JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Chief Todd Smith’s position is appointed by the City of Jacksonville’s Mayor. Action News Jax, Meghan Moriarty, went to city hall, Friday early afternoon, to speak to Mayor Curry about his appointee and the recent scandal.
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The mayor wasn’t in his office. His schedule did not list any events or prior commitments, besides a 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. ‘private appointment.’ Moriarty reached out to the City of Jacksonville Public Affairs Office, asking for an interview and comment on the uses that lead to Smith’s resignation.
In an email, Moriarty was told, “Mayor Curry is unavailable for an interview today.”
In a follow-up email, Moriarty asked again for a comment on Chief Smith’s resignation. A spokesperson said the press release, sent out earlier Friday, ‘speaks for itself.’
The press release announced the new Emergency Preparedness Chief, Andre Ayoub. There is no mention of Smith or the issue that preceded his resignation.
Action News Jax also reached out to the two candidates vying for the mayoral seat.
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Republican candidate, Daniel Davis’s team, sent us this statement:
“There is no room for this kind of behavior anywhere. As mayor, I will have zero tolerance for those who don’t conduct themselves appropriately.
I’ve known Andre Ayoub since we were kids. He is an excellent choice for our city, and I know he will serve the people of Jacksonville well.”
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Democratic candidate Donna Deegan declined to comment on the issue.