Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Hyde will hold a news conference on Friday, April 28th at 11:30 a.m. in the atrium of City Hall, 117 West Duval Street, to announce the appointment of a City Council Special Committee on 'Conducting Jacksonville's Business'.
The appointment of this special committee demonstrates the commitment of the legislative branch of Jacksonville's government to transparency and public accountability, especially where expenditure of taxpayer money is involved. The Committee is charged with reviewing existing rules and processes on purchasing, surplus property, contract administration, and use of public monies in public projects, or those where a public-private partnership is created. According to President Hyde, 'The use of public monies is among the most critical decisions we make as a local government. It is imperative that the monies be spent wisely but also that the public have complete confidence in the decision making process we use. I am confident that a thorough review will yield a better and more transparent process, as well as improve the quality of decisions made.'
Former Council President Lad Daniels will chair the committee. 'I am pleased that Lad will lead this effort. He has a history of arguing for fiscal integrity and transparency whenever taxpayer dollars are involved. I also appreciate the willing cooperation the Mayor's Office has extended toward this effort,' said Mr. Hyde. 'The City Council must ensure that any decision involving public funds be understood by the citizens. We understand not everyone will agree with every project, but no one should doubt the process by which we arrive at the decision.'
President Hyde has asked the special committee to report its findings and propose legislation, if necessary, by June 15, 2006.
Contact: Cheryl L. Brown, Director at (904) 630-1452 .