All five candidates in the special election for Jacksonville Sheriff took the stage in Terry Concert Hall Wednesday night to debate their opposition and share their platforms with voters.
The debate was co-hosted by the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute and WJXT Channel 4, with moderator Kent Justice.
Justice asked the candidates about subjects ranging from reducing the murder rate in Jacksonville and developing trust with the community to managing the JSO budget.
The winner of the election will take office immediately and serve through the end of former Sheriff Mike Williams’ term, which ends in June 2023.
Candidates were given 30 seconds for an opening statement and 60 seconds to close.
As the leader of a half a billion dollar budget, 3,000 employees and the law enforcement responsibilities for the largest city in Florida, the role of Jacksonville Sheriff is “one of the most important constitutional offices in the state,” said Rick Mullaney, the director of the Public Policy Institute.
“At the Public Policy Institute, we believe elections matter. We believe your vote matters, and we hope the debate will be informative and help you cast your vote,” Mullaney said to open the debate.
Lakesha Burton is a former assistant chief and 20-year veteran of JSO. Burton said her experience reducing crime in her zone would make her the right choice for the job.
“It’s time for change,” she said. “Public safety is the number one concern for citizens all over our city. For decades violent crime has plagued Jacksonville. The strategies simply have not worked.”
Wayne Clark is a 30-year veteran of JSO, working his way through the ranks to Division Chief. He’s also served as chief of police for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority and Duval County Public Schools. Clark emphasized how his diversified background in law enforcement is right for the important role of sheriff.
“With much power comes much responsibility. We need a leader that has the experience, the qualifications to build trust, accountability, accessibility compassion and transparent as we go about reducing murder and violent crime in Jacksonville.
Tony Cummings is a U.S. Army veteran, former U.S. Army police supervisor and holds 28 years of law enforcement experience. He emphasized the need for accountability within JSO and improving its relationship with the city.
“This election boils down to which direction we want to see Jacksonville heading in the near future,” Cummings said. “We have been hemorrhaging from violent crime. We are once again doing the same thing, hemorrhaging from violent crime.”
Ken Jefferson has held various roles in his 24-year career with JSO including field training officer, academy staff instructor, burglary detective and public information officer. He said his goal is to protect the citizens in Jacksonville by gaining trust amongst the community.
“Duval County needs a leader that is strategically minded, understands the community and a leader that will show up to serve every day,” Jefferson said.
T.K. Waters is a 31-year veteran of JSO and held the role of chief of investigations. He said his plans as sheriff would include reducing violence by ensuring proper staffing.
“Experience alone is not enough,” he said. “You need to have a vision to put that experience forward to make Jacksonville the safest place for everyone in our community.”
Voters will make their choice in the special election on Aug. 23.
