Lesser-known Jones tells plans for state

TAMPA -- For most of the political junkies who attended Friday's Tiger Bay Club luncheon, it was a first date.

They hadn't heard much from state Sen. Daryl Jones, a Miami Democrat and one of the lesser-known candidates for governor. They hadn't gotten a chance to see him work a crowd.

Jones, a former fighter pilot with a chiseled chin and silky-smooth voice, acknowledged that Florida voters don't know him well. With bigger names like former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno in the race, Jones said he needs voters to pay attention to his campaign.

"If people hear what I have to say, they will support me," he said.

About 45 people paid to hear Jones speak at the Wyndham Harbour Island Hotel.

Making his second stop in Tampa, Jones plans to meet today with black church leaders and speak at an African-American Heritage banquet sponsored by personnel at MacDill Air Force Base.

On Friday, the 12-year veteran of the Legislature and the only African-American in the race argued that he is the best-prepared candidate.

He spoke about enlarging the state's tax base by making Florida a leader in international trade. He wants to curb the influence of money in politics and improve schools.

"We consistently field three football teams that are ranked in the top 10. I think we should have three universities that rank (in academics) in the top 50," Jones said. "The best and the brightest of our state are leaving -- most never to return, at least not in their productive years."

This year could see the largest number of schools receiving vouchers since the Legislature passed Gov. Jeb Bush's voucher plan, Jones said.

"I thought public education could survive any attack," he said. "I am not so sure now."

Vouchers may help individual students, but they don't help the school system, he said. "When you help individuals, you are picking between winners and losers."

If Jones loses his bid for the Democratic nomination, he said he won't serve as anyone's running mate. To explain why, he took out a wallet photo of his wife.

He told the audience his wife put him through law school and supported him when he ran for public office. So if he loses, Jones, an attorney and investment banker, said he will work in the private sector. "My wife is going to be in a mansion," Jones said. "It will either be the one on Adams Street (in Tallahassee) or the one that I give her."

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