solutions together, trying to focus on fighting the problems instead of each other.
I will work to support police and rescue workers with decent funding, so they can do their jobs.
I will work with Duval County Public Schools, to also have them funded well enough to help our kids learn.
I think anyone can look at crime and education and our economy and find "reasons" for our problems and go around pointing fingers, and out of fear tell everyone "we need to find solutions", but those problems are all tied together, must be addressed and dealt with together.
Poverty and a lack of education perhaps contribute more than anything else to crime and substance abuse. That is the starting point to fix things.
Some people will never turn from crime. Sadly, some people may be beyond hope and never change, but if we deal with people who commit crimes because of despair and bad economic situations, or a lack of a decent education, and get them out of that cycle, then the police can be free to work on those people who will be criminals no matter what we do to help them.
And if we insure our kids get a decent education we can work towards attracting corporations to Jacksonville because they can prosper here, then we all will prosper.
I hope to work with others to attract alternative fuel and green technology industries to Jacksonville, and see them met with a workforce ready to meet their personnel needs.
I also will take a strong stand on protecting the St Johns River and our water resources. I have a history of working on environmental issues and a college background in Oceanography.
As far as helping those who are needy, I do not suggest a free ride for anyone. But I think it is okay to help anyone who is willing to help themselves, and making them more educated and more financially sound makes society better for everyone, and is a good start.
I also am interested in working on and improving public transit. I am an advocate for light rail, and to fix the Skyway so it actually does some good.
Jacksonville has some really bright and caring people, and we must use the resources of ourselves to fix our society.
Do not expect me to work FOR you, expect me to work WITH you.
Do not complain about a problem if you are not willing to help fix it.
This may seem arrogant, but I have been doing it for a while on my own and see many people do it every day, without recognition or reward.
Jacksonville has many unsung heros.
And if you want to understand my mindset......
Read the Preamble of the United State Constitution and then write those words upon your heart. Read them every day until you know them by heart. Take that mindset and apply it to your life, to everyone you meet. I think those ideals are worth following, worth living by.
I am not happy with Jacksonville as it is, and I have been known to bash it, but what I bash and complain about is what is wrong that should not and doesn't have to be.
I think we can do better.
I will not sugarcoat things or lie just to cover my behind or look good. I call things like I see them, bluntly, and if and when I'm wrong I'm man enough to admit that and make the changes I need to.
I believe there is greatness in everyone, and we simply need to rise to meet it.
I myself have a checkered and colorful past. I have had problems between my wife and myself, and that happens when two strong willed people marry. I have been busted for driving suspended and done some stupid things where I let fear or stupidity control me, and made stupid mistakes, but that has also given me great insight and a dedication to the values I was raised with.
I could have my record sealed or expunged, but everything I have been through in life has made me who and what I am, so why deny that or lie? Integrity and character come from experience. You don't appreciate a thing until you lose it, and when you build it back it has a cherished value no one can understand except yourself and God.
I have a history of thinking about and doing good works, and think all of that has made me ready for this kind of public life and service.
Unlike many council persons, who are councilmen part-time, I intend to make it my primary job.
This is my job application to you, and it is up to you to hire me.
We have a hard road ahead of us, and I've been in Jacksonville for almost 20 years now, and have a son who is 12, born and raised here.
Why should I live in fear he is going to get shot by a stray bullet? Why should crack whores walk the streets a mile away from my neighborhood, or yours? Why is the murder rate, drop out rates, poverty statistics and other levels of bad things have to steal safety and happiness from us?
I want us to find solutions, make our city prosper....
This means we have to work and pay for things that will make our world better for us and our children, and their children.
There is a section for comments and I will try to stay up on answering any questions anyone has. That won't stop once I'm elected either.
Business as usual has done little to make things better...if anything, many things are the same or worse.
I am running because I feel my life has led up to this, and that I am ready and called to do this. My rough agenda above is an idea of what you can expect from me. And as a city councilman, I will also be working to do what is best for all of Jacksonville.
I'm asking you to believe in me, and I will do my best to live up to your expectations of me.
Contributions can be made out to Skot Wilson Campaign Fund
6724 Cherbourg Avenue South
Jacksonville, Florida 32205
A Pay-Pal or other electronic account is being set up and will be posted later.
