The Donna Foundation's 5K race has been a tradition on Mother's Day weekend. A city administrator suggested moving it to after the May 16 election.
City Chief Administrative Officer Brian Hughes wrote in an email Tuesday the Donna Foundation should consider moving the race to the Saturday after Mother's Day, which would be after the election finishes.
"It is an effort to protect the organization and COJ from the appearance of improper election influence," Hughes said."Since it was an invitation to consider a reasonable alternative and to follow up in discussion, the organization choosing to ignore the invitation and instead give an incorrect account to the media is a disappointment.
Hughes is among the city officials who must sign off on the permit application. The foundation would be responsible for paying for city of Jacksonville public safety personnel during the race-day event. "Under normal circumstances, approval of the permit, presence of COJ public safety, and past financial support would never be seen in any other context," Hughes said."The timing of this event, however, and the fact the namesake of the organization will be on the ballot for the city's highest elected office mere days after the event may cause an unintended public perception.
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