Having started working for the City Of Jacksonville in 1972 and serving under six Mayors, I worked with and developed working relationships with most directors and department heads, engineers and design personal in Streets and Highways, Engineering and Contract Administration.
I held the unusual position of what was called Construction Inspector in Contract Admin from the late 1980's till my retirement in 2004. I was the city of Jacksonville's eyes and ears, working daily with all contractors and contract bid winners on many downtown projects including, La Villa, Water Street, Ritz/Urban League, Old Bay St. Jail Demolition and Crosswalk, Old Courthouse Mezzanine Remodeling, Downtown Pocket Parks and for my last two years with the city, I headed up the Emergency Cave-in Repair on Roadways from the initial complaint till the completed project and final contract payment for the entire Duval County area. It sounds important but believe me at the end of my career I was just a cog that needed replacing.
I worked for and with Mr. Sam Mousa on many projects and contracts that required his expertise. Let me say this his work ethic is unmatched insofar as his ability to give an answer to the many questions that pop up in underground utilities in the older sections of Jacksonville. He will make a decision, unlike many who occupied his position and most whose positions surrounded him.
Many feared or disliked Sam and he was known as gruff or overbearing. Personally, I liked the man. He didn't surprise you by being one way and the opposite the next time you saw him. Sam was Sam, you worked hard, knew your facts, asked intelligent questions and you occasionally got chewed out, if and when you deserved it. He reminded me of what anyone would want in a commanding officer. Someone who was sharp, intelligent, who had done their homework, and ready and willing to do what it takes to get the job done.
I agree, Sam is a good first decision for the Mayor. Although, I'm not sure these job protecting political Administrators of today know what's in store for them, but it's going to be fun to watch.
