On Tuesday, June 25th, the Network of Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates (NEBA) forum featuring Tallahassee city commission Seat 1 candidates, Commissioner Curtis Richardson and challenger Dot Inman- Johnson, revealed candidate positions on important issues and addressed the progressive versus moderate Democrat split on the city commission.
The divide between the candidates became obvious before the first question was asked. During opening statements, Inman-Johnson said she entered the race because she was embarrassed by actions and policies of the city commission. Richardson told the audience of about 150 that the city commission has made a lot of progress dealing with the economy and crime.
The Ideological Split
Moderator and NEBA President Hugh Tomlinson began the inquiry by asking Inman-Johnson if – as previous media reports have indicated – she is aligned ideologically with Commissioners Matlow and Commissioner Porter?
Inman-Johnson said her “passion and vision for the community” is in line with Matlow and Porter and she added she was going “to work to represent all the people of Tallahassee.”
When asked if she had disagreement with any Matlow or Porter votes, she said she had not really though about it.
The City Manager
As during the last election cycle, the fate of the city manager Reese Goad hangs in the balance. Commissioner Matlow and Commissioner Porter have publicly stated they would vote to remove Goad, but it takes three votes for a change.
When asked if she would vote to replace Goad, Inman-Johnson said she believed in due process and was “not comfortable” answering the question. She added, ” I would not be a commissioner who would turn the city over to the city manager.”
Richardson said Goad was doing an excellent job. He referenced the city’s efficient rebound from the impact of the tornadoes and the recent national recognition of Tallahassee’s economy and said these achievements “says a lot about Goad.”
Amazon
When asked if the $2.5 million economic incentive provided to Amazon by Blueprint was a wise investment, Inman Johnson said “I think it was a good investment based on the jobs.” She also said she wanted more funds allocated to southside infrastructure.
Richardson, who voted for the Amazon incentive, noted the creation of approximately 1,500 jobs and reminded the audience that City Commissioner Porter – an Inman Johnson ally – was the only no vote.
Northeast Gateway
When asked about the Northeast Gateway project approved by Blueprint, Inman Johnson said she would have voted no. She again advocated for more tax dollars to be invested in southside infrastructure and argued that the benefits from the Northeast Gateway were to far in the future.
Richardson said the Northeast Gateway – which passed – will help facilitate growth and argued the city and Blueprint are making significant investments in the southside.
Matlow’s PAC
The candidates were asked about Commissioner Matlow’s creation of a political action committee to support progressives candidates, including Porter and Inman Johnson.
Richardson said the action was “totally unacceptable.” Inman Johnson seemed less concerned and noted Richardson’s support from Mayor Dailey and Commissioner Dianne Williams Cox.
Public Safety
Last year the city commission voted 3-2 to increase property tax increase to fund public safety due to a spike in violent crime. It has become a political issue with progressives using the vote to appeal to conservative voters.
Richardson said “it was a difficult decision to raise even a modest increase in the property taxes,” but was needed to address violent crime.
Inman Johnson said she supported the decision by the city commission to hire more police officers last year to address the spike in violent crime, however she opposed the property tax increase used to fund the decision.
When asked how she would have funded the increased public safety budget without a tax increase, Inman Johnson said she would have phased-in spending for the public safety spending.
On Police Chief Revell, Richardson said he was supporter, while Inman-Johnson indicated she does not have a position of Chief Revell.
On the citizens police review board, Richardson supported keeping the board as an advisory board. Inman-Johnson supported expanding the powers of the board by allowing the citizens group to put police officers under oath when reviewing policing issues.
Fighter Contract Negotiations
The negotiations between the firefighter’s union has become a political football. The recent decision by the special magistrate has been accepted by the city and the firefighter union is evaluating the recommendation.
Richardson defended the process and noted he has been supported by the the firefighter’s union in all of his previous elections.
Inman-Johnson who was endorsed by the union during this election cycle, said the the city commission should play a more constructive role in negotiations and added that firefighters deserve the same pay and benefits as police officers.
At the conclusion of the forum, NEBA held a straw poll for members only. Richardson received support from 72% of those who voted, while Inman-Johnson received 28%.
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