JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville metropolis council member is addressing considerations a few vacation occasion Jaguars proprietor Shad Khan hosted this week on his yacht.
Khan invited the mayor and council members to attend the occasion on Monday evening.
Councilman Rahman Johnson, who attended the occasion, launched a prolonged assertion about it Wednesday evening after questions had been raised over the ethics of native politicians attending and whether or not it broke Sunshine Legal guidelines.
Grateful for Shad Khan and the Jags biz dedication to Jacksonville—from internet hosting a easy vacation gathering to investing thousands and thousands in our neighborhood. Let’s deal with tackling main points like wholesome meals entry & constructing a brighter future for Duval. #DuvalForward #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/CM7sy7gt5g
— Rahman Johnson, Ph.D. (@rahmanj) December 5, 2024
Johnson referred to as the occasion “a sublime, understated affair, reflecting the season’s spirit of gratitude and neighborhood.”
As a result of Khan has had enterprise heard and mentioned earlier than the town council, together with the recently approved “Stadium of the Future” deal and his new Four Seasons hotel, some questioned the ethics of the personal occasion together with native political leaders.
In his assertion, Johnson acknowledged the criticisms however stated, “I consider our focus ought to stay on the crucial points dealing with our metropolis, comparable to enhancing entry to wholesome meals choices.”
Johnson cited statistics about entry to wholesome meals versus quick meals choices within the metropolis and credited the Jaguars with their native charitable efforts.
“… the Jaguars group underneath Shad’s management exemplifies dedicated company citizenship,” Johnson stated. “My focus stays on partnering with leaders like Shad, Jags CEO Mark Lamping and so many others, to handle the urgent challenges dealing with Jacksonville and to maneuver ‘Duval Ahead’ in each manner potential.”
Councilman Matt Carlucci confirmed that he and his spouse additionally went to the occasion on Khan’s yacht.
He stated he, the mayor and council members acquired the invitation by way of textual content from Paul Harden, a high-profile lobbyist.
Carlucci stated the mayor and about eight or 9 different council members went and that he didn’t suppose something unethical occurred.
“I don’t suppose there was something that might have developed right into a Sunshine Regulation violation or something unlawful,” Carlucci stated.
He stated if he felt there was something in query concerning the occasion, he wouldn’t have gone. He stated he follows the longtime motto: “When doubtful, stroll out.”
Carlucci stated he understands why there’s curiosity across the occasion and why individuals who stay within the metropolis might need questions, however he was adamant that there was nothing improper.
“I do know the optics won’t have been so nice. I can perceive why the typical citizen might need questions,” Carlucci stated.
Carlucci informed News4JAX that this is likely one of the few occasions he’s taken benefit of alternatives like Monday’s occasion. He stated that he by no means actually had the prospect to satisfy Khan earlier than exterior of a quick handshake in passing.
In 2020, Khan privately briefed some metropolis council members on his yacht on the proposed $200 million Lot J deal that finally failed by a single vote the next 12 months.
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