Martha Barrett and Cheryl Grimes are running for the District 1 seat that covers Arlington and adjoining Southside. This is a non-partisan election, so all qualified voters can cast ballots.
Martha Barrett
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AGE: 62
FAMILY: Single
OCCUPATION: Senior vice president, corporate social responsibility, Bank of America
EDUCATION: Masters in Education, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio; B.A. Political Science, Maryville University, St. Louis, Mo.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Field director in Jimmy Carter presidential campaign; press aide for former Mayor Jake Godbold (1979-1987);
elected to the Duval County School Board in 2000, 2004 and special election in 2009
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP VOTERS IN A WAY OTHERS IN THIS RACE CAN'T?
- "I have current experience on the school board and understand the accoutability changes, financial outlook changes and the state funding changes. I am a great collaborator with board members and I know how to get things done. The board developed a srtong strategic plan and that is our road map to success. I am also a huge believer in public private partnerships. We must have more businesses and volunteers and mentors in our schools to help our children with their many challenges!! We have some very significant non profits in our schools which really assists many of our students and families."
WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR ACCOMPLISHING AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?
- "I would hope to be remembered for always putting childrens' interests and well being first. I was not influenced by any outside group or individuals regarding the well being of our children. I akways put the interests of childeren first in every action I took."
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: VoteMarthaBarrett.com
Cheryl Grymes
AGE: 58
FAMILY: Husband, Warren, four daughters, ages 32, 30, 25, 22, two stepsons, ages 36 & 29, two grandsons, ages 8 & 10 months
OCCUPATION: VP, fund development, Big Brothers Big Sisters
EDUCATION: Wolfson High School; UNF - B.S. Communications; Georgetown University, executive nonprofit management certificate
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: School Board member, 1992-2000; served as chairman & vice chairman
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP VOTERS IN A WAY OTHERS IN THIS RACE CAN'T?
- "As a Jacksonville native and product of the public schools, I have deep roots and relationships within the community. For over 25 years, I have held numerous leadership positions and served on several board and commissions. I am passionate about our community and even more passionate about public education. I have worked with both the business and nonprofit communities and my relationships will serve to enhance the community to assist our public schools."
WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR ACCOMPLISHING AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?
- "Helping to change the direction of our school district and significantly improving all of schools and education of our children."
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: CherylGrymes.com