Two groups, including black firefighters, have been fanning the flames surrounding issues at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, with a controversial advertisement that began airing Wednesday.
The groups said their goal was to push Mayor John Peyton into action by turning up the heat on his entire political party.
The black firefighters and their allies have demanded the mayor carry out the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission, and replace top fire officials -- including the fire chief.
The controversial commercial that depicts Peyton, a noose and a rebel flag is airing on cable television and blames Republicans for the problems in the fire department, stating: "Mayor Peyton, you and the Republican party are responsible for the discrimination, racism and the sexism continuing if you do not make a positive change. We are Americans too."
The groups paying for the ad to run, the Jacksonville Brotherhood of Black Firefighters and the Jacksonville Leadership Coalitions, said Republicans are indeed to blame for the problems.
"They are the ones that put people in positions that are causing the problems," said Wanda Butler of the Jacksonville Brotherhood of Black Firefighters.
Republican and City Council member Glorious Johnson said she was shocked after viewing the ad.
Johnson told Channel 4 she understands why the groups are upset. She said politicians have failed to listen. She also said it's not only a Republican problem, but also a problem for all.
"We are heading for something. When you see something like that, there are some hurting, angry people; and what will be next? My thing is, we've got to start listening," Johnson said.
The groups behind the ad said there would be more in the future, but that their intention is for change in the fire department, and nothing else.
"We are not trying to nominate anyone for the mayor, nominate anyone for City Council. We are not trying to nominate anyone to be the fire chief. We just want what is right," Butler said.
In an intverview on Tuesday, Peyton said it was irresponsible to run the ad.
Previous Stories:
- September 13, 2006: Groups To Air Anti-Mayor Commercial
Copyright 2006 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
