JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Lenny Curry, the Republican candidate for mayor of Jacksonville, picked up the endorsement Wednesday of former Republican Mayor John Delaney.
Delaney, now president of the University of North Florida, has not endorsed a candidate for mayor since he left office 12 years ago.
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Delaney said his decision was spurred by his disapproval of the lack of leadership shown by Mayor Alvin Brown over the past three years in four important areas: city finances, pension reform, the port and UF Health Jacksonville.
"City Hall and its finances are in absolute shambles," Delaney said. "I don't feel like I can stand mute when that's the case."
He cited more tax increases on Brown's watch than any time since the 1960s. City Council passed a 14 percent tax increase in 2013 to make up for shortfalls in Brown's budget.
Brown, who has consistently said he is against tax hikes, used the additional revenue from the increase when planning the next year's budget.
Delaney said that although he didn't know if the tax increase was needed, "I know Brown hasn't been honest about it."
Delaney called Curry a candidate who brings "freshness, sunniness" and an overall perspective the city needs.
Delaney said that his support of Curry doesn't mean he agrees with the candidate on everything. Most notably, Delaney said he is still a strong advocate of expanding the city's human rights ordinance and he doesn't know where Curry stands on the issue.
Brown's campaign issued a statement shortly after the Delaney endorsement Wednesday morning, saying Delaney is "finally making it public that he's decided to make a political decision to back his Republican colleague."
But despite that, Brown has shown "true leadership working with Republicans, Democrats and independents" on issues, the statement said.
The Delaney endorsement comes one day after former Massachusetts governor and former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney sent a statement supporting Curry.
"I have traveled our country working to advance conservative principles, and here in Florida I've had a partner in Lenny Curry," Romney wrote. "Lenny is committed to restoring conservative leadership to Jacksonville. As an accountant and business owner, his professional experiences make him the right person to deal with the city's finances."
Romney is going to be the special guest at a $1,000 per person Curry for Mayor reception at 5 p.m. Friday at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club. U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis will also attend.