FOCUS

  Having been registered both Democrat and Republican and having the opportunity to work closely with both political parties and their structures, I’ve come to the very clear understanding that the two Political Parties are what hampers our success in addressing the challenges and issues we face here in Tallahassee. Just look at Washington DC for proof of that. For nearly a decade, I have been registered as No Party Affiliation (NPA) and I will remain as such. The right idea is the right idea, and the wrong idea is the wrong idea, and it doesn’t matter what color hat you’re wearing. I do not seek to serve a political party, its agenda, or ideology. I seek to serve the citizens of Tallahassee and our agenda, and I will do just that if I am honored with your vote.

Like many residents of Tallahassee, I share the growing concern about the tension and division affecting City Hall and our City Commission. Engaging in bickering and debates over state and national issues does not serve our city or we citizens of Tallahassee well.  When elected to take a seat at the City Hall Dais, there should only be one focus; The City of Tallahassee; Our City.

For too long, we’ve allowed political parties and media to segregate us into communities given various labels and titles. The “black” community, the “white” community, the “Hispanic” community, “Asian”, “LGBT”, and the like. The challenges facing our citizens, whether residing in the North, South, East, or the West parts of the city, are our challenges. It is time for all of us and our elected officials to come together and address the challenges facing one community: Our Community.

Some may feel that growing our city while preserving its character is not possible. I do not believe this. We should seek to grow as a city – both commercial and residential – such that our current residents and the best and brightest coming out of our universities and college (FSU, FAMU, and TSC) can settle here and grow in their careers and life as citizens of our city. Tallahassee is the Capital City of the State of Florida, and it’s time for us to embrace this honor with a focus on intelligent growth, planning, and zoning. We can grow with a guiding principle of doing so while protecting and preserving Tallahassee’s unique ambiance, character, and environment. It can be done. It’s time; Our Time

 The City of Tallahassee and Leon County are inextricably connected on many fronts, not the least of which is the current issue regarding the expansion of Fire Services – an inevitability I might add.  But also connected in the areas of intelligent growth, the Comprehensive Plan, the Intergovernmental Agency known as Blueprint, Infrastructure, Resource Management, and Homelessness to name just a few. The nonproductive bickering, us-versus-them culture, and political posturing must end if we are to move forward to the benefit of both the City and the County. People and business are fleeing other states in droves, and they’re looking for a better life and atmosphere. The City of Tallahassee and Leon County should be at the forefront of attracting these folks and businesses to help contribute to our future. And it will take elected and appointed leaders, focused on mutual benefit, to spearhead this movement. I have enjoyed success in this area in the past and will continue to do so if honored with your vote to serve.