Jax Daily

City council candidate Angela Nixon recently took the time to answer a few of our questions. Nixon is running in a special election to be held this August to fill the District 10 seat being vacated by Mia Jones, who is running for the state legislature.

Angela Nixon: I am running for City Council District 10 because my district has been overlooked for many years. I want to afford the residents of the community with the same social and economic opportunities/amenities that more prominent districts in the City of Jacksonville have.

I also plan to raise awareness about resources and services that are available to improve the quality of life for all! I am also running because I feel that my generation has no voice when it comes to issues that affect our everyday lives. Many have deemed us the “lost generation”, stating that we don’t value life or authority. This is truly not the case, and I want to show otherwise. I am simply trying to Bridge the Gap between District 10 and other districts, as well as between the different generations in this city. I’ve always known that I wanted to be active in politics, just never this soon.

Angela Nixon: When it comes to violence and behavioral problems, like many have stated in letters to the editor, it does start at home. However, when a child is not getting the proper guidance at home, it is up to the community to take a stance. I am a firm believer of the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” However, the village has turned its back on our children. That is why it is up to the local government to forge bonds and build relationships with the school board, organizations, (profit, non-profit, faith-based, etc), and businesses to promote and develop programs that strengthen families and the positive youth experience & development. We must be that village.

It’s time for a holistic approach to the problem, not just a quick fix. You can do all the teaching of values and the importance of education that you want to a student in school, but if that child has to go home to a house with no parent, the lights out, and/or younger siblings to care for…that teaching goes straight out of the window. This is why it is important to address the issues at home and in neighborhoods. I also plan to lobby for an increase of police presence in high crime areas, with the condition that community policing goes along with it. There are many residents in the area that have a negative feelings and opinions about law enforcement. If a child grows up and the only time they see the police is when they’re taking one of their loved ones, of course there is going to be hostility. It is up to JSO to counter this ideology and begin showing people that they are only out to help keep the residents safe from harm.

I will also seek to increase lighting in dimly lit areas, as well as make sure that the Public Works Department keeps the excess shrubbery and bushes trimmed back off of city right-of-ways.

Angela Nixon: We need to bring life to downtown! Every major city in the nation has a bustling downtown. We must first improve the transit system, making it easier and more accessible to get around the downtown area. We have a major parking crisis. We also need to seek out grants and funding that we can use to help entice different venues/businesses so that we can get better use out of the area, instead of just its corporate daytime usage. This would also help attract more young professionals to the Jacksonville area. Which would in turn offer a fresh vision and workforce to the area.

Angela Nixon: I feel that more research needs to be done on this matter, so that we will know the true effect that the draining will have on our local ecosystem. If we conclude that it will have an adverse effect, then we will need to lobby the state government to intervene in the matter.

Angela Nixon: I plan to model only certain things after some past members, like making it my full time job after I am elected. I think you can honestly take at least one thing from each present or former councilperson that would make you a successful leader.

Angela Nixon: Golden Corral, I’m a simple girl. It doesn’t take much to make me happy. All you can eat under 10 bucks. I guess I’m still in college student mode. More bang for your buck, plus I always like to sneak out with a cookie.

Sorry, I know that’s bad.

Angela Nixon: Yes, “Baby’s First Book”. It’s a children’s book. I’m trying to get my newly 1yr old ready for the FCAT!

Angela Nixon: Sleeping, ahhh. I haven’t had over six hours since I can remember. I also love to watch my daughter Natalie dance. We recently took her to a wedding and she danced at the reception for TWO HOURS straight. No lie! She was the life of the party.

Angela Nixon: It’s my pleasure. I would like to invite everyone to visit my website AngelaNixon.com and give me a call at 904.610.7103 or send me an email at angie.nixon@yahoo.com if they have any questions.

I look forward to representing not only those in the District 10 community, but the Jacksonville community as well. It is time we come together and celebrate life and all that it has to offer.

It is time to Bridge the Gap!