JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Ju'Coby Pittman and Terrance Freeman will take the oath to become the newest members of the Jacksonville City Council on Thursday.
They were appointed to fill represent District 8 and District 10 after the elected councilors Katrina Brown and Reginald Brown were suspended.
The two Browns, no relationship, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on fraud and corruption charges.
Pittman said her goal for District 8 is economic growth, and members in the struggling community are hoping that remains the goal.
In April, Dr. Albert Chester left the corporate world to take a chance on District 8. He said he understands the struggles of the area.
"I mean, you look outside and it is not the most appealing," Chester said.
Even so, the pharmacist decided to open New Town Pharmacy on Moncrief Road. He said he has already seen growth in his business.
"I felt I was most needed here," he said. "I believe in giving back to the community."
Chester, like many small business owners, would like to see others invest in Northwest Jacksonville.
"Perspective is everything," Chester said. "If you change the way you look at things, things will change. I don't see anything so bad it can't be fixed."
He's optimistic about the new leadership in City Hall, so is Paul Tutwiler
"We have so many needs," Tutwiler said. "It is about trying to champion some direction to move forward."
Tuwiler is the CEO of Northwest Economic Development Corporation. He said it is all about jobs.
Since 2002, he has been pushing for others to invest in Northwest Jacksonville.
"People don't believe in the opportunities that are here," Tutwiler said. "People see blight. People see depression, people don't see hope, they don't see a vision. We are here to beg the difference."
Both men are optimistic about Pittman being their new council member.
They are convinced she will work with the mayor to change the landscape.