Nearly 300 Jacksonville Bar Association members and guests attended the annual Law Day meeting and luncheon May 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront hotel Downtown.
The theme this year, determined by the American Bar Association, was “Voices of Democracy.”
Jacksonville City Council President Ron Salem, delivering the keynote address, said democracy and its voices are at the heart of American society.
“Democracy is more than just a system of governance. It is a way of life,” Salem said.
“We must make sure that every voice is heard and every person participates in the decisions that affect their lives.”
Salem said that taking into account current global, national and even some local events, it may be easy to lose faith in democracy, but that can’t be allowed to happen.
“Democracy is not a given. It requires vigilance, dedication and above all, participation,” he said.
Salem cited examples of how democracy works for the good of the community, such as the process that led to exposing the fraud behind the employee bonus plan that was part of the proposed sale of Jacksonville’s municipally owned electric and water utility.
“City Council played a role. The accusations were first brought to light by the Council Auditors Office. Then the Council investigated the plan and had hearings. The plan to sell JEA stopped,” Salem said.
Salem said members of the legal profession are particularly obligated to uphold democracy.
“You are the guardians of justice and the defenders of rights. You must make sure the rule of law is upheld without compromise,” Salem said.
In closing, he said democracy is not a destination, it is a journey.
“It is up to all of us to keep the journey going.”