>> WELCOME THE FIFTH IN A SERIES OF POLITICAL CANDIDATE FORMS IN ADVANCE OF THE AUGUST 20 PRIMARY ELECTION.

THIS FORM IS A COOPERATIVE PRODUCTION OF THE LEGAL OF WOMEN VOTERS OF TALLAHASSEE.

THE TIMEOUT THERE TODAY'S CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR TALLAHASSEE CITY COMMISSION SEAT NUMBER TWO I'M LYNN OF WFSU PUBLIC MEDIA AND I'M JOINED BY WILLIAM HATFIELD OF THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT AND DANIELLE IRWIN OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF TALLAHASSEE THREE WILL BE QUESTIONING THE CANDIDATES ON VARIOUS TOPICS.

LET'S MEET THOSE CANDIDATES.

ASK THE CANDIDATES FOR TALLAHASSEE CITY COMMISSION NUMBER TWO SITTING LEFT TO RIGHT ARE DOROTHY JOHNSON, CURTIS RICHARDSON WHO IS THE INCUMBENT AND BERNARD STEVENS JUNIOR.

FOR THOSE WATCHING ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLEASE AT THE SHARE BUTTON AND HELP ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS SEE TODAY'S DISCUSSION AS WELL.

FOR THOSE AT HOME HERE IS HOW THE FORMS ARE GOING TO WORK.

WE WILL ROTATE WHICH CAN GET IS TO ANSWER THE QUESTION FIRST.

WE HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS SO WE ARE GOING TO ASK THE CANDIDATES TO KEEP YOUR ANSWERS TO ABOUT 30 SECONDS BECAUSE THERE'S A BUNCH OF YOU.

SOMETIMES SHORTER FOR FOLLOW-UPS AND WE WILL BE KEEPING TIME IN A TECHNICAL WAY OF DOING THAT YOU WILL HEAR THIS ONE YOU ARE ON TIME.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CONTEND THAT STOP BUT FINISH YOUR SENTENCE AND WE WILL GOING TO KEEP MOVING.

>> IF YOU'RE WATCHING A FACEBOOK AND YOU?

CANDIDATES GO AHEAD AND TYPE THEM IN THE COMMENTS AND WE WILL GET TO AS MANY AS WE CAN.

TIME IS VERY LIMITED AND YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF YOUR QUESTION BEING ASKED IF YOU KEEP IT BRIEF AND POLITE AND MAKE IT APPLICABLE TO ALL CANDIDATES.

ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE WE START?

>> LET'S BEGIN.

WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE FACING TALLAHASSEE RESIDENTS AT THIS MOMENT?

HOW CAN YOU HELP AS A CITY COMMISSIONER?

THIS IS FOR JOHNSON AND YOU CAN HAVE 32ND.

>> POVERTY AND LOW INCOME NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS HIGH CRIME, NEIGHBORHOOD, SEGREGATION, AND INCOME AND INEQUALITY.

IF YOU CAN SOLVE THOSE PROBLEMS, WE CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF POVERTY.

>> THANK YOU.

SAME QUESTION.

>> I THINK THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN TALLAHASSEE'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

I AM A NEW RESIDENT MYSELF GOING FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE TO THE RENT PRICES AND CURRENT HOME PRICES AS WELL.

THINK COLLECTIVELY OF THE CITY, WE CAN COME TOGETHER AND FIND SOME SOLUTIONS FOR THAT.

>> THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT THE VIOLENT CRIME THAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY AND IT IS STARTING TO HAPPEN TO FAR TOO OFTEN NOW.

I THINK COMING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY, WE CAN ADDRESS THAT ISSUE WORKING WITH OUR POLICE FORCE AND GIVING THEM THE TOOLS THAT THEY NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL BUT WE CAN'T POLICE OUR WAY OUT OF IT.

WE HAVE PROGRAMS FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO PREVENT THEM FROM GOING THAT ROUTE.

AS A MATTER FACT WE HAVE A GRADUATION OF OUR TEMPLE PROGRAM WHICH IS THE PREVENTION PROGRAM AND INTERVENTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

>> MR. STEVENS?

>> SAFETY AND SECURITY.

I BELIEVE WE HAVE A TRUE PROBLEM WITH OUR GANG VIOLENCE AND THE ONLY WAY TO BRIDGE THAT GAP IS TO HAVE UNITY IN OUR CITY GOVERNMENT.

>> THANK YOU.

A FOLLOW-UP ON THAT WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUELY SUITED FOR THIS JOB OVER YOUR OPPONENTS?

30 SECONDS STARTING WITH YOU.

>> I BELIEVE IT IS MY UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE.

I COME FROM 30 YEARS BACKGROUND IN NURSING.

I HAVE EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND A HOLISTIC APPROACH AND I'M ABLE TO ADVOCATE FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES I CAN TRANSLATE THOSE SKILLS OVER INTO TALLAHASSEE AND USE THEM TO HELP THE RESIDENTS.

>> THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> I THINK MY BACKGROUND IN SCHOOL BOARD AS A STATE LEGISLATOR AND CITY COMMISSIONER.

I LIVE ON THE SIDE OF TOWN WHERE MANY OF THE PROBLEMS ARE BEING ADDRESSED SO I THINK THE POLICIES THAT WE PUT IN PLACE MY INVOLVEMENT OUTSIDE OF PUBLIC SERVICE MAKE ME THE MOST QUALIFIED TO SERVE ANOTHER FOUR YEARS ON THE CITY COMMISSION.

>> MR. STEVENSON?

>> BASICALLY I HAVE BEEN THROUGH TREMENDOUS STRUGGLE WITHIN MY 35 YEARS OF AGE.

BEING IN THE BACKGROUND OF MANAGEMENT, HAVE MANAGED MANY INDIVIDUALS THE LARGEST CREW THAT I HAVE MANAGED WAS ABOUT 60 IN TACO BELL.

I CAN BRING SYMPATHY AND EMPATHY TO THE CITY EMPLOYEES AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY.

>> MRS. JOHNSON?

>> I AM A FORMER MAYOR AND FORMER CITY COMMISSIONER.

THAT PUTS ME ON A LEVEL GROUND WITH THE COMMISSIONER.

ALSO, I HAVE BEEN A PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE TO A NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP.

I HAVE BEEN A TEACHER FOR 28 YEARS AND I HAVE BEEN THE CEO OF A LARGE NONPROFIT SERVING LOW INCOME FAMILIES.

>> THANK YOU.

>> OUR NEXT TOPIC IS ONE THAT WAS DELETED TO AND THAT IS THE ISSUE OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

LAST YEAR WE HAD EIGHT SHOOTING DEATH AT THIS POINT IN THE YEAR.

THIS YEAR WE HAD ALMOST DOUBLE THAT.

WE ASKED ABOUT DISTURBING SHOOTING TRENDS EVERY YEAR SO WHAT IS SOMETHING NEW THAT WE CAN DO SO WE DON'T HAVE TO ASK ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE AND SHOOTINGS NEXT ELECTION CYCLE?

45 SECOND RESPONSE SO PLEASE BEGIN WITH COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> ONE OF THE THINGS WE FOUND OUT FROM OUR POLICE FORCES THAT 53% OF GUN VIOLENCE THAT IS OCCURRING IN OUR COMMUNITY COMES FROM GUNS THAT ARE STOLEN FROM UNLOCKED CARS.

WE ARE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TALLAHASSEE URBAN LEAGUE YELLOW POLICE DEPARTMENT AND URBAN LEAGUE A CAMPAIGN TO WARN INDIVIDUALS IF YOU HAVE A GUN DON'T LEAVE IT IN YOUR UNLOCKED CAR IF IT IS LOADED ESPECIALLY.

THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE ARE DOING.

WE ARE ALSO GIVING OUR POLICE FORCE THE TOOLS THAT THEY NEED INCREASING THE NUMBER OF POLICE OFFICERS SO THEY CAN BETTER PATROL OUR COMMUNITY.

THEY ARE SHORTSTAFFED RIGHT NOW.

RAISING THEIR SALARIES TO BE COMPETITIVE WITH OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND ALSO INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY THAT THEY NEED IN ORDER TO SOLVE A LOT OF THESE CARDS.

NEXT MR. STEVENS?

>> ONLY THING THAT I CAN POSSIBLY THINK OF TO BRIDGE THE GAP IS TECHNOLOGY.

THE TECHNOLOGY RUNS OFF OF SOLAR PANELS.

IT IS LIVE FEED AND TWO PARTIES ARE ABLE TO VIEW THAT.

IF ANY PART CRIME TAKES PLACE IN THE CITY YOU ARE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT HAPPENS AND IT GIVES A TWO WAY AUDIO.

>> MRS. JOHNSON?

>> WE NEED COMMUNITY POLICING WHICH WOULD INCLUDE POLICE HAVING TAKE-HOME VEHICLES LIVING IN THE COMMUNITIES AND PATROLLING.

SUBSTATIONS ALL AROUND THE COMMUNITY WHERE THE PUBLIC GETS A FEEL FOR THE REAL PARTNERSHIP WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

I THINK WITH ALL OF THAT CRIME COULD BE ALLEVIATED.

>> I THINK WE NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB IN SUPPORTING A POLICE DEPARTMENT.

I FEEL LIKE WE NEED TO GO BACK TO THE BASICS AND DIVERT MORE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TOWARDS SCHOOLS AND GET TO THE ROOT OF THE ISSUE.

GET THE YOUNG PEOPLE BEFORE THEY GET TO THE LEVEL OF CRIME AND PROVIDE MORE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS.

IF YOU ARE TO FOCUS ON THOSE AREAS IN THE LONG-TERM, IT WILL REDUCE CRIME.

>> A FOLLOW-UP, DOES THE CITY AND TPD WHICH OVERSEES BEAR ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR NOT DECISIVELY TURNING THE TIDE BY NOW?

HOW IS TPD DOING IN FIGHTING CRIME IN THE CITY?

GIVE US A LETTER GRADE AND EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER 45 SECONDS STARTING WITH MR. STEVENS.

>> I WOULD GIVE THEM A C. WHEN I WAS A KID TALLAHASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS SUBSTATIONS WITHIN THE COMMUNITIES THAT PRETTY MUCH HAD ISSUES IN REGARDS TO CRIME.

THEY HAVE ALLEVIATED THOSE SUBSTATIONS AND THE COMMUNITY POLICE AND NEIGHBORHOODS THAT HAS THE MAJORITY OF POVERTY.

I DO BELIEVE AT THE END OF THE DAY THE POLICE CHIEF IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OUTCOME OF THE CRIME IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.

WE DO NOT SEE THEM IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS UNTIL THERE IS A SHOOTING A BREAK IN OR SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY.

>> I DON'T BELIEVE THE CRIME RATE IS STRICTLY THE JOB OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, I THINK IT IS THE VILLAGE ISSUE.

I THINK WE HAVE A LOT OF DIFFERENT SERVICES THAT WE CAN BRING TO BEAR ON THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE COMMITTING CRIMES AND THE FAILINGS AND THE HOUSEHOLDS BY LOOKING AT THE RESEARCH THESE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE COMING FROM, WHAT THE NEEDS ARE AND HOW WE ADDRESS THEM AND PLUG THE PIPELINE FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE GOING INTO CRIME AND BEING IN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.

>> I WOULD SAY I WILL GIVE THEM A B. I AM NEW TO THE AREA SO MAYBE HAVE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE.

I SEE A LOT OF POLICE CARS AROUND.

I SEE A LOT OF MOTORCYCLE POLICE IN THE BUSHES AND I SEE THEM HIDING IN THERE AND FEEL VERY SAFE IT IN THE COMMUNITY PERSONALLY.

IF I RECALL FOR HELP I BELIEVE THEY WOULD RESPOND QUICKLY.

I DO BELIEVE THAT WE DO NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE OF THE SUPPORT THAT THEY HAVE.

THAT WILL TAKE MORE IN-DEPTH LOOK ON MY PART IN WORKING WITH MY COLLEAGUES ON THAT PERHAPS WE CAN COME UP WITH BETTER SOLUTIONS TO SUPPORT THEM TO DO A BETTER JOB.

>> COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

DOES THE CITY AND TPD WHICH IS OVERSEES BEAR HIS POSSIBILITY FOR NOT DECISIVELY TURNING THE TIDE?

HOW IS TPD DOING FIGHTING CRIME IN THE CITY GIVE US A LETTER GRADE AND EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER?

>> I AM NOT GOING TO BLAME TPD FOR THE INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIMES IN OUR COMMUNITY.

THAT IS SOMETHING THAT THE COMMUNITY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TPD IS GOING TO HAVE TO ADDRESS BUT AS WE KNOW THE OVERALL CRIME RATE HAS DECREASED IN THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE.

FROM THAT PERSPECTIVE, THEY ARE DOING A GOOD JOB.

I WILL GIVE THEM A B.

THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.

I AM IMPRESSED WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF OUR TALLAHASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

THEY ARE LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES BECAUSE THEY ARE SHORTSTAFFED SO WE ARE LOOKING TO HIRE 20 ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICES.

THEIR SALARIES ARE COMPETITIVE WITH AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.

OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HERE IN TALLAHASSEE WILL NOT LOOK TO GO TO OTHER PLACES.

I THINK THEY ARE DOING A GOOD JOB.

WE JUST HAVE TO CONTINUE TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THEM.

TO GET THE JOB DONE.

>> WHAT DO YOU ENVISION AS A DESIRABLE FUTURE USE FOR THE CITY'S NORTHWOOD CENTER SITE OUT PARCELS?

SHOULD THE 29 AND A HALF ACRE PARCEL REMAIN UNDER CITY OWNERS?

30 SECONDS RESPONSE.

>> CAN YOU PLEASE REPEAT THE QUESTION?

>> WHAT DO YOU ENVISION AS A DESIRABLE FUTURE USE OR USES FOR THE CITY'S NORTHWOOD CENTER SITE OUT PARCELS?

SHOULD THE ENTIRE 29 IT AND AND A HALF ACRE PARCEL REMAIN UNDER CITY OWNERSHIP?

>> I BELIEVE IT SHOULD REMAIN UNDER CITY OWNERSHIP AND I THINK WE CAN COME TOGETHER AND FIND SOME SOLUTIONS FOR THAT LAND.

LIKE I SAID EARLIER WE DO HAVE HOUSING SITUATION HERE WHERE WE NEED TO FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON SOME AFFORDABLE HOUSING GETTING PEOPLE IN HOMES.

I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING WE DEFINITELY WANT TO TAKE A LOOK AT.

I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH THAT PARCEL OF LAND.

IT WILL DEFINITELY BE OPEN TO WORKING WITH OTHERS IN FINDING SOME SOLUTIONS FOR THAT PROPERTY.

>> COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> I SERVE ON THE BOARD OF THE TALLAHASSEE LENDERS CONSORTIUM WHICH IS ONE OF OUR PARTNERS IN PROVIDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE COMMUNITY.

WE ARE REALLY LOOKING AT AND 80 YOU -- UNIT.

THE DISCUSSIONS HAVE BEEN THE POLICE HEADQUARTERS AND HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY ON HOW THE REMAINDER OF THE PROPERTY IS TO BE USED.

I THINK WE ARE CONSIDERING COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

WE TALKED ABOUT A PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT ONE POINT.

BUT THAT WILL COME FROM THE COMMUNITY.

>> MR. STEVENS?

>> SIMPLE ANSWER, YES.

>> MRS. JOHNSON?

>> ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THE NORTHWOOD MALL CENTER?

YES, I THINK THE PROPERTY SHOULD FOR NOW STATE UNDER CITY CONTROL.

BUT I HOPE THE CITY WILL LOOK TO USE IT TO INCENTIVIZE AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO MAKE AFFORDABLE RENTAL POSSIBLE.

I DO HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE COST OF THAT CENTER.

>> THANK YOU.

THAT LEADS US INTO A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION WHICH IS OUR YOU SATISFIED WITH THE SCOPE AND THE COST FOR THE NEW TPD HEADQUARTERS WHICH WILL BE ANCHORED THERE?

IF ELECTED WHAT PROJECT DIRECTION WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

45 SECOND RESPONSES.

>> CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION?

>> ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE SCOPE AND THE COST OF THE NEW TPD HEADQUARTERS IF ELECTED WHAT PROCEDURAL AND PROJECT DIRECTION WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

>> I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THE COST.

IT STARTED OUT $40 MILLION BEFORE COVID, IT WENT UP TO $60 MILLION AFTER COVID.

AND NOW IT STANDS AT $135 MILLION.

I WOULD'VE HAD SOME SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT THOSE NEGOTIATIONS.

BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A PROJECT THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN NEGOTIATED HAVING OVER A 100% CHANGE ORDER.

>> I THINK I AGREE WITH MY COLLEAGUE.

THERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ASKED AND A DEEPER DIVE AS TO WHY WE HAD INITIAL PROPOSAL AT THE LOWER AMOUNT AND NOW IT IS BALLOONED TO SUCH A HIGH AMOUNT.

I THINK GOING FORWARD THAT IS SOMETHING WE WILL DEFINITELY NEED TO ADDRESS MUCH DEEPER.

>> COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> WHAT YOU HAVE TO REALIZE AFTER COVID, WE SAW INCREASES ACROSS THE BOARD IN EVERY ASPECT OF OUR SOCIETY.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE BLUEPRINT PROJECTS EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM THE 32 BLUEPRINT PROJECTS THE PRICES IN SOME INSTANCES DOUBLES.

THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SITE AT THE NORTHWOOD CENTER.

THE SCOPE WE HAVE INCREASED BECAUSE WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO IS CONSOLIDATE ALL OF OUR POLICE FUNCTIONS, THEY ARE LOCATED ALL OVER TOWN.

AND SO WE NEED A FACILITY THAT WILL ACCOMMODATE THEIR NEEDS.

WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT THE COST AND IN EVERY INSTANCE TRYING TO SHAVE IT DOWN.

WE MAY NOT BE LOOKING AT THE $135 MILLION.

IT IS BECAUSE THE INCREASE IN MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES.

>> MR. STEVENS?

>> SATISFIED WITH THE COST, UNFORTUNATELY I AM NOT.

BEING THAT IT IS GOING TO BE A STATE OF THE ART FACILITY AND OUR OFFICERS WOULD NOT HAVE TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY AND SOME OF OUR STUFF TO BE DONE INSIDE OF THE FACILITY.

AS FAR AS I WAS TOLD IN THE LAST COMMISSION MEETING, THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO HAVE A SHOOTING RANGE AND OTHER AMENITIES THAT WAS GOING TO BENEFIT THE CITY AS A WHOLE.

THIS IS GOING TO BE 100 YEAR PROJECT WHAT I'M BELIEVE AT THE END OF THE DAY IS A GOOD INVESTMENT.

FROM WHAT THEY HAVE SAID, THE CONTRACTOR WILL ASSUME ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL COST OVER THE $135 MILLION.

>> THE LAST QUESTION IN THIS SECTION, WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO BREAK THE YEAR-LONG UNION NEGOTIATION WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT?

WHY IS IT THE FIREFIGHTERS HAVE A PROBLEM CLOSING THE DEAL WHEN THE POLICE UNION DOES NOT?

45 SECOND RESPONSES, PLEASE.

WE ARE GOING TO BEGIN WITH MR. STEVENS.

>> IT GOES TO SHOW 3/2 V IS A DECISION THAT IS MADE AND I HONESTLY BELIEVE AT THE END OF THE DAY THIS IS THE STAGNATION TO TRY TO SEE WHO IS GOING TO GET ELECTED COMING UP IN AUGUST TO SEE IF WE ARE GOING TO GIVE SOMEONE A RAISE OR NOT.

WHEN IT WAS TIME FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO GET A RAISE OR ANYTHING AS FAR AS BUDGET IN THEY DID THAT QUICKLY AND SWIFTLY.

I DO BELIEVE THAT MR. RICHARDSON AND OTHER COMMISSIONERS ON THE BOARD HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO AHEAD AND KNOCK IT OUT.

THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PROCESS IS SOMETHING THAT THEY DECIDED TO DRAG ALONG TO PUT PEOPLE OUT OF WORK AND HAVE MORE FIREFIGHTERS QUIT.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T TAKE ALL DAY TO FIX.

>> MRS. JOHNSON?

>> THE CITY COULD HAVE SETTLED THE FIREFIGHTERS CONTRACT AT THE SAME TIME LAST SUMMER THAT THEY SETTLED THE POLICE CONTRACT.

THEY HAVE BEEN NEGOTIATING FOR A WHOLE YEAR AND STILL DO NOT HAVE THEIR 5% PAY RAISE.

THE COMMISSIONER SAYS, HE SUPPORTS THE FIREFIGHTERS BUT WHEN THERE WAS AN EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE CITY COMMISSION TO GIVE THE CITY MANAGER GUIDANCE ON WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE, THE COMMISSIONER DIDN'T EVEN SHOW UP FOR THAT EXECUTIVE SESSION.

>> CAN YOU PLEASE REPEAT THE QUESTION?

>> WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO BREAK THE YEAR-LONG DIVISIVE LAW JAM IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT?

WHY IS IT FIREFIGHTERS HAVE A PROBLEM CLOSING THE DEAL WITH THE POLICE UNION DOES NOT?

>> I THINK YOU PROBABLY NEED TO HAVE A FRESH PERSPECTIVE BECAUSE IT HAS DRAW THE LONG FOR A LONG TIME.

THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT TELLS ME WE NEED FRESH EYES LOOKING AT THE SITUATION.

I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE UNIONS IN TALLAHASSEE BUT I DO THINK IF WE WORK TOGETHER THERE'S NO REASON WHY WE COULDN'T COME UP WITH SOME TYPE OF A PLAN TO GIVE THEM A 5% RAISE WHEN THEY ARE SO NEEDED IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> I SUPPORT THE FIREFIGHTERS IN A PROVIDE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

I HAVE ADVOCATED FOR NEW FIRE STATION ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN.

WE JUST RECENTLY APPROVED $27 MILLION TO GO TOWARDS THAT FACILITY.

UNTIL THIS ELECTION CYCLE, HAVE HAD THE SUPPORT AND ENDORSEMENT OF THE FIREFIGHTERS.

I WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THEM REGARDLESS OF WHAT DECISION THEIR UNION MAKES.

THEY ARE IN THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PROCESS.

THE CITY COMMISSION DOES NOT HAVE A ROLE IN THAT PROCESS, IT IS OUTLINED IN STATE STATUTE.

WE ARE NOT INVOLVED UNTIL A RECOMMENDATION COMES BACK.

THE REASON I MISSED THAT EXECUTIVE SESSION, I HAD ALREADY BEEN BRIEFED ON WHAT WILL BE TALKED ABOUT.

I WAS IN THE BUILDING AND IT JUST THAT I LOST TRACK OF TIME.

>> ONE SENTENCE FROM EACH OF YOU, WHY IS IT THAT THE FIVE FIRES HAVE A ISSUE CLOSING THE DEAL BUT THE POLICE DOES NOT?

>> THIS HAS BECOME POLITICAL.

TO INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF THIS ELECTION.

THERE'S NO DOUBT.

I CAN ONLY SPEAK FOR ME BUT THERE'S NO DOUBT THAT I SUPPORT OUR FIREFIGHTERS.

>> MR. STEVENS?

>> IT TAKES THREE PEOPLE TO HAVE A VOTE PASSED.

AT THE END OF THE DAY IT STARTS WITH THE CITY MANAGER.

>> MRS. JOHNSON?

>> CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION?

>> WHY IS IT FIREFIGHTERS HAVE A PROBLEM CLOSING THE DEAL WITH THE POLICE UNION DOESN'T?

>> IT IS POLITICAL.

IT IS POLITICAL BECAUSE THERE ARE THREE CITY COMMISSIONERS WHO REFUSE TO SUPPORT TREATING FIREFIGHTERS THE SAME AS THEY DO ALL OTHER EMPLOYEES.

BY THE WAY THE FIREFIGHTERS ENDORSED ME.

>> I THINK IT IS POLITICAL AS WELL.

FROM THE DISCUSSIONS THAT I'VE HEARD IN SOME OF THE READINGS I HAVE READ.

>> ONE QUESTION JUST FOR COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON, YOU MAY BE THE DECISIVE VOTE IN THIS COMES BEFORE QUASIJUDICIAL HEARING FOR COMMISSIONERS.

DOES THAT WAIT ON YOU?

>> FOR THAT REASON, I CANNOT DISCUSS THAT ISSUE.

WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY OUR ATTORNEY NOT TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE.

I CAN'T DO THAT.

>> NOT SPEAK ON WAYS?

>> MOVING ON TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

APPROXIMATELY 42% OF TALLAHASSEE HOUSEHOLDS SPEND MORE THAN 30% OF THEIR INCOME ON HOUSING.

MOST OF THESE HOUSEHOLDS OR LOW-WAGE EARNERS IN NEED OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING COSTING LESS THAN $700 PER MONTH.

IF ELECTED WHAT SPECIFIC ACTION WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE CITY DO TO INCREASE THE STOCK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM?

30 SECONDS MRS. JOHNSON WE WILL START WITH YOU.

>> FIRST THING I LOOK AT PROVIDING HOUSING FOR PEOPLE AND WE HAVE A CRISIS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING REALLY IS.

IT IS FOR LOW INCOME RENTAL.

PEOPLE WHO ARE INCOME LEVELS FROM 30 Ã50% OF THE AMI.

WE ARE PUTTING ALL OF THE MONEY FROM THE TRUST FUND INTO HOME OWNERSHIP.

HOMEOWNERSHIP ISN'T WHERE THE CRISIS IS.

>> I DRIVE AROUND AND SEE A LOT OF VACANT PROPERTIES AROUND THE CITY.

I DO THINK THAT PERHAPS WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE DEVELOPERS AND PLANNERS TO TRY TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE LAND WOULD BE APPROPRIATE.

IN THE SHORT TERM PERHAPS FUNDING HUD A LITTLE BIT MORE.

I READ RECENTLY ONE IN FOUR FAMILIES ARE RECEIVING THE FUNDING THAT THEY NEED FOR RENTAL HOUSING.

SO THERE A LOT OF QUALIFIED PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT RECEIVING THE FUNDS THEY NEED.

>> 30 SECONDS TO YOU MR. RICHARDSON?

>> WE HAVE MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE PIPELINE THEN IN THE HISTORY OF THE CITY.

I SERVE ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TALLAHASSEE LENDERS CONSORTIUM WHICH IS ONE OF OUR PARTNERS IN PROVIDING LOW INCOME HOUSING PARTICULARLY IN ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED NEIGHBORHOODS THAT WE MET YESTERDAY.

WE HAVE 10 HOUSES THAT ARE AVAILABLE.

I ALSO SERVE ON THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE.

WE MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON POLICY DECISIONS.

TO MAKE THE PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

>> MR. STEVENS?

42% OF TALLAHASSEE HOUSEHOLDS SPEND 30% OF THEIR INCOME ON HOUSING.

MOST OF THESE HOUSEHOLDS OR LOW-WAGE EARNERS IN NEED OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING COSTING LESS THAN $700 PER MONTH.

IF ELECTED WHAT SPECIFIC ACTION WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE CITY DO TO INCREASE THE STOCK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM?

>> BASICALLY, WHAT WE COULD DO TO PROVIDE TO DEVELOPERS COMING OUT PUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON THE PLATFORM.

I THINK WHEN WE GET AFFORDABLE HOUSING, WE DON'T HAVE TO LOOK AT THE BRICK-AND-MORTAR BUT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE AREA THAT IS WHEN WE BUILD A HOUSE WHAT ARE WE DOING IN THE AREA?

HOW ARE WE GOING TO STOP IT FROM INCREASING AND THAT GOES TO PROPERTY TAXES.

>> OUR NEXT QUESTION WAS INSPIRED BY THE CAPITAL AREA ADJUSTERS MINISTRY.

SHOULD THE CITY EXPAND FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS AND MIXED INCOME RENTAL HOUSING PROJECTS.

IF SO, HOW IF NOT WHY NOT?

30 SECONDS.

SHOULD THE CITY EXTEND FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS AND MIXED INCOME RENTAL HOUSING PROJECTS.

IF SO, HOW IF NOT WHY NOT?

>> I DEFINITELY THINK THEY SHOULD DO THAT.

IT IS ONE OF THE MAJOR NEEDS OF THE CITY RIGHT NOW.

I BELIEVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SO MY ANSWER WOULD BE, YES.

HOW EXACTLY WILL GO ABOUT THAT, I THINK THE LEADERS OF TALLAHASSEE NEED TO COME TOGETHER AND WORK WITH THE DEVELOPERS AND THE PLANNERS AND TRY TO COME UP WITH SOME SORT OF SOLUTION THAT WILL BENEFIT MR. RICHARDSON?

>> WE PROVIDE INCENTIVES FOR DEVELOPERS TO INCLUDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT.

WE HAVE AN INCLUSIONARY HOUSING POLICY WHERE THERE IS A DEVELOPMENT OF 25 UNITS OR MORE.

10% OF THOSE HAVE TO BE AFFORDABLE.

WE ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK.

IF YOU GET COLUMBIA GARDENS AT SOUTH CITY THAT WAS A PARTNERSHIP AND THAT IS TRUE TALLAHASSEE HOUSING AUTHORITY.

THAT WAS A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY.

I THOUGHT TO GET THAT AREA IN THE CRA AND WE WERE ABLE TO GET THEM SOME SEED MONEY TO GET THE PROJECT.

IT WILL BE WHAT YOU DESCRIBED IN YOUR QUESTION.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. STEVENS?

>> I DO BELIEVE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES ARE PERFECT.

I THINK AT THE END OF THE DAY AS LEADERS, WE WILL HAVE TO SIT DOWN AND COME UP WITH SOMETHING THAT COULD BE INCREASING EACH TIME THAT WE HAVE A DEVELOPER COME OUT AND BUILD THE PROPERTY.

WHAT CAN WE DO FOR THE NEXT DEVELOPER?

I DO BELIEVE AT THE END OF THE DAY THE TYPE OF CAMARADERIE WILL BUILD RAPPORT WITH ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO IS COMING TO TALLAHASSEE FOR GROWTH.

>> THANK YOU AND FINALLY MRS. JOHNSON?

>> THE SAME WAY WE GET FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO LARGE UPSCALE HOUSING DEVELOPERS, WE SHOULD BE SETTING ASIDE LAND IN THE CITY THAT WE CAN MAKE AVAILABLE AND CREATE SUBSIDIES FOR DEVELOPERS WHO WILL DEVELOP LOW INCOME AFFORDABLE RENTALS.

BUT QUALITY RENTALS IN THE COMMUNITY.

I WAS CHAIR OF BOTH THE CITIES AND THE COUNTIES AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

>> THANK YOU.

>> I HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS SPECIFICALLY FOR DONNA.

I BELIEVE YOU SAID THIS IS YOUR DEBUT.

WELCOME AND WELCOME TO TALLAHASSEE.

WE GIVE YOU 30 SECONDS TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO TALLAHASSEE?

>> MY NAME IS DONNA AND WE ARRIVED IN NOVEMBER OF LAST YEAR.

MY HUSBAND AND I RELOCATED FROM CALIFORNIA.

BORN AND RAISED IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

I HAVE BEEN LIVING IN A BIG CITY MY ENTIRE LIFE.

AFTER BEING IN CALIFORNIA FOR MANY, MANY YEARS AND WATCHING IT CHANGE THE WAY IT HAS, WE DECIDED THAT A FRESH START SOMEWHERE ELSE WOULD BE APPROPRIATE.

IT WAS SOMETHING WE DIDN'T TAKE LIGHTLY.

WE HAVE BEEN THINKING AND PLANNING FOR MANY YEARS.

>> HOW DID YOU CHOOSE TALLAHASSEE?

>> MANY REASONS BUT I DO ALSO HAVE A NICE NEARBY AND SHE LOVES FLORIDA.

>> AS A NEW RESIDENT TO TALLAHASSEE, WHO DID YOU SPEAK TO THAT PEACH YOUR INTEREST IN UNDERTAKING THIS CHALLENGE?

>> WHO DID SP2?

BASICALLY, MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS CLOSE FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

IT IS SOMETHING THAT I PRAYED ABOUT AND FELT VERY STRONG ABOUT.

ASK WHAT INTERESTS YOU SPECIFICALLY AND RUNNING?

>> I THINK WORKING WITH THE RESIDENTS OF TALLAHASSEE INTEREST ME THE MOST.

BEING A NURSE I'M USED TO WORKING WITH PEOPLE A LOT OF PEOPLE.

>> IT HAS PROMPTED PLENTY OF SPECULATION THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY TWEETED THAT YOU ARE A QUOTE INSINCERE GHOST CANDIDATE INTENDED TO MANIPULATE THE AUGUST RESULTS?

>> ABSOLUTELY NOT.

I DID CLARIFY THAT INNER REPORTERS INTERVIEW I HAD RECENTLY.

I AM VERY REAL AND SINCERE.

I LOVE PEOPLE AND I'M AN ADVOCATE FOR PEOPLE.

MY 30 YEARS OF NURSING I BELIEVE QUALIFY ME WELL FOR THE WORLD.

NO, I HAVE NO ULTERIOR MOTIVES.

AND I AM NOT A GHOST CANDIDATE.

>> FOR THE OTHER CANDIDATES IS THIS GHOST CANDIDATE NARRATIVE IN REAL ISSUE IN THIS CAMPAIGN?

30 SECONDS COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> NOT FOR ME.

I'M RUNNING ON A SOLID RECORD IN THE TALLAHASSEE COMMUNITY AFTER HAVING LIVED HERE FOR 50 YEARS.

30 YEARS AS A RESIDENT OF THE SOUTH SIDE OF TALLAHASSEE WHERE MY WIFE AND I BUILT OUR HOME, RAISE OUR CHILDREN.

MY INVOLVEMENT IN THIS COMMUNITY OVER THE YEARS, THE FACT THAT THIS COMMUNITY HAS ENTRUSTED ME TO SERVE THEM IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT CAPACITIES.

SO FOR ME I RUN ON MY RECORD.

AND WHAT I HAVE DONE TO MAKE TALLAHASSEE BE THE ALL AMERICAN CITY.

>> MR. STEVENSON?

IS THIS GHOST CANDIDATE NARRATIVE REAL ISSUE IN THIS CAMPAIGN?

>> SIMPLE ANSWER, NO.

>> MRS. JOHNSON?

>> NO, IT IS NOT FOR ME.

I HAVE AN EXCELLENT RECORD OF SERVICE OVER THE PAST 53 YEARS I HAVE LIVED IN TALLAHASSEE.

I THINK PEOPLE KNOW WHO I AM AND THEY WILL VOTE FOR ME BASED ON THEIR CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY TO SERVE.

>> ONE LAST QUESTION FOR ALL OF YOU IN THE CITY COMMISSION RACE PASTOR RUDY FERGUSON ASKED THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO INVESTIGATE THE SO-CALLED QUOTE DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES THAT RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FAIRNESS AND IMPARTIALITY OF THE LOCAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

WHICH IS RUN BY JEREMY'S AID.

IF THE LOCAL PARTY BEING FAIR IN THIS RACE INTO HATE -- THEY HAVE -- [INDISCERNIBLE] >> I DON'T FEEL IT IS MY PLACE TO TELL LEON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE HOW IT CONDUCTS ITS AFFAIRS.

AS A CANDIDATE ALL OF US HAVE TO DO WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING TO SHOW THE ISSUES THAT WE STAND FOR.

I STAND SOLIDLY BEHIND THE AGENDA TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY.

>> THANK YOU.

>> I THINK I TEND TO AGREE WITH THAT AS WELL.

I DON'T THINK IT IS MY PLACE TO DETERMINE THAT.

HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THAT EACH AND EVERY CANDIDATE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN INTEGRITY AND TRANSPARENCY.

I FEEL THAT AS LONG AS YOU ARE TRANSPARENT AND OPEN AND YOU OPERATE WITH ETHICS.

>> IS THE DEMOCRATIC DOING THAT WHEN THEY CALL YOU A GHOST CANDIDATE?

>> I THINK THEY GO BY INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED BEFORE THEM.

>> WHO IS PRESENTING THE INFORMATION TO THEM?

>> I DON'T KNOW WHO STARTED THAT TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH.

I GOT AN -- A COUPLE OF EMAILS AND I SPOKE WITH THE REPORTER SAID TO LET THEM KNOW I'M A REAL PERSON.

>> I HAVE BEEN A DEMOCRAT REGISTERED DEMOCRAT SINCE 1976 AS A STUDENT AT FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY.

I HAVE RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE AS A DEMOCRAT AND SUPPORTED THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OVER THE YEARS I WAS A FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER OF NORTH FLORIDA.

TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH, I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN HOW THE LOCAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS BEING RUN NOW.

WHEN OUR CHAIRMAN CHOOSES WHO HE WILL SUPPORT LOCAL ELECTIONS WHEN YOU HAVE DEMOCRATS RUNNING AGAINST EACH OTHER.

THEY HAVE MANIPULATED THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY DATABASE TO THEIR BENEFIT.

MY COLLEAGUE ON THE SAME COMMISSION HAVE STARTED A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE TO SUPPORT MY OPPONENT IN THIS RACE AND ONE OF THE CANDIDATES AND OTHER RACE.

I THINK IT IS ABSOLUTELY WRONG FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY CARE TO CHOOSE SIDES IN DEMOCRATIC RACES.

>> MR. STEVENS?

>> EVERYBODY IS AFFORDED AN DUE PROCESS.

I'M A NONAFFILIATED PERSON.

WHATEVER ALLEGATIONS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN PRESENTED, HAVE NO COMMENT ON THE MATTER.

>> MAY I RESPOND?

>> WE ONLY DO RESPONSES IF THERE'S A PERSONAL ATTACK.

WE HAVE TO KEEP MOVING.

>> OUR NEXT TOPIC WE ARE GOING STRAIGHT INTO BLUEPRINT.

ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE JOB BLUEPRINT IS DOING AND HOW IT IS ALLOCATING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MONIES TO THE SALES TAX?

IF NOT WHAT CHANGES ARE NEEDED?

45 SECOND RESPONSES.

STARTING WITH MRS. JOHNSON?

>> CAN YOU REPEAT THE FIRST PART OF THE QUESTION?

>> ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE JOB BLUEPRINT IS DOING?

AND HOW IT IS ALLOCATING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MONEY THROUGH SALES TAX?

IF NOT WHAT CHANGES ARE NEEDED?

>> I DO NOT THINK IT IS A FAIR PROCESS ALL OF THE TIME.

WHEN THEY CAME FORWARD AND ASKED FOR MONEY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING, THE ISSUE CAME UP.

THAT IS NOT ONE OF THE PROJECTS THAT WAS TALKED ABOUT WHEN THE SALES TAX WAS APPROVED.

HOWEVER, WHENEVER BLUEPRINT GAVE$27 MILLION TO FSU TO BUILD CAMPBELL STADIUM THAT WAS NOT ON THE LIST EITHER.

BUT THEY FOUND A WAY TO IMPROVE IT.

SOMA WALLS WASN'T ON THE LIST BUT THEY FOUND A WAY TO APPROVE IT.

THINGS THAT ARE REALLY NEEDED IN THE COMMUNITY TO UPLIFT LOW INCOME AREAS SHOULD BE ALSO CONSIDER -- CONSIDERED.

>> I AGREE THAT THE $27 MILLION IS QUITE EXCESSIVE FROM THE STUDY AND RESEARCH I HAVE DONE.

I FEEL PERHAPS A SMALLER AMOUNT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A BETTER CHOICE.

WITHOUT DOING MORE RESEARCH, I AM STILL OPEN TO THAT.

>> COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE JOB BLUEPRINT IS DOING?

AND HOW IT IS ALLOCATING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MONEY AND IF NOT WHAT CHANGES ARE NEEDED?

>> I AM VERY PROUD OF THE FACT THAT I SERVED ON THE ORIGINAL BLUEPRINT COMMITTEE 20 YEARS AGO ALMOST A LITTLE LONGER THAN THAT.

I WAS VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE SALES TAX COMMITTEE WHEN WE DECIDED TO MAKE A PART OF THE REVENUE GENERATED FROM THE PENNY SALES TAX INCREASE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

I THINK THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS DOING A PHENOMENAL JOB AND ENCOURAGING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN OUR COMMUNITY.

PARTICULARLY OUR WOMEN, MINORITY, AND SMALL MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

I AM SATISFIED WITH WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

THE 32 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ARE IN PLACE.

IT DIDN'T INCLUDE HOUSING.

EVEN IF IT HAD BEEN APPROVED, IT WOULD'VE BEEN 10 YEARS BEFORE THE MONEY WOULD HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE.

>> MR. STEVENS?

>> RESPECTFULLY, NO I AM NOT SATISFIED.

HERE'S THE REASON WHY.

OUR CITY INFRASTRUCTURE IS FALLING APART.

WE HAVE POTHOLES AND ROADS, STREET LIGHTS THAT ARE OUT, WE NEED SIDEWALKS.

THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER THINGS THAT WE COULD HAVE DONE.

TO FIX THE CITY BESIDES GIVE MONEY AWAY TO BUSINESSES AT THE PRESENT MOMENT WHEN THE TRAVELING INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE PRETTY MUCH GOING TO WORK EVERY DAY THE GOING DOWN A BUMPY ROAD AND THIS HAS BEEN ISSUES FOR DECADE AFTER DECADE.

WE NEED TO WORK ON OUR INFRASTRUCTURE BEFORE START ALLOCATING FUNDS ELSEWHERE.

>> HOW WOULD YOU GRADE OPV ART ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESSES TO TALLAHASSEE?

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESSES JOB RECRUITMENT WILL BE NUMBER ONE ON YOUR WISH LIST?

32ND RESPONSES BEGINNING WITH DONNA.

>> I AM PLEASED WITH THEIR CHOICES OF BUSINESS SO FAR.

I HAVE BEEN STUDYING THEIR WEBSITE AND THEIR INITIATIVES AND DIFFERENT BUSINESSES THAT HAVE TALKED ABOUT ON THEIR WEBSITE.

I WOULD PROBABLY GIVE THEM A LETTER GRADE OF B AT THIS POINT.

>> WOULD YOU HAVE ANY OTHER BUSINESSES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM FOCUS ON?

>> I THINK PERSONALLY MAYBE SOME IMPROVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL INDUSTRY.

I WAS REALLY SURPRISED TO SEE MACY'S LEAVE THE MALL.

I HEARD THAT OTHER RETAIL STORES WILL BE LEAVING AS WELL.

THAT IS SAD FOR THE COMMUNITY IF HE WERE TO LOSE THEM ALL.

I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING THEY SHOULD DEFINITELY PUT SOME OF THE RESOURCES AND EFFORTS.

>> COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> I THINK THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC VITALITY IS DOING A PHENOMENAL JOB IN ATTRACTING BUSINESS TO OUR COMMUNITY.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT BUSINESSES LIKE AMAZON CREATING 1600 JOBS IN OUR COMMUNITY, HIGH WAGE HIGH SKILLED JOBS WITH BENEFITS.

THE PROPERTY TAX THAT WE WILL COLLECT AND THE COUNTY WILL COLLECT IN THE COUNTY FROM THAT.

WE LOOKED AT DAN FALLS WHICH IS INNOVATION PARK EXPANSION.

ALL THAT WAS DONE THROUGH INCENTIVES BY THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC VITALITY.

I GIVE THEM AN K FOR PERFORMANCE.

>> HOW WOULD YOU GRADE OPV ON ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESSES TO TALLAHASSEE AND WHAT KIND OF JOB RECRUITMENT WILL BE NUMBER ONE ON YOUR WISH LIST.

>> I LIKE TO SEE MORE JOB DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESSES ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN.

I THINK WHAT WE HAVE IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAVE BEEN A DECREASE IN BUSINESSES ON THE SOUTH SIDE.

WE HAVE GROCERY STORES LEAVING THE SOUTH SIDE WE ALSO HAVE BANKS LEAVING THE SOUTH SIDE AND PHARMACIES LEAVING THE SOUTH SIDE.

I BELIEVE THAT THE END OF THE DAY WHERE WE ARE FOCUSING ON PUTTING NEW BUSINESSES THERE AND NEIGHBORHOOD THAT NEEDS TO HELP HER JOB DEVELOPMENT.

>> WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE?

>> GROCERIES THESE -- GROCERY STORES, PHARMACIES AND BUSINESSES WHERE YOU CAN PUT EVERYTHING TO PUT YOUR HANDS ON.

LAWNMOWERS OR ANYTHING.

>> A COUPLE OF FOLLOW-UPS.

WAS IT WORTH IT YOUR 32ND THOUGHTS AND WE GOING TO SAY YOUR 15 SECOND THOUGHTS ARE SOME PARTICULAR PROJECTS.

WE ARE GOING START WITH MR. RICHARDSON.

FOOTBALL STADIUMS AND SPORTS FIELDS.

>> $37 MILLION TO FLORIDA STATE WAS WORTH THE INVESTMENT.

IT WAS FOR STADIUM UPGRADES TO INCREASE DISABILITY ACCESS AND OTHER STRUCTURAL DEFICITS IN THE STADIUM.

THE FSU FOOTBALL PROGRAM GENERATES $100 MILLION IN REVENUE.

>> MR. STEVENS?

>> WE GAVE FLORIDA STATE WE GAVE FAMU A FRACTION OF THAT.

THE FRACTION THAT WAS GIVEN TO FAMU DIDN'T DO ANYTHING.

THE STADIUM NEED JUST AS MUCH IMPROVEMENT.

>> MAY I ASK A QUESTION?

I WAS NOT ALLOWED TO RESPOND TO THE PREVIOUS.

>> YOU CAN TAKE 15 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON SAID HE WAS SUPPORTED BY THE DECKER THERE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

>> THAT IS CORRECT AND I APOLOGIZE FOR THAT.

[MULTIPLE SPEAKERS] HOW WOULD YOU GRADE OEV ON ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESSES TO TALLAHASSEE?

WHAT WOULD BE NUMBER ONE ON YOUR WISH LIST?

AND THE FOLLOW-UP QUESTION WAS FOOTBALL STADIUMS AND SPORTS FIELDS WAS IT WORTH IT?

>> FIRST OF ALL I WOULD GIVE THEM A, B.

THEY ATTRACTED AMAZON THE KIND OF THOUGHT DID NOT GO INTO HOW THE PEOPLE WHO NEEDED THE JOBS THE MOST WOULD GET TO THOSE JOBS.

THERE WAS NO TRANSPORTATION PLANNING TO GET PEOPLE THERE.

THE KINDS OF BUSINESSES I WILL SUGGEST BUSINESSES THAT ARE CLEAN TO THE ENVIRONMENT LIKE FINANCE, TIME -- TECHNOLOGY.

I AGREE THAT WE NEED MORE ATTENTION TO RETAIL BUSINESSES.

WE NEED TO REINVEST IN DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE TO BRING IT BACK TO LIFE.

>> THE OTHER FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS FOR BOTH STADIUMS AND SPORTS FIELDS ARE THINK YOU ALLUDED TO THIS EARLIER.

WERE THEY WORTH IT?

>> THE FOOTBALL STADIUM IS LOCATED IN THE 32304 AREA CODE.

THAT MONEY WOULD HAVE DONE A LOT MORE GOOD CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS AND INCUBATOR FOR PEOPLE TO GET JOBS IN THAT AREA.

>> PICKING BACK UP ON THE AMAZON ISSUE AND STILL UNDER THE 15 SECONDS TO $2.56 MILLION ON INCENTIVES FOR AMAZON, WAS IT WORTH IT?

MR. STEVENS?

>> IT COULD'VE BEEN BETTER.

MIGHT HAVE BEEN WORTH IT BUT LIKE MY COLLEAGUES, WE COULD'VE PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION.

THEY JUST REFUSE TO BECAUSE AT ONE POINT IN TIME THEY HAD THE SHUTTLE AND THE TROLLEY.

I DO BELIEVE THEY COULD HAVE PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION.

>> MS. JOHNSON?

$2.5 MILLION FOR AMAZON, WAS IT WORTH IT?

>> IT MAY BE WORTH IT FOR THE NUMBER OF JOBS THEY PROVIDED.

HOWEVER, THE PEOPLE WHO NEED THOSE JOBS THE MOST CAN'T GET TO THEM.

IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH AMAZON SHOULD ARE REQUIRED THAT THEY PUT SOME SKIN IN THE GAME TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO THOSE JOBS.

>> THANK YOU.

WAS IT WORTH IT FOR AMAZON?

>> I TEND TO AGREE, I THINK IT PROBABLY WAS WORTH IT.

I READ IT ADDED 2000 JOBS.

I'M NOT SURE AMAZON IS A COMPANY WITH SO MANY RESOURCES ALREADY.

IF WE REALLY NEED TO GET THAT PERHAPS -- >> COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> WE LOST A FACILITY TO JACKSON COUNTY BECAUSE WE HESITATED TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES THAT THEY WERE ASKING FOR.

IT WAS ABSOLUTELY APPROPRIATE TO GIVE AMAZON THE KINDS OF INCENTIVES THAT THEY WERE ASKING FOR FOR THE NUMBER OF JOBS THAT THEY HAVE CREATED AND THE INCOME THAT WILL BE DERIVED FROM THAT AND PROPERTY TAXES OVER THE YEARS.

THE 1.8 MILLION -- >> THE $1.8 MILLION FOR THE WALLS WAS IT WORTH IT?

>> NO.

IT WAS NOT WORTH IT AND IT WASN'T $1.8 MILLION IT ENDED UP BEING OVER $3 MILLION BETWEEN THE CRA AND BLUEPRINTS.

THEY ARE COMPETING WITH ANOTHER BUSINESS ACROSS THE STREET.

>> I THINK FROM MY UNDERSTANDING IS NOT OPENED YET.

I THINK IT IS YET TO BE SEEN.

THE BENEFIT FROM THAT OPENING AND THE IMPACT IT WILL HAVE ON OUR COMMUNITY.

>> COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> IT IS THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TALLAHASSEE WHERE I'VE LIVED FOR 30 YEARS NOW.

IT WAS A $1.8 MILLION GRANT WHICH DIDN'T HAVE TO BE PAID BACK BUT THE OWNER HAS AGREED TO PAY BACK $1 MILLION OF THAT.

HE EXCEEDED HIS MINORITY AND WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESSES THAT WILL BE LOCATED THERE.

>> MR. STEVENS WAS IT WORTH IT?

>> LOOKS GOOD.

IT LOOKS GOOD COMPARED TO WHAT WAS IN HIS FACE SO YES.

>> THE LAST QUESTION THE RISING COST OF $134 MILLION AIRPORT GATEWAY.

15 SECOND RESPONSES, WAS IT WORTH IT?

>> I DID NOT SEE THE AIRPORT BEFORE THE GATEWAY WAS ADDED.

I THINK IT IS A GREAT ENHANCEMENT.

I THINK IT GIVES PEOPLE ARRIVING IN THE CITY GREAT ACCESS TO COME TO THE CITY AND IT IS BEAUTIFUL.

>> COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON?

>> IT WAS WORTH IT.

IT WAS ONE OF THE PROJECTS THAT WAS VOTED ON BY THE BLUEPRINT COMMITTEE AND APPROVED AT THE LEVEL THAT IT WAS BUILT FOR OR FUNDED FOR.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT IS ADJACENT THE PROVIDENCE NEIGHBORHOOD HAS NEGOTIATE FOR BENEFITS AS A RESULT OF THE GATEWAY TO THE AIRPORT NEXT MR. STEVENS -- >> THE AIRPORT GATEWAY WAS ALWAYS IN THE PLAN.

IT IS THE ROUTE OF THE AIRPORT GATEWAY THAT IS THE CONCERN.

THE ONE THAT BLUEPRINT APPROVE THIS MORE MORE COSTLY THAN THE OTHER ROUTES THAT ARE THERE.

THE SERVICES THAT COULD'VE BEEN PROVIDED TO PROVIDENCE CAN BE PROVIDED AND STILL MAKE THAT A LESS COSTLY PROJECT.

>> THAT CONCLUDES THE BLUEPRINT SECTION.

AFTER LAST YEAR'S 8.5% PROPERTY TAX INCREASE THE CITY COMMISSION IS LOOKING TO HOLD THE LINE ON THE MILLAGE RATE THIS YEAR.

IT WILL STILL BE CONSIDERED A TAX INCREASE BY FLORIDA LAW AS THE CITY STANDS TO GAIN 6 MILLION MORE WITH RISING PROPERTY VALUES.

ARE WE MAKING THE RIGHT BUDGETARY DECISIONS?

30 SECONDS.

>> I ABSOLUTELY THINK WE ARE.

THE MODEST PROPERTY TAX INCREASE THAT WAS APPROVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION WHERE 70% OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS WILL NOT BE IMPACTED IS BEING DEVOTED 100% TO PUBLIC SAFETY IN OUR COMMUNITY.

HIRING 20 ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS, INCREASING THEIR SALARIES AS I MENTIONED EARLIER TO COMPETE WITH AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND INVEST IN TECHNOLOGY THAT THEY WILL NEED TO HELP SOLVE MANY OF THE CRIMES THAT WERE FACED WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY.

>> MR. STEVENS?

>> CUTS COULD HAVE BEEN MADE IN OTHER PLACES IN THE BUDGET.

I BELIEVE THAT THE TAXPAYERS ARE ALWAYS THE ONES WHO HAVE TO HAVE AN INCREASE.

NOBODY ELSE HAS THE INFLUX OF PROPERTY TAXES BECAUSE WE CAN'T HANDLE OUR AFFAIRS SO IT IS THE MISMANAGEMENT OF FUNDS.

I DO NOT AGREE WITH THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.

>> I FEEL THERE IS A LOT OF FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT IN THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS I WOULD DO WOULD BE TO CALL FOR A FORENSIC AUDIT.

$1 MILLION GOING MISSING RECENTLY, HALF A MILLION GOING MISSING AND TWO Ã THREE YEARS AGO NO EXPLANATION FOR ANY OF IT.

I THINK THAT IS THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG.

STAFF IS SPENDING LIKE A DRUNKEN SAILOR AND WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO LOOK AT WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE FINANCES.

>> I BELIEVE NO ONE WANTS TO TAX INCREASES IN THE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.

I THINK WE WOULD NEED TO GO BACK TO THE CITY BUDGET AND PLANNING AND TAKE A DEEPER DIVE THERE TO SEE IF THERE ARE OTHER AREAS THAT WE GOTTA TRY FIRST.

IF IT IS AN EXTREME MEASURE FOR AN EXTREME PROBLEM THAT SOMETIMES THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE TO DO.

>> WITH THE REGULAR 3/2 SPLIT ONE OF THE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL STATES MIGHT BE OUR CITY MANAGEMENT.

PLEASE ASSIGN THE GREATEST HOW THE CITY MANAGER IS DOING?

IS HE DOING WELL AND IS THERE ANYTHING HE COULD BE DOING BETTER?

30 SECONDS.

MR. STEVENS WE WILL START WITH YOU.

>> I WILL GIVE HIM A, F. THERE ARE SEVERAL EMPLOYEES ARE TERMINATED AND MISTREATED.

THE CITY MANAGER HAS NO CARE AT ALL OF WHAT GOES ON TO THE CITY EMPLOYEES.

THE CITY MANAGERS HAS PUT MORE POSITIONS IN PLACE FOR HIGHER EXECUTIVES.

THIS IS UNCALLED FOR.

WHEN YOU ALLOW TPD POLICE OFFICER TO REMAIN ON THE JOB AFTER TWO COUNTS OF TAKING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND WE HAVE FIVE OTHER INDIVIDUALS OF THE SAME THING THAT IS UNFAIR.

>> MRS. JOHNSON?

>> I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING MR. STEVENS SAID.

IN ADDITION, I FEEL THE CITY IS SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY ON CASES WHERE CITY EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN FIRED AND HAVE HAD TO FILE CASES AGAINST THE CITY BECAUSE THEY DO NOT GET DUE PROCESS.

I FEEL THE CITY MANAGER IS NOT A GOOD STEWARD OF OUR TAX DOLLARS.

>> I PERSONALLY HAVE NEVER WORKED WITH THIS PARTICULAR MANAGER.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLES OF A MANAGER, I WILL PROBABLY ASSIGN HIM A LETTER GRADE OF B. I THINK SOME OF THE READINGS AND RESEARCH I HAVE DONE, I THINK OVERALL THERE ARE ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE CORRECTED BUT I THINK HE IS DOING PROBABLY THE BARE MINIMUM.

MAYBE I WILL GIVE HIM A C FOR THAT.

>> THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE CAN BE COMPARED TO A LARGE BUSINESS OR CORPORATION WITH A BILLION-DOLLAR BUDGET, 4000 EMPLOYEES, 11 ENTERPRISES SUCH AS THE AIRPORT, TRANSIT SYSTEM, UTILITY SYSTEM, WATER SYSTEM AND RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OF THAT.

IT IS MANAGED VERY WELL WITH HIS LEADERSHIP TEAM.

OUR CITY IS OFTEN RECOGNIZED FOR THE QUALITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT WE HAVE.

I THINK THAT IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE LEADERSHIP THAT WE HAVE.

I GIVE HIM A 5/5 ON EVALUATION.

>> IF WE CALL IT A VOTE RIGHT NOW ARE YOU VOTED TO KEEP OUR OUTS THE CITY MANAGER?

>> I CANNOT SAY WHAT I WOULD DO UNTIL I AM THERE AND I GIVE HIM THE SAME DUE PROCESS THAT I TALK ABOUT GETTING ALL CITY EMPLOYEES.

>> AGREED.

I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GIVE HIM A RESPONSE TO THAT AT THIS TIME SINCE I NEVER WORKED WITH HIM PERSONALLY AND SEEING THE JOB UP CLOSE.

>> I ABSOLUTELY WOULD ADVOCATE FOR KEEPING HIM AS THE CITY MANAGER.

JUST RECENTLY, WE WERE RECOGNIZED AS HAVING THE STRONGEST ECONOMY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

THIS IS A WHOLE LOT TO THE LEADERSHIP THAT REESE IS PROVIDING OUR QUESTION ONE MORE TIME?

>> A CALL TO VOTE RIGHT NOW ARE YOU WILLING TO KEEP OR OUST THE CITY MANAGER?

>> TO OUST HIM MOST DEFINITELY.

WHEN YOU CAN OUST BLAIR FOR STANDING UP TO THE MOUTHPIECES AND YOU THINK THAT IS OKAY THE SAME THING CAN HAPPEN TO YOU.

SECTION 8 OF THE CITY CHARTER.

>> FINAL QUESTION IN THIS SECTION.

THE CURRENT LOBBYING REGULATIONS PROVIDE PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY THROUGHOUT THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS AS TO WHO IS ATTEMPTING TO INFLUENCE THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE GOVERNMENT, POLICY, AND DECISIONS?

A REGULATORY OR PROCEDURAL CHANGES NEEDED?

30 SECONDS AND WE WILL BEGIN WITH DONNA.

>> I THINK THEY SHOULD BE HELD AT THE SAME STANDARD AS EVERYONE ELSE AND HAVE TRANSPARENCY.

THEY SHOULD OPERATE ABOVEBOARD AND WITH INTEGRITY.

AS LONG AS THOSE THINGS ARE IN PLACE AND I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE REGULATIONS THAT THEY ARE HELD TO.

AS LONG AS THEY ARE TRANSPARENT THAT IS WHAT ALL OF US ARE HELD TO THAT STANDARD.

>> CURTIS RICHARDSON?

>> IT STARTS WITH THE INDIVIDUAL.

I HAVE SERVED IN PUBLIC OFFICE FOR 24 YEARS.

I'VE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH LOBBYIST INFLUENCE MY DECISION-MAKING AT ALL.

WE HAVE ONE OF THE STRONGEST LOBBYISTS ORDINANCES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

THEY HAVE TO REGISTER WE HAVE TO REPORT MEETINGS WITH THEM.

WE CAN'T ACCEPT GIFTS FROM ANY LOBBYIST.

IT DEPENDS ON THE INDIVIDUAL.

WE HAVE ETHICS RULES.

THOSE ETHICS RULES ARE STILL VIOLATED BUT IT BEGINS WITH INDIVIDUAL AND THEIR INTEGRITY, MORALITY AND THEIR ETHICS.

>> BERNARD STEVENS?

DO CURRENT LOBBYING REGULATIONS PROVIDE PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY THROUGHOUT THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS?

WHO IS ATTEMPTING TO INFLUENCE THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE GOVERNMENT POLICY AND DECISIONS?

OR REGULATORY OR PROCEDURAL CHANGES NEEDED?

>> NOT TO MY RECOLLECTIONS AND I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THE END OF THE DAY ANY INDIVIDUAL SHOULD BE COMPROMISE UNDER THAT BECAUSE WE ARE OUR OWN DO CURRENT LOBBYING REGULATIONS PROVIDE PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY THROUGHOUT THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS?

AS TO WHO IS ATTEMPTING TO INFLUENCE THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE GOVERNMENT POLICY AND DECISIONS?

OR REGULATORY OR PROCEDURAL CHANGES NEEDED?

30 SECONDS.

>> I DON'T THINK THE CURRENT LOBBYING RULES AND ETHICS RULES PROTECT US.

THERE ISN'T A TRANSPARENCY AND ETHICAL BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL THAT SHOULD BE THERE.

BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THAT A COMMISSION APPROVED A GRANT FOR A BUSINESS PERSON WHO IS CONTRIBUTING TO THEIR CAMPAIGN.

AND TURNS AROUND AND APPOINTS THE PERSON TO THE BOARD THAT GIVES OUT THE GRANTS.

>> REALLY DO A QUICK LIGHTNING ROUND.

THESE QUESTIONS ARE ONE SENTENCE OF WHAT IS YOUR DAY JOB AND IF ELECTED WOULD YOU KEEP IT?

MRS. JOHNSON?

>> I AM RETIRED.

I WOULD HAVE FULL TIME TO DEVOTE TO THE CITY COMMISSION.

>> I AM ALSO RETIRED REGISTERED NURSE AND FULL TIME TO DEVOTE TO ROLL AS WELL.

>> I AM RETIRED AND DEVOTED AS MUCH TIME AS NECESSARY TO ADEQUATELY SERVE THE CITIZENS OF THIS GREAT CITY OF HOURS.

>> I AM EMPLOYED, AND A RESTAURANT GENERAL MANAGER AND NO I WILL NOT KEEP MY JOB.

I WILL TEND TO THE CITY SEVEN DAYS A WEEK 20 4/7 MAKE SURE ALL ISSUES ARE RECTIFIED.

>> WHO YOU ARE BACKING IN THE CITY COMMISSION RACE AND WHY?

>> I DON'T THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR US TO ANSWER THE QUESTION.

WHO WE VOTE FOR HIS OWN PERSONAL CHOICE.

>> I MUST AGREE WITH MR. RICHARDSON.

>> MY VOTE IS MY PRIVATE BUSINESS BUT THE PERSON WHO IS MOST ALIGNED WITH ME IS JACK PORTER.

>> I DON'T HAVE A PARTICULAR ALLIANCE AT THIS TIME.

>> SINGLE MOST PRIZED INVESTMENT AND WHY?

-- ENDORSEMENT AND WHY?

>> THE ONLY ENDORSEMENT I AM SURPRISED ABOUT IS THE FIREFIGHTERS.

MR. RICHARDSON SAID HE GOT BACK MANY TIMES AND FREE TO GO TO MR. JOHNSON.

>> THAT IS HARD.

I HAVE THREE VERY GOOD ONES.

I WILL PICK THE FIREFIGHTERS.

>> I BELIEVE MANY MEMBERS OF MY LOCAL CHURCH ARE BACKING AND SUPPORTING IT STRONGLY.

>> MY ENDORSEMENT COMES FROM THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE WHO HAVE ELECTED AND REELECTED ME THREE TIMES FOR THIS POSITION.

THAT ENDORSEMENT THAT I VALUE.

>> WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM RECENT TORNADO OUTBREAK?

>> THAT WE NEED OPPORTUNITIES FOR REGULAR CITIZENS TO BE ABLE TO ACCESS GENERATORS SO THEY ARE NOT PUT AT RISK WITH NO ELECTRICITY.

>> I THINK EDUCATION BEGIN NEW TO THE AREA, THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE DO NOT TAKE THE WARNINGS VERY SERIOUSLY.

>> WE KNOW THAT WE NEED TO LOOK AT ESTABLISHING A RESERVE FOR CLEANUP.

WE HAVE SPENT MILLIONS IN CLEANUP AND THAT HAD TO COME FROM DIFFERENT PLACES IN THE BUDGET.

BUT WE ALSO ARE LOOKING AT MOVING FORWARD AND EXPLORING UNDERGROUND UTILITIES.

>> STRATEGIC PLANNING.

>> WHAT IS ONE PLEDGE YOU WILL MAKE TO VOTERS RIGHT NOW THAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH IF INACTED - - AN -- ELECTED.

>> I PLEDGE TO CONTINUE FIGHTING EVERY DAY TO BRINGING AN END TO GUN VIOLENCE AND ADDRESS -- >> TO MAKE SURE OUR SUMMER -- >> A REINVESTMENT IN THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS FOR ANTIQUATED INFRASTRUCTURE.

>> DESCRIBE THE CULTURE AT CITY HALL?

>> TOXIC.

>> DIVISIVE.

>> BUSY THEY HAVE A LOT ON >> DO YOU SUPPORT SCHOOL ZONE SPEEDERS FOR $100?

>> YES.

>> YES, I SUPPORT THAT.

>> I SUPPORTED FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN.

IF SOMEONE IS GOING BETTER THAN 10 MPH HIGHER THAN THE SPEED ZONE IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT THEY NEED TO PAY FIVE.

>> ABSOLUTELY NOT.

TALLAHASSEE HAD A RED LIGHT CAMERAS AND YOU HAVE THEM REMOVED DUE TO RESIDENTS COMPLAINING.

>> TRUE OR FALSE PRESERVING THE TREES IS AS IMPORTANT AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?

>> I WOULD SAY YES.

>> YES.

>> YES.

>> TRUE.

>> MOVING ON TO THE DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS NOW.

BERNARD STEVENS WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT HAVE RECEIVED PUBLISHED-- PUBLIC PUSHBACK.

IN PRACTICE IS OUR COMMUNITY GROWING RESPONSIBLY?

>> I DON'T BELIEVE OUR COMMUNITY IS GROWING RESPONSIBLY AND HERE'S WHY.

IF YOU GO LOOK AT THE CONTRIBUTIONS ON CERTAIN CAMPAIGNS AND CANDIDATES, THEY HAVE COME FROM DEVELOPERS IN THOSE AREAS.

WHEN YOU SEE THE SIGNS AROUND THE CITY TO HAVE BEEN ON DEVELOPERS PROPERTIES.

I DO BELIEVE AT THE END OF THE DAY WHAT WE ARE DOING IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE MANY YEARS AGO.

THE FACT THAT WE ARE IN AN ELECTION SEASON AND WE HAVE TO THROW ALL OF THE STUFF OUT, WE HAVE TO STRAIGHTEN ALL THIS STUFF UP BECAUSE IT IS NOT STRATEGIC PLANNING.

>> LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAS RECEIVED PUBLIC PUSHBACK REGARDING DETRIMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SOME DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDING MALONEY.

IN YOUR PRACTICE IN YOUR OPINION IS OUR COMMUNITY GROWING RESPONSIBLY?

>> NO IT IS NOT.

WHEN YOU ARE USING TODAY'S TAX DOLLARS TO PAY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IN COMMUNITIES THAT WILL NOT DEVELOP SUBDIVISIONS AND PEOPLE PAYING INTO THAT TAX BASE FOR DECADES TO COME INSTEAD OF REINVESTING THOSE DOLLARS IN INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY THAT IS NOT GOOD AND SMART GROWTH.

>> YES, I AGREE THE ANSWER WOULD BE NO.

I THINK THERE'S A LOT OF MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH THAT TALLAHASSEE WOULD'VE BENEFITED FROM.

I DO NOT THINK THAT IS THE CASE.

>> WE ARE GROWING IN A VERY RESPONSIBLE WAY.

THERE HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHERE DEVELOPERS HAVE RUN AFOUL OF OUR REQUIREMENTS, WE CORRECTED THAT.

THEY MAY HAVE BEEN FINED FOR THAT.

OVERALL, I THINK WE ARE GROWING AND GROWING APPROPRIATELY.

>> THE DEVELOPERS OF RAILROAD SQUARE HAS SAID PRETTY BLUNTLY THEY CAN NO LONGER BEAR THE COST OF RUNNING WHAT IS OFTEN CONSIDERED THE CITY'S ART DISTRICT.

THEY ARE OFFERING THE CITY THE FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL BEFORE TURNING TO DEVELOPERS.

WHAT IS THE CITY'S ROLE HERE?

30 SECONDS.

>> I THINK THE CITY HAS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN PRESERVING THE ARTS AND CULTURE IT CREATES FOR PEOPLE AND FAMILIES HERE.

I DON'T THINK THE PEOPLE SHOULD BEAR THE BRUNT OF REDEVELOPING RAILROAD AVENUE.

I THINK THE CITY HAS TO PUT SOME SPEND IN THE GAME TO PRESERVE THAT.

>> I ALSO AGREE THE CITY SHOULD BEAR SOME RESPONSIBILITY WITH THAT.

I HAVE BEEN TO THE DISTRICT AND I FIND IT TO BE A NICE DRAW FOR TOURISTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE TOWN.

I DEFINITELY THINK THE CITY SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THAT AND SEE WHAT FUNDS THEY CAN DO TO HELP.

>> RAILROAD SQUARE RAN INTO OF THE STUDENT STORM BECAUSE THEY WERE -- [INDISCERNIBLE].

I WAS ONE OF THE FIRST COMMISSIONERS HE MET WITH.

I'M NOT SURE WITH THE CITY'S ROLE IN THE PROJECT IS AT THIS POINT.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO DISCUSS IT.

I THINK THE COMMUNITY IS GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE SOME INPUT.

I HAVE GOTTEN EMAILS AND FEEDBACK ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ISSUE.

THERE ARE SOME THAT DO NOT WANT THE CITY TO HAVE A ROLE AT ALL.

I THINK IT SHOULD BE A COMMUNITY DISCUSSION BEFORE WE INVEST THEIR RESOURCES.

>> THE CITY SHOULD PLAY A ROLE.

THE REASON I SAY THAT IS WHAT WE CAN'T DO IS WE CAN COME TO THE TABLE COLLECTIVELY AND FIGURE OUT A SOLUTION TO SAVE OUR HISTORY AND PRETTY MUCH SAY WHAT IS IN THE MIDDLE BETWEEN TWO GREAT UNIVERSITIES.

>> THANK YOU.

THE CITY'S NEIGHBORHOOD FIRST PLANNING INITIATIVE TARGETS THE GREATER BOND FRENCH TOWN, GRIFFIN HEIGHTS AND PROVIDENCE NEIGHBORHOODS.

HOW EFFECTIVE HAS INITIATIVE BEEN?

IF ELECTED WHAT IF ANY CHANGES WOULD YOU SEEK?

30 SECONDS.

>> I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH THAT BUT I BELIEVE IF IT DOES SUPPORT THE BEAUTIFICATION OF THE AREA, I THINK IT IS PROBABLY WORTH IT AND A GOOD INVESTMENT.

>> SOUTH CITY IS ANOTHER SOUTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD FIRST PROGRAM.

IT IS WILDLY POPULAR.

IT IS ONE OF THE REASONS I RAN FOR THE CITY COMMISSION TO MAKE SURE WE WERE INVESTING RESOURCES IN THOSE COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN NEGLECTED IN THE PAST.

$6 MILLION AND WE LET THE RESIDENTS TELL US HOW THEY WANT TO SEE THOSE DOLLARS SPENT IN THE GRIFFIN HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD THEY WANTED A GROCERY STORE.

THERE WILL BE A GROCERY STORE IN GRIFFIN HEIGHTS A FOOD DESERT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES THEY WANTED US TO ADDRESSES.

IT IS UNPRECEDENTED IN THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE.

>> NO MA'AM, I DO NOT AGREE WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD FIRST PLAN.

I ATTENDED ONE OF THOSE MEETINGS AND IT WAS PRETTY MUCH A DEBATE BETWEEN WHAT WE WERE GOING TO DO WITH THE MONEY.

IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH BREVARD IN REGARDS TO THE ROADS.

THERE WAS $600,000 THAT THEY WANTED TO USE TO FIX THE ROADS.

IT WAS NUMBER 76 ON THE LIST TO GET IT FIXED AND I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD LEAVE IT UP TO THE RESIDENCE.

>> SETTING ASIDE $6 MILLION FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD FIRST PLANS IN DIFFERENT NEIGHBORHOODS, I THINK IT IS JUST A STUNT.

BECAUSE ALWAYS TAX DOLLARS ARE MEANT TO GO BACK INTO THOSE NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE COMMISSION IS JUST USING THIS AS A PR PLAN.

BECAUSE CITIZENS ALWAYS CAME TO THE CITY COMMISSION AND EXPRESSED THEIR NEEDS AND WHAT THEY WANTED.

IT WAS OUR JOB TO MAKE SURE THEY GOT TAKEN CARE OF.

>> WERE GOING TO GO BACK TO CITY HALL QUICKLY.

MAYOR CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS HAVE BECOME A CULT POLITICAL CIRCUS.

WHAT IS THE BLAME FOR THE CURRENT DIVIDE AT CITY HALL AND HOW WILL YOU SOLVE IT?

>> BECOMES A POLITICAL CIRCUS WHEN SOMEONE STANDS UP TO THE MIRROR.

WHEN YOU TAKE POWER AND YOU WANT TO USE POWER TO SIGN -- [INDISCERNIBLE].

YOU CALL IT TOXIC WHEN YOU HAVE A 3/TO VOTE AND USE SILENCE TO -- TWO COMMISSIONERS.

THAT IS WHAT WE CALL A PULPIT BULLY.

>> MAYBE IF THE MAYOR WENT BY ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER INSTEAD OF HIS OWN BRAND THERE WOULDN'T BE THE KIND OF CHAOS IN THE CITY COMMISSION.

THAT GAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS TO SPEAK AND SHARE THEIR CONCERNS.

AND ALSO IT DISRESPECTS THE PUBLIC.

THEY ONLY HAVE THREE MINUTES TO GIVE THEIR CONCERNS AND THEN THEY GET INTERRUPTED.

>> I HAVE ALSO SEEN DURING COMMISSION MEETINGS WHERE THE MAYOR ABRUPTLY CUT THE MEETING SHORT A WAS NOT RECOGNIZING CERTAIN COMMISSIONERS AS THEY WANTED TO SPEAK.

I ALSO FIND THAT TO BE SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

HIM BEING THE LEADER OF THE COMMISSION NEEDS TO BRING THE TEAM TOGETHER.

THEY SHOULD HAVE A COHESIVE APPROACH.

>> AVERSION OF ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER AND I THINK THE MAYOR DOES A GOOD JOB OF HANDLING THE MEETINGS.

WE TAKE CARE OF THE BUSINESS OF THE CITY.

PEOPLE TRY TO HIJACK ON AN AGENDA ITEMS AND GIVEN THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK IN A STANDARD DISPOSED AND BERATE COMMISSIONERS OR ACT IN A WAY THAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE DECORUM FOR THAT KIND OF SETTING.

THAT I THINK IS WHAT THE MAYOR IS REFERRED TO AS A CIRCUS.

>> THANK YOU.

THE LAST ELECTION CYCLE WAS THE ALYSSA MEMORY.

WE START DARK MONEY WEBSITES AND POLITICAL OPERATIVES TRY TO TOPPLE CANDIDATES.

WILL YOU TELL THOSE WHO WORK BEHIND THE SCENES SPECIFICALLY GROW TALLAHASSEE AND OUR TALLAHASSEE TO STAND DOWN?

>> I DO NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO TELL GROW TALLAHASSEE WHAT TO DO.

BUT, I AM AND PLAN TO CONTINUE TO RUN A CLEAN AND UPSTANDING CAMPAIGN THAT DEALS WITH THE ISSUES THAT THE PEOPLE HAVE.

INSTEAD OF DEALING WITH UGLY POLITICS.

>> I TEND TO AGREE THAT RATHER THAN ME BEING ABLE TO TELL THEM HOW TO RUN THINGS.

I THINK AS LONG AS MIKE CAMPAIGN IS CLEAN AND RUN WITH INTEGRITY WHICH IS EXACTLY I PLAN TO DO.

I THINK AT THE END OF THE DAY I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW I RUN THINGS.

I BELIEVE OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY IS CRITICAL.

>> I'M GLAD I HAVE A RECORD IN THIS RESPECT.

I HAVE RUN SEVEN CAMPAIGNS IN THE CITY AND THEY ALL HAVE BEEN CLEAN AND ABOVEBOARD WITHOUT ATTACKING ANYONE.

I'VE ALWAYS RUN ON MY RECORD, MY EXPERIENCE, AND THE ISSUES AT HAND.

THAT IS HOW I PLAN TO RUN MY CAMPAIGN THIS TIME AROUND.

>> I BELIEVE THE RESIDENCE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR A MANIKIN BUT LOOKING FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO COME IN AND DEAL WITH THE ISSUES AT HAND TO MAKE SURE EVERY INDIVIDUAL IS TREATED FAIRLY.

>> THE CITY ATTORNEY CASSANDRA JACKSON WAS WIDELY RESPECTED IN THE LEGAL COMMUNITY.

LAST YEAR SHE ANNOUNCED HER EARLY RESIGNATION WHERE TEXT MESSAGES CAME FROM ASSISTANT MANAGER.

SHE REVEALED THE TEXT AND PUBLIC SILENCE FOR MOST OF THE COMMISSIONERS ABOUT IT WAS A MAJOR FACTOR IN HER EARLY RESIGNATION.

WAS THIS HANDLED APPROPRIATELY?

>> I'M NOT WANT TO SAY IF IT WAS HANDLED APPROPRIATELY.

THE TEXT MESSAGE WORK INAPPROPRIATE.

-- TEXT MESSAGES WERE INAPPROPRIATE.

IF WE HAD RALLY BEHIND HER A LITTLE BIT MORE AND LOOKED AT BOTH SIDES OF THE ISSUE PERHAPS THINGS COULD HAVE TURNED OUT DIFFERENTLY FOR HER.

>> I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT I ADVOCATED FOR MS. JACKSON TO GET THAT POSITION WHEN I CAME TO THE COMMISSION.

I HAD KNOWN HER FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND KNEW OF HER ABILITY.

SHE SERVED ADMIRABLY.

I THINK SHE HAD ALREADY ANNOUNCED THAT SHE WAS RETIRING WHEN THE DECISIONS WAS MADE SHE HAD SIX MONTHS TO RETIRE AND GET HER BENEFITS.

COULDN'T BEEN HANDLED DIFFERENTLY?

MAYBE BUT THE PERSON WHO DID THE TEXT MESSAGING REACHED OUT TO GIVE AN APOLOGY.

HE WAS DENIED.

>> WERE THOSE TEXT MESSAGES APPROPRIATE FOR A FELLOW MEMBER OF THE TEAM?

>> THEY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATE.

THE WAY IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME THAT IT WASN'T MEANT THE WAY IT WAS TAKEN.

HE DID REACH OUT TO MS. JACKSON FOR AN APOLOGY AND SHE NEVER RESPONDED.

>> I DON'T BELIEVE THE WAY MS. JACKSON WAS HANDLED DURING HER TENURE AT ALL.

I THINK WE COULD HAVE DONE BETTER AS COMMISSIONERS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO ELECTED THE COMMISSIONERS TO MAKE SURE OUR CITY ATTORNEY IS TAKEN CARE OF.

SHE HAD TO DEAL WITH A LOT OF WORK AND BIAS CASES.

>> MS. JACKSON WAS ON THE SAME LINE OF AUTHORITY WITH THE CITY MANAGER.

BUT SHE WAS TREATED AS THOUGH HE WAS HER BOSS.

IT IS A SHAME THAT THE COMMISSION WHO SUPPORTED HER BEING APPOINTED DID NOT SUPPORT HER AT A TIME WHEN SHE NEEDED THEIR SUPPORT THE MOST.

SHE WAS A VERY QUALIFIED CITY ATTORNEY, THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN TO SERVE IN THAT POSITION AND SHE WAS DRIVEN OUT BECAUSE OF THE ENVIRONMENT THAT WAS CREATED.

>> MR. RICHARDSON YOU FIND YOURSELF ON THE 3/2 CONSEQUENTIAL VOTE WITH JAXPORT ON THE OTHER SIDE.

WHY DO YOU THINK THERE IS ALWAYS ON THE LOSING SIDE?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER THEM AS THE LONGEST SERVICE COMMISSIONER?

>> I HAVE SHOWN THAT I AM ABLE TO WORK WITH COLLEAGUES REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL AFFILIATION OR IDEOLOGY.

I SERVE ON THREE COLLISION -- COLLEGIAL BODIES.

I SERVED ON THE FIRST ELECTION I DID NOT SUPPORT.

>> WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS ON THE LOSING SIDE ON SO MANY VOTES?

>> IN SOME INSTANCES THEY CHOOSE TO BE.

I DON'T THINK WE ARE ALIGNED AND I DON'T CONSIDER MYSELF -- >> WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR JEFF PORTER?

>> THEY ARE ADULTS WHO WILL IS ELECTED BY THE COMMUNITY.

THEY NEED TO GET THEMSELVES AND HOW THEY CAN BEST WORK WITH THEIR COLLEAGUES.

>> 15 SECONDS FOR EVERYONE ELSE WHAT DO YOU THINK THERE WAS ALWAYS ON THE LOSING SIDE?

>> BECAUSE THEY ARE TRUE TELLERS THEY KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON THE CITY HAD NOT AFFORDED THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES AS THE OTHER THREE WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION THAT THEY NEED TO STATE THEIR CASE.

>> WHY ARE THEY OFTEN ON THE LOSING SIDE?

>> BECAUSE THEY ARE THE VOICES OF THE PEOPLE INSTEAD OF THE MONEY CLASS AND DEVELOPERS.

>> I TEND TO AGREE.

I THINK THEY PROBABLY SIDE TOGETHER A LOT BECAUSE THEY LISTEN TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE COMMUNITY AND HAVE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE.

I'M NOT REALLY SURE AND I'M NOT INVOLVED IN THAT AREA.

>> OUR NEXT SECTION IS ABOUT THE AMENDMENTS THAT ARE COMING UP ON THE STATE AND LOCAL BALLOT COME NOVEMBER.

WITH THE LEGALIZATION OF RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA WHICH WILL BE DECIDED BY VOTERS IN NOVEMBER HELP OR HARM TALLAHASSEE AND HOW WILL YOU VOTE ON THE MATTER?

>> I AM GOING TO VOTE, YES.

I BELIEVE IT IS GOING TO HELP.

TALKING WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY MOST OF THE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE BEING ARRESTED TEENS OR ADULTS ARE BEING ARRESTED FOR MARIJUANA CHARGES.

SOMETHING THAT IS RECREATIONAL WE DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT INCARCERATING INDIVIDUALS ON.

>> I PLAN TO VOTE, YES.

>> I THINK I AM LEANING MORE TOWARDS VOTING, NO.

I THINK IT WOULD INCREASE PEOPLE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.

I THINK WE ALREADY HAVE A BAD PROBLEM WITH THAT RIGHT NOW.

I THINK FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES, YES.

>> I PLAN TO VOTE, NO.

I CAME TO TALLAHASSEE IN 1974 AS A STUDENT.

I SAW WITH THE USE OF MARIJUANA DID THE STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE CITY DURING THAT TIME.

IT WAS THE FIRST TIME I WAS EVER EXPOSED TO THE USE OF MARIJUANA.

BUT FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, I DON'T THINK THAT IS WHAT WE WANT IN OUR CITY.

>> OTHER PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT THE SALARY OF EACH CITY COMMISSIONER WILL DOUBLE IN EQUAL THAT SET BY STATE LAW FOR LEON COUNTY WHICH IS $96,000 A YEAR.

DO YOU SUPPORT OR OPPOSE THIS CHARTER AMENDMENT WHICH IS ON NOVEMBER'S BALLOT?

>> I DO NOT APPROVE IT AND EVEN THE CITY COMMISSION'S CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE DID NOT APPROVE IT.

THEY DID NOT RECOMMEND PUTTING THAT ON THE BALLOT.

THE CITY COMMISSION OVERRODE ITS OWN CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE.

>> I WILL PROBABLY VOTE, NO AT THIS POINT BECAUSE I KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF WORK STILL TO BE DONE.

I'M HAPPY TO LEAVE THAT IN THE HANDS OF THE VOTERS AND GO WITH WHATEVER THEY DECIDE.

>> IT IS TO MAKE THE SALARY OF THE COMMISSIONERS EQUAL TO THE MAYOR AND THE SEVEN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

THE CITY COMMISSIONERS REPRESENT THE ENTIRE CITY, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REPRESENT SMALLER DISTRICTS.

I THINK THE VOTERS OUGHT TO HAVE A SAY IN WHETHER OR NOT CITY COMMISSIONERS SHOULD BE COMPENSATED.

IT WILL HAVE AN EFFECT ON QUALITY CANDIDATES BEING ABLE TO RUN IN THE FUTURE.

IT IS NOT FOR ME BUT QUALITY CANDIDATES IN THE FUTURE WHO CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE OFF OF $45,000 A YEAR.

>> ARE MORE TO VOTE, YES.

$45,000 IS NOT ENOUGH FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO LIVE.

>> WE HAVE A QUESTION ON HOMELESSNESS WITH THE NEW LAW THAT CRIMINALIZES SLEEPING OUTSIDE IN PUBLIC SPACE.

PINELLAS COUNTY HAS BEGUN TRACKING WHERE HOMELESS PEOPLE ARE SLEEPING.

IS TALLAHASSEE READY FOR THIS NEW LAW?

WILL THE LEASE -- POLICE BE FORCED TO -- IT CAN LEAD TO LAWSUITS AGAINST THE CITY.

>> I BELIEVE YES BUT IF THEY ARE ARRESTED THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO TAKE THEM TO SOME TYPE OF A SHELTER SOME SORT OF ASSISTANCE.

NOT PUT THEM IN JAIL AND THEY ARE BACK OUT ON THE STREETS AGAIN.

>> IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS LAW REQUIRES US TO PROVIDE A SPACE FOR THE HOMELESS WHERE THEY CAN BE SHOWERED, GET FOOD, MEDICAL CARE IF NEEDED.

THAT EXPENSE WILL FALL ON THE TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY.

IT IS ANOTHER UNFUNDED MANDATE BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

I THINK THEY GAVE $3 MILLION OR $6 MILLION STATEWIDE AND THAT IS A DROP IN THE BUCKET.

THAT WOULDN'T FUND A PROGRAM LIKE THAT IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY.

I THINK WE NEED TO CERTAINLY LOOK AT WHAT THE EXPENSE AND HOW -- >> IS TALLAHASSEE READY FOR THIS NEW LAW?

>> I BELIEVE WE ARE.

I DON'T THINK AT THE END OF THE DAY AN INDIVIDUAL SHOULD BE INCARCERATED FOR THAT.

>> I DON'T BELIEVE THE HOMELESS SHOULD BE INCARCERATED FOR SOMETHING THEY HAVE NO CONTROL OVER.

I THINK IT IS UP TO THE COMMUNITY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ADDRESSING THE HOMELESS ISSUE WITH SERVICES, WITH THE PLACE WHERE THEY HAVE A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS AND THEN YOU WILL NOT HAVE PEOPLE SLEEPING ON THE STREETS AND PARK BENCHES.

>> YOU ALL MADE IT TO THE END.

YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS TO SPEAK DIRECTLY TO VOTERS AS WE CLOSE.

MRS. JOHNSON GET US STARTED.

>> I HATE BEING FIRST.

FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

I THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE VOTERS.

THE COMMISSIONER CONFRONTED ME AT A PREVIOUS EVENT ABOUT NOT GIVING HIM THE OPPORTUNITY OF KNOWING I WAS RUNNING.

HE NEEDS TO KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT THE 1800S, THIS IS 2024 AND WOMEN DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A MAN'S OPINION TO MAKE A DECISION.

>> HI MY NAME IS DONNA I WOULD LOVE TO BE THE NEW CITY COMMISSION OF TALLAHASSEE.

I BELIEVE THE PEOPLE WILL GIVEN ME AN OPPORTUNITY THAT I CAN DEMONSTRATE THAT I AM VERY CAPABLE, WILLING TO SERVE WITH INTEGRITY, HONESTY, AND HARD WORK.

>> I AM CURTIS RICHARDSON THE MAYOR PRO TEM OF THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE.

I AM CERTAINLY LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO REPRESENT ALL PARTS OF THE CITY TO SEE THAT OUR CITY GROWS APPROPRIATELY.

THAT WE HAVE THE APPROPRIATE RESOURCES THAT WE NEED TO DO THAT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES THAT ARE IMPACTING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE.

I LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER FOUR YEARS OF SERVING THIS COMMUNITY IN THE WAY THAT I HAVE DURING MY POLITICAL CAREER HERE IN TALLAHASSEE.

>> I AM BERNARD STEVENS AND YOU CAN LOOK ME UP ON MY WEBSITE WW.VOTE FOR BERNARD STEVENS.COM.

I AM WILLING TO SERVE AND I AM HERE TO SERVE YOU AS A COMMUNITY.

WE HAVE TO DO THIS TOGETHER AND HAVE UNITY AND PEACE.

WE DO A BETTER WHAT WE DO IT TOGETHER.

HAS TO BE TRUTH AND TRANSPARENCY BROUGHT TO OUR CITY GOVERNMENT.

I AM THE INDIVIDUAL TO BRING THAT.

I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE BUT I TELL YOU THIS, YOU GIVE ME FOUR YEARS, WILL MAKE SURE WE GET SOME CHANGE.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THIS LARGE SLATE OF CANDIDATES INTO THE AUDIENCE FOR JOINING US.

WE ARE OF COURSE THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, WFSU.

>> YOU CAN FIND A REPLAY OF THIS PROGRAM ON OUR YOUTUBE PAGES TALLAHASSEE.com AND WFSU.ORG.

THE RECORDED BROADCAST WILL BE TUESDAY, JULY 16 ON WFSU 88.9 FM.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS.

OUR NEXT FORM WILL TAKE PLACE WITH THE LEON PROPERTY APPRAISING -- APPRAISER.

I REMEMBER YOU HAVE UNTIL JULY 22 TWO REGISTER TO VOTE OR CHANGE A PARTY FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION.

EARLY VOTING BEGINS AUGUST 10 WITH ELECTION DAY TAKEN PLACE ON AUGUST 20.

>> AS ALWAYS IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR ANY OF THE UPCOMING FORUMS, PLEASE EMAIL US AT NEWS@TALLAHASSEE.COM.

YOU CAN LOOK FOR SPECIAL ELECTION SECTION OF THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT WITH INTERVIEWS WITH ALL OF THE CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT WHICH WE PRINTED AND INSERTED ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 4.

WE WILL SEE YOU AFTER OUR BRIEF HIATUS.