In a mid-day ceremony on Wednesday, June 24th in the City Council Chamber, City Council Member Richard Clark (District 3) was sworn in as President of the Jacksonville City Council for 2009-10.  Also taking the oath of office as Council Vice President was Council Member Jack Webb (District 6).  Outgoing Council President Ronnie Fussell was presented with a ceremonial gavel by the incoming president in recognition of his service to the Council during 2008-09. 

In brief remarks after taking their oaths, Clark and Webb both took note of the difficult economic times being faced by the City and pledged to work with the Mayor and their Council colleagues to enact a balanced budget that recognizes the revenue limitations while still making needed investments in public services and the City's quality of life.  Both officers emphasized the importance of transparency in the budgetary process and the need for the City to make every effort to emphasize efficiency and accountability in its operations during difficult budgetary times.

Jack Webb said "We have increased our portfolio of wonderful and necessary fixed assets through capital spending, while at the same time we have cut millage, relying upon economic and market growth to pay the difference along the way.  Those days are done.  It is time to pay the piper."  Richard Clark promised a new era of openness in the City budgeting process:  "One way to restore credibility in our government is to listen.  So I will begin a series of town meetings to listen to the people – our boss.  As the economic environment in our country has changed drastically, local governments must also change to adjust to new realities."

Further information or comments may be obtained from Cheryl Brown, Director/Council Secretary at 630-1452 or clbrown@coj.net