In a memo addressed to Jacksonville City Council President Bill Guilliford and the council at large, Mayor Alvin Brown said he will not sign legislation to move the Duval County Supervisor of Elections warehouse to One Imeson Road, but he will not veto it either. This makes the 10 year lease agreement law based on city legislative procedure.
In the letter, Brown notes that he will not sign the legislation because he stands by city Public Works Director Jim Robinson's recommendation to keep the facility at Gateway Town Center.
He adds that he thinks the issue should move forward, and that he will work with Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland to, "ensure that citizens have the access to voting, voter registration, voter education, ad other services," in the neighborhood around Gateway Town Center.
During debate on the resolution, U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown staunchly opposed the move, telling the council it would disenfranchise people of color.
Holland responded that the Gateway Town Center location will remain an early voting center despite the relocation of the warehouse.
A judge today declined to grant an injunction filed by the owners of Gateway Town Center to block the legislation. A hearing in the case has been scheduled for September 23.
Letter from Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown on City Council Resolution 2013 179 E - August 27, 2013.
