JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — There’s a familiar opponent to Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, and that’s Dr. Omega Allen.
This is Allen’s second attempt at running for mayor, but she told First Coast News her message of the power in a non-party affiliated vote is strong and has not changed since her first campaign.
“I’m more qualified than any of the other candidates,” Allen said.
Allen touted her doctorate degree in Public Administration focusing on participatory municipal government.
“My biggest goal is to do government that makes sense, operate an administration that is free from the undue control of political parties and special interest groups,” Dr. Allen said.
When asked about Jacksonville’s crime troubles, she said that it’s important to get ahead of the issue by reaching young children before they get swept up in a life of crime.
“I think we probably have enough police officers, I think proper use of that resource needs to be addressed,” Allen said. “I believe the underlying issues are education and cultural experiences, cultural education as well. A child you catch at age three, you bring them an instrument or some form of art into his or her life, you won’t deal with them at 16 or 17 on the other side of the law.”
She continued, “I would work very closely with the superintendent of schools and figure out where the city can help with getting art back into the schools…find out what they see as the missing link and find out how the city can help.”
Allen wants to fight for children by getting teachers better pay, and continue economic development.
She has experience as a building contractor.
She spent 10 years serving the Northwest Jacksonville Economic Development Fund and four years as their chairman.
She hopes to bring businesses back to economically struggling areas like Downtown Jacksonville.
“To attract businesses with higher paying jobs and steering them to areas that need it," she said. "Jacksonville’s Northside is our best-kept secret, I don’t want it to be that way anymore.”
Despite only receiving 2 percent of the vote in the last election, Allen is determined to bring something different to the city council chambers.
“Wanting people to recognize the power of the no-party affiliated vote," she said. "There is so much power in that because you now self govern and have an opportunity to have a leader who is only obligated to you as the people."