Jax Daily

Jax Daily: Why did you decide to run for city council? Is this something you’ve thought about for a long time?

Joe Clements: I have thought about running for City Council for several years. And, I believe this is the right time. I believe that each of us needs to get more involved in our community. I am a firm believer that one person can make a difference. A leader should have many skills.

Three of the most important are: Responsibility, Professionalism, and Enthusiasm.

I have those skills. I have over twenty-five years of experience in the work force. I have developed leadership skills both in the government sector and in the private sector. We are so blessed to be able to live in Jacksonville. I believe in Jacksonville. I have positive visions for the future of Jacksonville.

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Joe Clements: This is a difficult question. I have worked in the criminal justice field for a number of years. I’ve often asked myself “what causes crime?” Why do some people commit crime and others don’t? We need to examine the issues that may cause crime.

They are: Lack of education, Broken homes, Poverty, Repeat offenders returning to our community, and Drug addiction.

I believe we should continue to support programs or develop programs in each of these areas. And if we do, it would have a positive impact on reducing our crime rate.

I believe “Jacksonville Journey” is going to be a valuable program. It would help to have more police officers in our community. At the same time, we should seek more savings options within the Sheriff’s Office that can be applied to patrol officers. I would like to concentrate on juvenile crime prevention and help ex-offenders reform and succeed in the community.

I plan to develop a network of leaders in the community. Leaders of all religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. I want to be able to rely on these leaders for advice and to assist in reaching out to our various communities in District 10. Help find reasons why certain areas are experiencing crime and develop possible solutions.

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Joe Clements: As a Republican, I realize that I have an uphill battle and I realize that I will be the underdog in this campaign. I plan to work hard, knock on a lot of doors, attend as many meetings as I can, and get my message out to the citizens of District 10. My opponents may out spend me in this campaign but they won’t out work me. And, that’s important. I’d like the voters to do their homework. Study the issues and study the candidates. And then go to the polls on August 26th and vote for the candidate they believe will best represent the City of Jacksonville and specifically District 10. Not the best Democrat. But, the best candidate.

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Joe Clements: The Landing is a positive attraction. It brings a lot of visitors to the downtown area. New condos are being constructed near the Sports Complex. This will help revitalize the downtown area. Atlanta and Baltimore have outstanding aquariums. They bring over a million visitors a year to their downtown areas. It might be a good idea for us to investigate bringing a similar attraction to our downtown area. We should consider tax incentives to encourage economic growth both in the downtown area and on the Northside. We should develop programs to help ensure small and minority businesses are both productive and successful.

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Joe Clements: This is a terrible idea. Research shows that the St Johns River water level has not increased over the past twenty years. In fact, the water level has declined. Therefore, additional drainage could have devastating effects. Municipalities along the St Johns should join together and develop plans to protect the St Johns. The St Johns River needs our attention and protection. Not only for ourselves but for our future generations.

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Joe Clements: No, there are no council members – current or past – whom I model myself after. I have my own leadership style. Tom Coughlin once said “Have a philosophy, have a purpose and most of all, have goals and commitment. Be the best you can be and do it better than anyone else.” This is the way I try and lead my everyday life and the philosophy I will bring to the Jacksonville City Council.

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Joe Clements: I recently discovered “Al’s Pizza” in the Five Points area. If you’ve never been there, check it out. I also hang out at “Country Cabin” and “Tads” on the Westside for breakfast.

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Joe Clements: I am currently reading “Hard Call” by John McCain. This is an excellent book. I would recommend it to anyone. Other good books include “Conversations With God,” “1776,” “The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter,” “Lincoln On Leadership,” and “The 21 Most Powerful Minutes In A Leader’s Day.”

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Joe Clements: I like to read. I try and read at least two books a month. I enjoy books on leadership and history. I like to run, swim, and ride a bike. Now this may be a turnoff for some people but – I love the Florida Gators. I’m proud to be a member of Gator Nation. I collect jerseys as a hobby. Most of my jerseys are either baseball or football. When you see me in the community, you’ll probably see me wearing some type of jersey. I enjoy going to church. I am a member of Riverside Presbyterian Church. I am not as active as I would like to be but I am working on it.

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Joe Clements: I would ask that everyone please vote in our August 26th election. This is a very important election.

I would remind everyone that the right to vote is a privilege. And, with every privilege, there is a responsibility. If you’re not registered to vote, then get registered. It’s a very simple process. It takes five minutes. You can register at any public library. So, do your homework. Study the issues. Study the candidates. Determine who you believe is the best person to serve on the Jacksonville City Council for District 10. And, you have the responsibility to go to the polls on August 26th and cast you vote.