CAMPAIGN KICKOFF · JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
Campaign Kickoff Fundraising Speech
For the People. For Our Future. Together! We Win.
Good morning, Jacksonville. To our families, veterans, young people, seniors, first responders, small-business owners, faith leaders, neighborhood advocates and every resident who believes our city can do better: thank you for standing with us.
OPENING
This campaign belongs to the people.
My name is Fitz-G. Desprez. I am a father, a business owner, a Haitian-American and an Operation Enduring Freedom Army combat-disabled veteran. I am running for Mayor of Jacksonville because service did not end when I took off the uniform. The promise to leave no one behind still guides me today.
Jacksonville is a city of courage and possibility, but too many residents still feel unheard. Too many neighborhoods wait too long for basic services. Too many veterans struggle to find stable housing. Too many young people need safe places, mentorship, sports, career training and a real opportunity to succeed. Too many seniors face fraud and identity theft without enough support.
We are launching this campaign to build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Jacksonville—for all people, in every ZIP code.
ACCOUNTABILITY · TRUST · SERVICE
City Hall must work for the people.
As mayor, I will put people, neighborhoods and accountability first. Residents should know who is responsible for solving a problem, how to reach that person and when to expect an answer. Departments should have measurable goals. Projects should have visible schedules. Taxpayers deserve to know whether money is being spent responsibly and whether promises are producing results.
My administration will bring government closer to the people through regular community meetings across Jacksonville. We will listen to residents, neighborhood leaders, businesses, veterans, seniors, young people and first responders—not only during election season, but throughout the work of governing.
OUR PEOPLE-FIRST PRIORITIES
A city that refuses to leave anyone behind.
We will make safe neighborhoods a priority by supporting first responders and investing in prevention, youth activities, mentoring, jobs, recreation and stronger community relationships.
We will make veterans a major priority. Jacksonville should become a national example for veterans housing, employment, mental-health support, suicide prevention, homelessness prevention and stronger connections to the services veterans have earned.
We will invest in youth empowerment through sports, arts, entrepreneurship, career training, apprenticeships and safe places where young people can develop their talents. Young people need more than speeches; they need doors that open.
We will protect seniors and families from identity theft and fraud, support practical solutions to homelessness, and make it easier for responsible small businesses to open, expand, hire and invest in our neighborhoods.
THE FUNDRAISING CALL
Help us carry this message across Jacksonville.
A people-powered campaign needs people willing to take the next step. Your contribution helps us print signs and literature, organize community meetings, reach voters, support volunteers and bring this message to neighborhoods throughout Duval County.
If you believe in accountability, veterans housing, youth and community empowerment, safer neighborhoods, low costs and better city services, I ask you to stand with us today. A gift of $15—or any lawful amount that is right for you—will help this movement keep moving forward.
Contributions are voluntary. Please review all eligibility rules and required disclosures on the secure contribution page.
CLOSING
Jacksonville’s future is ours to build.
Above everything else, I will remember who City Hall belongs to. It belongs to the people.
Our goal is simple: safe neighborhoods, low costs and better city services. Veterans strong. Youth strong. Community strong. Jacksonville strong.
We will serve with honesty. We will lead with accountability. We will listen with respect. And we will move forward together.
TOGETHER! We Win.
I am Fitz Desprez, and I approve this message.
