This week Mayor-elect Deegan announced her new executive team. It was a good mix politically with a half and half split of Democrats and Republicans. That was welcome news to those who were concerned about progressive changes in the Mayor’s office. Ms. Deegan promised to work with both parties and she is standing on those promises with the diverse mix of people on her team.
There was one new position that caught many off guard and stirred up confusion. She appointed Lakesha Burton as the Chief of Public Safety. This is a new position and has no formal job description at this time.
Eye reached out to Mayor-elect Deegan and asked her how this new position will interface with the Sheriff. She responded (and we appreciate that since Mayor Curry’s administration didn’t feel it necessary to respond to Eye’s questions).
She said: “Lakesha will work on prevention/intervention. Community connections. Journey components. Just trying to be the best partner for the Sheriff we can.”
Eye also reached out to Sheriff Waters for his thoughts on this new position and he stated: “As the duly elected Sheriff of Duval County, I am charged with leading public safety and law enforcement in our community. Our JSO team is eager to work with those who share that mission.
I look forward to assigning an appropriately ranked JSO liaison to work directly with Ms. Burton as needed, in her civilian role as Chief of Public Safety.
I, personally, will work with Mayor Elect Deegan, just as I have with Mayor Curry to ensure the safety and security of all Jacksonville citizens.”
This appears to be a little bump in the road between the Mayor’s vision of this new role and the Sheriff’s vision of how he will work with the Mayor.
The City of Jacksonville operates under a consolidated government structure and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) is responsible for law enforcement within the city. The Sheriff is an elected official who oversees the JSO and is responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and managing the operations of the Sheriff’s Office. The Mayor’s role in public safety typically involves collaboration and coordination with the Sheriff’s Office and other relevant agencies.
The existence of a separate appointed Chief of Public Safety in Mayor-elect Donna Deegan’s administration is inconsistent with the typical organizational structure. It doesn’t mean this position is wrong, it just means it’s new and systems and processes will have to be ironed out so the citizens of Duval County understand what’s going on.
We are positive Mayor Deegan and Sheriff Waters will work out the kinks and do what is best for our community.
