cityXtra Magazine

James Eddy Jacksonville City Council District 7

Born in New Martinsville, West Virginia but grew up on a small farm in Marietta, Ohio. Eddy is a graduate of Marietta Sr. High and the University of Akron. Eddy is currently employed as a Restaurant Manger with the Jacksonville Zoo.

Eddy’s volunteerism include: JAX 2025 (Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation, Diverse & Inclusive Community, Government Openness & Responsiveness), Member of the Jacksonville Coalition For Equality (Chair of Education Committee & Stirring TeamMember). One Spark Volunteer, Former President & Co-Founder of Rainbow House, Former President of Holiday Helpers Jacksonville, Dining Our for Life Ambassador, Equality Florida Member, Former River City Pride Board Member, PFLAG Member, and Community Activist.   

ISSUES

Springfield & Downtown revitalization – we have a dwindling tax base, we need to work with local small businesses to make it easier for them to stay in business – tax credits, easing of restrictions. Pedestrian friendly downtown, combination of stores that are useful for our residents and also attract tourist dollars. Develop and implement a plan to encourage our residents to buy local.

To pass a Human Rights Ordinance that includes sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. This will update a Human Rights Ordinance that currently gives the eight basic protections from the State.

Open space – develop and implement a plan to utilize our open space for the enjoyment of everyone in our city –connect trails. Money that is obtained from the leasing our open space should be set aside for the reduction of bonds or improvements – not to general funds. 

Crime prevention – more focus on city programs to keep children involved in sports, music, the arts, after school programs.

Streamline, restructure, and consolidate police resources to eliminate wasteful or unnecessary spending and promote effective resource allocation with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Safe Streets are Essential in Having a Livable City. I believe that streets must be safe for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as motorists. The Police, in conjunction with residents, businesses and other City agencies, must be more proactive in developing and implementing sustainable public safety programs, with an emphasis on Community Policing.

In order to ensure that Jacksonville continues to grow we need to develop an independent commission of citizens and current mass transit authorities, to develop plans for the future mass transit systems of Jacksonville.  

To promote the Arts and reinvest to make Jacksonville "The Art Capitol of the South." Not just maintaining, but continually upgrading our infrastructure, parks and other public places.
Ensure that ALL women are receiving EQUAL pay through-out our city.

To promote the Arts and reinvest to make Jacksonville "The Art Capitol of the South."

Gather groups, organizations, faith leaders, & community members to form a round table to improve upon race relations in our city.
 
Website: www.eddy4dist7.com