Candidates say understaffed, underpaid police and retention problems threaten public safety

Public safety was a prominent topic at the Jacksonville candidate forum, with multiple candidates citing staffing and retention problems for police and paramedics as immediate budget and operational concerns.

"Our police department ... they are understaffed and severely underpaid," said Brad Brown, a Ward 2 candidate, adding that low pay harms retention and morale. Several candidates recommended reviewing the city budget to boost pay or add benefits, creating reserve or auxiliary units to supplement staffing and seeking nonpay incentives to retain trained officers.

Cindy Edwards, an at-large candidate, highlighted the fire department’s high ISO rating and said efforts to adjust police pay three years ago helped slow turnover, but more work remains. Michael Yannaro, who spent decades in policing, emphasized prevention, saying investments in children and early-life supports are central to reducing crime over time: "the first 2000 days are the most important in a child's life," he said.

Jerome Willingham framed the issue as community policing and relationship-building, citing past litigation that led to leadership changes and improved policing practices. Fernando Sheffelbun and Amity Holland urged better support and equipment for first responders and suggested asking officers what retention measures would be effective beyond pay.

Candidates did not present specific budget amendments or binding commitments during the forum; proposals ranged from incremental pay and benefit changes to policy priorities such as community outreach and school safety measures. The forum did not include a formal vote or staffing plan; these items would fall to the elected council and city budget process.