Political mail piece features complete fabrications, violent images, and official JSO property and likeness in an attempt to halt momentum in Duval County’s closest contest.
First Responders and Former Republican School Board Candidate Denounce Attack and Praise Hicks’ Vision for Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, FL – A newly released political mail ad paid for by Moving Jacksonville Forward, the political committee belonging to Ron Salem, has been delivered to families across Jacksonville in a desperate attempt to discredit non-profit professional Joshua Hicks, who is in a virtual tie with the incumbent, according to the most recent poll from UNF PORL.
Joshua Hicks, Democratic Candidate for Jacksonville City Council At-Large, Group 2, issued the following statement:
“It is unconscionable to politicize the dangerous work of our hardworking first responders and deliver vile lies to tens of thousands of working families as a last-gasp attempt to hold onto power. This type of disgusting partisan politics is the exact reason I entered this race: to bring a fresh start to Jacksonville that does away with shameful mudslinging and brings forward real solutions to the infrastructure, housing, and small business challenges that have been ignored by my opponent.
“During his do-nothing term in office, Jacksonville has become the murder capital of Florida. While Finance Chair, he did nothing to address the affordable housing crisis as rental costs skyrocketed 61% in his own neighborhood and it became even more difficult for first responders to afford a place to live. He has repeatedly voted to approve developments on the outskirts of Duval County, further stretching the JSO’s resources.
“Local politics should be about fighting on behalf of your neighbors, friends and family, and standing up for the promises you make. It’s about our community and people, not partisan political careers or personal egos. When polls close in two weeks and I’m elected to City Council, I promise to show up, listen, and always act in the best interests of every Jacksonville resident.
“I am calling on Ron Salem to publicly disavow these tactics and apologize for throwing first responders under the bus in his quest for power. Immediately.”
Retired JSO Assistant Chief Lakesha Burton added: “I’ve come to know Joshua and believe in his vision for the city, his plans for lifting up all communities, and his commitment to keeping Jacksonville safe. He has proved he is willing to listen to ALL of our city’s residents in order to craft REAL solutions that can move us forward.”
Local Fireman Capt. Renaldo Horn added “Throughout his campaign, I have gotten to know Joshua as someone who deeply cares about our community — someone who will work tirelessly to support all of Jacksonville’s residents, especially our first responders. He remains committed to making Jacksonville a safe place to live and tackling the rising cost of living for our men and women in uniform. I’m proud to support him.”
Former Republican School Board Candidate Tanya Hardaker said “Over the last year, I’ve been able to see first hand the work Joshua has done to bring our community together, addressing vital issues such as infrastructure, affordable housing, and ensuring our kids have the support they need to grow into the next generation of leaders this city deserves. I’m proud to cross party lines and support a public servant like Joshua because I know he will work to put a stop to these kinds of vile attacks that only work to divide us.”
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Joshua Hicks is a career non-profit professional running for Jacksonville City Council At-Large, Group 2 to address the city’s affordable housing crisis, make good on decades of broken infrastructure promises, help small businesses thrive, and ensure representation for every person who lives in the city.
