JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 A Jacksonville City Councilman and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) clashed Friday as JAA presented its proposed budget \u2014 including a battle over the use of funds for a proposed workforce development program at Cecil Field tied to the Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ).<\/p>\n
Councilman Nick Howland has been pressing JAA to invest $29 million <\/a>into a program at Cecil Field. The proposal is intended to boost local job training in aerospace careers. However, JAA has repeatedly declined<\/a> to divert revenue to the project, citing severe restrictions by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).<\/p>\n But Howland, clearly not happy, pushed back hard.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to hear any more noes. I want to hear, \u2018Alright, let\u2019s see what you are talking about, Mr. Howland,\u2019\u201d he said, pressing authority leaders for movement.<\/p>\n [DOWNLOAD: <\/b>Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks<\/b><\/a>]<\/b><\/p>\n Councilman Ron Salem clashed with JAA Board Chair Michelle Barnett over its refusal to recognize Howland – JAA\u2019s City Council liaison – at its board meetings.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it is insulting – a city councilman, your liaison, cannot be recognized at your board meetings,\u201d Salem said during a heated exchange.<\/p>\n Earlier this week, internal emails obtained by Action News Jax Ben Becker revealed growing friction between Howland and JAA leadership – a relationship that appears to be deteriorating along with Howland\u2019s colleagues. <\/p>\n \u201cWe have not disrespected you,\u201d insisted JAA Chief Compliance Officer Devin Reed. <\/p>\n But Finance Chairman Raul Arias was undeterred. <\/p>\n \u201cI will be making motion (filing legislation) at some point on how we can input City Council into all these boards,\u201d said Arias. \u201cWe need to have representation.\u201d <\/p>\n JAA\u2019s board is made up of three mayoral selections and four gubernatorial. <\/p>\n Ultimately, the Finance Committee voted to reallocate $13 million within JAA\u2019s budget for the proposed program and another $500,000 for JAA to hire a consultant. However, it\u2019s important to note that JAA is not required to spend the funds and there is no indication that it has plans to do so. <\/p>\n