Doyle Carter

1. In recent years, the mayor and City Council have used a mix of revenue
increases and cuts in expenses to balance the city budget. Do you agree? If
not, what would you do differently?

I agree with most actions. If there were no other areas to cut expenses, however; I still
believe there are other areas. I believe that we waste a lot of money with outSide'
counsel. We have many.attorneys and a big budg'et, we should have the best group
and law firm·in the city. Idon't think we should have been doing capital projects such as
Friendship Park and Metro Park when tax payers are being asked to pay more taxes
and fees. The money should be spent to keep from raising taxes, fees and to reduce
our debt. We still have one of the best investments in our city which is our city
employees. Our city employees have many cost saving ideas but there is no motivation.
We need to tap into this asset. I don't believe we have truly examined what are the core
responsibilities of city government which is essential in doing while we go through these
difficult economic times. We should never forget that many of our citizens are going
through very difficult times, doing all they can to prevent from losing their homes, while
many have already lost the battle.

2. Do you support the Jacksonville Journey? Explain your answer.

The concept of the Journey project in theory sounds good however, we cannot justify
that the money spent is actually having any effect on crime, when crime is actually down
throughout the state.

3. What endorsements have you received?

Fraternal Order of Police

Jacksonville Association of Firefighters
First Coast Manufacturers

4. How much civic activity do you perform outside work?

See bio

5. How do you intend to comply with Florida's public records and government
in the sunshine laws? If you saw an elected official breaking the sunshine
law, what would you do?
I intend to comply to the letter of the law. My first responsibility would be to advise my
fellow council person that it appears they are breaking the sunshine law. They may not
be aware they are and I want to make sure I have all the facts. If the actions warrant,
then this is where our ethics office needs to step in.

6. What can you do to help support the clean-up of the St. Johns River?

Use my position to be a spokesperson to promote all activities that will protect our most
valuable natural resource that runs through our City. I will co-sponsor any legislation
that is written to assure that our river is protected. We also have to get our southern
neighbors to buy in. I served on the waterways commission with Dr. Quint White of J.U.
who is a great asset and friend.

7. How can you become engaged in the city's high murder, infant mortality
and suicide rates?

My first responsibility is to stay informed to the vital stats in each of these areas. My
next role is to examine what programs are in effect to lower these stats and are they
working. I will support those which work and look for others which might help.

8. Has consolidation been a good or bad deal for Jacksonville? Please

explain your answer.

Consolidation has been the best deal ever for Jacksonville and Duval County. It
reduced the duplication of services. But more importantly, it allowed the whole county to
move forward, rather than to have a city government compete against a county
government for new development, road projects and other community interests.

9. What is the role of a council member? As mini-mayor? Or as legislator?

Jacksonville has a strong mayor form of government in which it is generally the mayor’s
role to propose legislation and the council’s role to critically review proposed legislation.
The proper role of the city council member is sometimes both as a mini-mayor and a
legislator. Laws concerning his or her district must be passed, changed or eliminated.
And, as a representative of their district, council members must help maintain the quality
of life while balancing the budget.