A Few Minutes with the Mayor -December 2014/January 2015

‘Tis the season of Christmas! (Yes, we can still call it that despite all who would have it otherwise.) Christmas is upon us, as well as the end of another year, and it’s been a very busy year for this mayor!

As I wanted to do something special as my gift to the citizens of Jacksonville, I am offering you the opportunity for a personal tour of my pet project, the Jewel of Jacksonville—the historic Courthouse. You’ve been hearing or reading about this historic building ever since the County GAVE our city this iconic jewel. It belongs to you… the citizens of Jacksonville.

And so my gift to you is a tour conducted by yours truly every Saturday morning during December between 10:00am and noon—the one exception being December 6th during the Victorian Christmas Parade, when I’ll lead the tours every half hour on the hour from 1:00pm until 3:00pm.

What you’ll see and hear about is an empty building with substantial restoration, together with how each area will be used by the public and the City. The tour will cover the entire building and there will be floor plans provided for everyone to take home.

I hope you all come…I look forward to seeing you.

And now, as we approach the end of 2014, I’d like to share the words of Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, from the 1936 classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL:

I’ve always looked on Christmas as a good time… a kind, charitable, forgiving, pleasant time. It’s the only time when people open their hearts freely. The only time when men and women seem to realize that all human beings are really members of the same family and, being members of the same family, they owe each other some warmth and solace.

Though it may seem naive, this is how I see the people who populate our little town, not only at Christmas, but all year. We are a community resembling a family. Each of us comes forth daily espousing different opinions…different values… but with one dominant feeling… our love for where we live. Wherever you go, whomever you talk to, this is what you hear—”we love Jacksonville.” Rich or less rich, young or less young, we all share the same appreciation for this place we call home. We’re a pretty big family… 2800+ of us, but we’re also a very special family and it’s our love for this City that binds us together.

All of which leads me to say that, if I could, I would reach out and shake hands with each of you and personally wish you a Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Year’s. And quoting myself in a previous column, May you share in this season: “Loving kindness! A warm heart, and a stretched out hand of tolerance! All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.”