♪♪ ♪ >> WELCOME TO THE FOURTH OF OUR POLITICAL CANDIDATE FORUMS IN ADVANCE OF THE NOVEMBER 8TH GENERAL ELECTION.

THIS FORUM, A COOPERATIVE PRODUCTION OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF TALLAHASSEE, "THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT" AND WFSU PUBLIC MEDIA.

OUR CANDIDATES TODAY ARE RUNNING FOR THE FLORIDA STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 8.

I'M TOM FLANIGAN FROM WFSU PUBLIC MEDIA JOINED BY JAMES KAUL AND TRISH NEELY FROM THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF TALLAHASSEE.WE'RE GOING TO BE QUESTIONING THE CANDIDATES ON VARIOUS TOPICS, SO LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE GROUND RULES, AND THEN WE ARE GOING TO MEET THOSE CANDIDATES.>> THE CANDIDATES FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE THE LEFT TO RIGHT CURT BENDER AND GALLOP P. FRANKLIN.

REMINDER FOR THOSE WHO ARE WATCHING ON SOCIAL MEDIA, PLEASE HIT THE SHARE BUTTON AND HELP ALL YOUR FRIENDS JOIN THE DISCUSSION TOO.

HERE'S HOW THE FORUM WILL WORK.

WE'LL ROTATE WHICH CANDIDATE GETS TO ANSWER FIRST.

WE HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS THAT WE'RE GOING TO ASK THE CANDIDATES, SO KEEP YOUR ANSWERS BRIEF.

WE'LL KEEP TIME, WHICH WE WILL DING WHEN YOUR TIME IS UP, AND ASK THAT WILL SOUND LIKE THIS.

[BACKGROUND SOUNDS] YOU DON'T HAVE TO COME TO A DEAD STOP RIGHT THEN, BUT FINISH YOUR SENTENCE AND WE'LL MOVE ON.

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FORUM, WE'LL ALSO HAVE A LIGHTNING ROUND.

WHEN WE ASK YOU TO KEEP YOUR ANSWERS TO JUST ONE SENTENCE.

AT THE END OF THE FORUM, WE'LL GIVE YOU 60 SECONDS TO MAKE THE CASE DIRECTLY TO VOTERS AND SHARE YOUR WEB SITE OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION.

>> IF YOU ARE WATCHING ON FACEBOOK AND YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR OUR CANDIDATES, GO AHEAD AND TYPE THEM INTO THE COMMENTS SECTION, AND WE'LL GET TO AS MANY OF THEM AS WE CAN.

TIME IS VERY LIMITED, SO YOU CAN IMPROVE IF YOUR CHANCES OF YOUR QUESTION BEING ASKED IF YOU KEEP IT BRIEF AND POLITE AND MAKE IT A QUESTION THAT IS APPLICABLE TO BOTH OF OUR CANDIDATES.

PLEASURE SO, CANDIDATES, DO YOU HAVE MY QUESTIONS FOR US?

>> NOT A THE MOMENT, NO.

>> I DO.

IS THERE A TIMER SOMEWHERE THAT WE CAN SEE HOW LONG WE'RE GOING ON THE RESPONSES, OR DO WE JUST GUESS OR WAIT FOR THE BELL?

>> ACTUALLY, WE DO NOT HAVE A TIMER.I KNOW THERE'S SOME PLACES THAT HAVE, LIKE, A BIG DIGITAL CLOCK OR SOMETHING.

BUT WITH YOU HAVE TO KIND OF FEEL IT.

[LAUGHTER] IT HELPS TO KEEP THE ANSWERS SUCCINCT BECAUSE THEN YOU'LL HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITY TO ANSWER ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

BECAUSE WE CAN VARY THINGS AROUND.

IF WE COME TOWARDS THE END OF THE FORUM AND WE HAVE ADDITIONAL TIME, WE CAN LENGTHEN THE AMOUNT OF TIME YOU HAVE FOR SOME OF YOUR RESPONSES.

SO WE'LL TRY TO BE AS FLEXIBLE AS POSSIBLE BUT, AGAIN, SHORTER IS BETTER IN THIS REGARD.

>> FAIR ENOUGH.

>> OKAY.

MY OTHER QUESTIONS?

OKAY.

WELL, THEN LET'S JUMP IN WITH THE FIRST QUESTION, AND, TOM, I'LL TURN IT OVER TO YOU.

>> OKAY.

AND IT WILL KICK IT BACK TO JAMES.

"THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT" GETS THE OPENING SALVO IN THE QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU, ALL.

DEMOCRATS HAVE TRIED TO FRAME THIS AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTIONS OF OUR LIFETIME.

IF YOU AGREE, WHY IS THIS ELECTION SO IMPORTANT?

AND 45 SECONDS, THERE WILL BE A FOLLOW-UP.

MR. BENDER, YOU GO FIRST.

>> EVERY ELECTION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION OF OUR LIFETIME THE, JUST LIKE EVERY DAY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF MY LIFE.

I THINK THAT EVERY OPPORTUNITY, EVERY TIME YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY, TO VOTE, TO PARTICIPATE IN POLITICS.

WHEN I MAKE MY DECISIONS, I LIKE TO THINK EVERY SINGLE DECISION OR SHOT I MAKE IS A GAME-WINNING SHOT, AND I APPROACH THAT MENTALITY IN EVERYTHING I DO.

I INVEST MAXIMUM EFFORT INTO EVERY SINGLE THING I DO.

AND WE KNOW FROM STACEY ABRAMS' RECENT LAWSUIT THAT ONE PERSON BEING DENIED THE RIGHT TO CAST A VOTE MADE THE ISSUE RESULT IN A TIE, BUT EVERY SINGLE VOTE IS THE DECIDING FACTOR, EVERY SINGLE ELECTION IS A CRITICAL ELECTION.>> MR. FRANKLIN.

>> I WOULD AGREE WITH MR. BENDER, EVERY ELECTION IS VERY IMPORTANT.

BUT THIS ELECTION IS IMPORTANT FOR UNIQUE REASONS.

WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE ON THIS BALLOT.

SO, FOR EXAMPLE, AS WE KNOW CURRENTLY THERE HAVE BEEN STRIDES TO TRY TO LIMIT AND CREATE OBSTACLES TO CERTAIN COMMUNITIES NOT BEING ABLE TO CAST A BALLOT TO VOTE.

WE ALSO HAVE ON THIS BALLOT IN NOVEMBER FOCUSING ON SUPPORTING TEACHERS, INSURING THAT THEY HAVE A TEACHING ENVIRONMENT THAT THEY CAN FEEL SAFE IN AND NOT FEEL LIKE THEIR JOB'S ON THE LINE EVERY SINGLE TIME THEY HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH A CHILD.

THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

>> OKAY.

SO THE FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS, 30 SECONDS EACH.

WE'LL START WITH YOU, MR. FRANKLIN.DO YOU BELIEVE CHANGES ARE NEEDED IN FLORIDA LAW TO IMPROVE VOTER ACCESS TO THE BALLOT?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO EXPAND ACCESS TO THE BALLOT.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN SAID IT THE BEST WITH, OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE.

BUT TO DO THAT, WE HAVE TO INSURE THAT A EVERYONE HAS ACCESS TO THE POLITICAL PROCESS.

AND SO CREATING BARRIERS TO VOTING IS VERY DIFFICULT AND NOT GOOD FOR OUR DEMOCRACY.

OF SO EXPANDING ACCESS AND INSURING THAT WE HAVE MORE POLLING LOCATIONS, INSURING PEOPLE CAN VOTE EARLY FOR LONGER PERIODS OF TIME.

IF YOU'RE A UNITED STATES CITIZEN WITH A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD -- >> MR. BENDER, ARE CHANGES NEEDED IN FLORIDA LAW TO IMPROVE VOTER ACCESS TO THE BALLOT?

30 SECONDS.

>> I THINK WE'RE GOOD AND WE'RE HEADED IN A GOOD DIRECTION.

FOR EXAMPLE, IN 2011 WE IMPLEMENTED THE VOTER -- 2021 IS WHEN WE IMPLEMENTED THE VOTER ID LAW.

IN 2022 WE IMPLEMENTED THE VOTER ID INITIATIVE TO WHERE IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD A VOTER ID, YOU GO TO THE D CAN MV WITH YOUR FREE VOTER ID CARD AND SAY I'M EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL HARDSHIP, AND THEY CAN'T EVEN ASK YOU WHAT THAT IS.

I THINK THAT WE HAVE TO IDENTIFY THE ISSUES.

WE CAN'T PAINT IT WITH A BROAD -->> OKAY.

MR. BENDER, LET'S STAY WITH YOU FOR THE NEXT POLL-UP.

[LAUGHTER]DO YOU HAVE FAITH MANY GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS' ADMINISTRATION AND SECRETARY OF STATE CORD BYRD WILL CONDUCT A FAIR, IMPARTIAL ELECTION AND VOTE COUNT?

30 SECONDS.

>> YES.

>> OKAY.

>> YES, I DO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE GOVERNOR AS WELL AS THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HAVE A FAIR VOTE COUNT HERE IN FLORIDA.

YOU CAN EVEN SEE WHAT HE'S DONE RECENTLY.

HE'S, EXPANDED ACCESS VOTING TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WHERE HURRICANE IAN STRUCK.

I JUST THINK WE NEED TO EXPAND THAT BEYOND WHAT HE'S DONE IN THE LEGISLATURE TO DECREASE ACCESS SUCH AS IMPLEMENTING I.

LAWS AND THOSE KIND OF THINGS.

>> AND HERE'S THE FINAL FOLLOW-UP ON THIS TOPIC.

MR. FRANKLIN, WHAT PURPOSE SHOULD GOVERNMENT SERVE?

>> GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERVE A PURPOSE TO FOCUS ON SAFETY, PUBLIC SAFETY, PUBLIC IF HEALTH.

ALSO WE HAVE TO DO CURRENT MARKETS WHEN THEY KIND OF GO OUT OF WHACK.

FOR EXAMPLE, RIGHT NOW WE'RE HAVING A CHALLENGE WITH INFLATION, AND SO I BELIEVE JUST LIKE EVEN THOUGH THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS NOT DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE PUT IN MEASURES TO TRY TO SLOW DOWN THAT INFLATION SUCH AS, AS YOU KNOW RIGHT NOW, PRICES AT THE GAS PUMP ARE LOWER BECAUSE WE'VE WAIVED TAXES.

WE'VE WAIVED TAXES ON DIAPERS, CHILDREN'S CLOTHES, SO THOSE KIND OF -- >> MR. BENDER, SAME QUESTION, WHAT PURPOSE DO YOU THINK GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERVE?

>> GOVERNMENT, THE SOLE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT, I WOULD SAY AS A STATE EMPLOYEE OUR GOAL IS TO ASSIST WITH THE HEALTH, WELFARE AND SAFETY OF OUR CITIZENS.

AND THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT IS TO LEVERAGE THEIR ECONOMIES OF SCALE TO MAKE AD BROADER IMPACT.

THE THINGS THAT THE INDIVIDUAL CAN'T AFFECT, I THINK EACH OF US HAVE AN INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY.BUT COLLECTIVELY AS A GOVERNMENT, THERE'S ECONOMIES OF SCALE THAT WE COULD TACKLE BOLDER ISSUES THAT INDIVIDUALS BY THEMSELVES MAY NOT BE ABLE TO.

>> ALL RIGHT, FOLKS.

BEFORE WE GET INTO OUR NEXT QUESTION HERE, JUST A LITTLE HOUSEKEEPING REMINDER HERE.

IF YOU HEAR THE BELL SOUND WHILE YOU'RE TALKING, FINISH YOUR SECOND.YOU DON'T HAVE TO CUT IT OFF RIGHT THERE.

[LAUGHTER]MAKES IT A LITTLE LESS ABRUPT WHEN WE DO THAT.

INTO THE ECONOMY WE GO, GENTLEMEN, AND LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ECONOMICS SPECIFICALLY OF HOUSE DISTRICT 8.

THE POVERTY LEVEL, AS YOU KNOW, NEARLY DOUBLES THE STATE AVERAGE.

THE MEDIAN INCOME ABOUT A THIRD LESS THAN THE STATE AVERAGE.

SO HOW DO YOU PROPOSE TO CHANGE THOSE NUMBERS?

FOR A 45-SECOND RESPONSE, LET'S FIRST GO TO YOU, MR. FRANKLIN.

>> WE HAVE TO INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE, INSURING WE HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT CAN HANDLE SMALL BUSINESSES GROWING AS WELL AS BRINGING LARGER COMPANIES HERE.IN ADDITION, WE HAVE TO INVEST IN EDUCATION.

AS YOU KNOW, COMPANIES DECIDE ON WHERE THEY GO BASED ON THE TALENT PIPELINE.

AND NOT JUST K-12, BUT ALSO TRADE SCHOOLS AND SKILLS, NOT ONLY WILL THEY HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THEIR MANUFACTURING OR BUSINESS, BUT ALSO THE TALENT PIPELINE TO SERVICE THEIR CLIENTS.>> OKAY, THANK YOU.

MR. BENDER, SIR.

>> I THINK WE NEED NEW TYPE OF LEADERSHIP IN DISTRICT 8.

FOR 30 YEARS WE'VE HAD THE SAME TYPE OF LEADERSHIP WHICH LED US TO BE THE POOREST ZIP CODE IN THE UNITED STATES.

PARTICULARLY I WOULD FOCUS ON HARDENNENNING OUR RENEWABLE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE.

AND I HAVE EXAMPLES OF SCHOOLS LIKE LAKE SUMTER IN ORLANDO WHERE THEY HAVE A UTILITY TRAINING PROGRAM, AND THE FOLKS ARE GETTING SNAPPED UP WITH $60,000 JOBS.

IN FACT, THE REASON I RAN WAS I WAS TRYING TO PUSH RENEWABLE ENERGY INITIATIVES, AND IT TOOK TOO LONG FOR PEOPLE TO CALL ME BACK.IF I WAS A CANDIDATE, I THINK A VERY PARTICULAR THING WE CAN DO THE IS HAVE THE TRADE SCHOOLS WHICH I'VE HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH.THE PROGRAMS ARE ALREADY OUT THERE.

WE JUST HAVE TO IMPLEMENT THEM, AND I THINK THAT WOULD BE A GREAT WAY TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.>> GENTLEMEN, A FEW FOLLOW-UPS HERE.

MR. BENDER, 30 SECONDS FOR A RESPONSE.

WITH INFLATION CONTINUING TO HIT FLORIDIANS' POCKETS AND WALLETS, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO SUPPORT CONSUMERS GOING FORWARD?

>> I THINK THAT INFLATION IS SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE TO HAVE A SOBER EXPECTATION OF WHAT WE CAN ACCOMPLISH AS A STATE REPRESENTATIVE.

AND INFLATION IS SOMETHING THAT WE TACKLE WITH ECONOMIES OF SCALE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE PAIN IS MORE ACUTE HERE IN FLORIDA WHERE FOLKS COME DOWN, SPEND HAIR MONEY AND THEN THEY LEAVE.

ENCOURAGE FOLKS TO COME HERE AND LIVE HERE.

THE MONEY CONTINUES TO CIRCULATE.

I THINK, FOR EXAMPLE, THERE'S A LOT OF LARGE COMPANIES THAT ARE COMING TO FLORIDA BECAUSE OF THE TAX POLICIES, AND WE COULD EARN COURAGE THAT AND CONTINUE TO MOVE IT FORWARD AND CHARGE IT FORWARD.

>> MR. FRANKLIN, SAME QUESTION.

>> GREAT QUESTION.

TO ADDRESS INFLATION RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE LOOKED AT TAXES HERE IN FLORIDA.WE HAVE TO LOOK AT HOW DO WE ADDRESS TAXES LIKE WE'VE DONE FOR CONSUMERS AT THE GAS PUMP AND THE GROCERY STORE.

THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT.

ALSO FOCUSING ON DIVERSIFYING THE ECONOMY.

AND THE REASON WHY THAT'S IMPORTANT IS BECAUSE WE CAN DIVERSIFY THE ECONOMY AND NOT JUST BE HINGED ON TOURISM, OBVIOUSLY, THE MONEY CONTINUES TO INCREASE.

ALSO BECAUSE FLORIDA IS A GREAT PLACE -- >> OKAY.

ONE QUICK FOLLOW-UP, IF I MAY, PLEASE.

AND THIS REALLY FOCUSES SPECIFICALLY ON OUR LOCALE.

THE PANHANDLE DELEGATION AND LAWMAKERS FROM RURAL AREAS IN GENERAL WITH 3 3 COUNTIES OF THE 67 WE HAVE IN FLORIDA BEING DESIGNATED BY THE STATE AS RURAL IN NATURE.

THOSE FOLKS VASTSLY OUTNUMBEREDDED BY DELEGATIONS FROM CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA AS YOU'RE WELL AWARE.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU HAVE THAT WILL ENABLE YOU TO COMPETE FOR STATE MONEY TO IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE AND BOOST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THIS AREA?

MR. FRANKLIN, YOU FIRST.

>> I PLAN ON PARTNERING WITH REPUBLICANS THAT ALSO REPRESENT RURAL AREAS.

AS YOU KNOW, MORALLY DEM THE9 ACCURATES REPRESENT THE MORE HIGHLY POPULATED CITIES, AND REPUBLICANS TEND TO REPRESENT RURAL AREAS.

I THINK HAVING THAT RELATIONSHIP BECAUSE OF THE COMMONALITIES AND CHALLENGES THAT WE'RE FACING.

SO WORKING TOGETHER WITH ALL THOSE RURAL AREA REPRESENTATIVES TO INSURE THAT WE CAN FOCUS ON ACCESS TO HELP FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVEST IN EDUCATION.AND I BELIEVE THAT'S HOW WE'LL APPROACH INSURING THAT DISTRICT 8 CAN RECEIVE THE FUNDING NECESSARIES TO -- >> OKAY, SAME QUESTION.

>> CAN YOU REPEAT THAT QUESTION?

>> SURE THING.

YOU HAVE FOLKS PARTICULARLY IN AREAS LIKE DISTRICT 8 AND OTHER RURAL AREAS OF FLORIDA, THEIR LEGISLATIVE DELEGATIONS KIND OF OUTGUNNED IN TERMS OF NUMERICAL SUPERIORITY BY FOLKS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA.

WHAT KIND OF SKILL SET CAN YOU BRING TO THE TABLE TO MAKE SURE THAT PLACES LIKE DISTRICT 8 DON'T GET LEFT BEHIND WHEN THERE ARE BUDGETARY ISSUES AND OTHER THINGS SWIRLING ABOUT THE LEGISLATURE?>> I THINK IT'S HAVING A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR CONSTITUENTS.PARTICULARLY IN DISTRICT 8, WE KNOW THAT IN 020 TO THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE PASSED THE NUISANCE LAW TO ASSIST THE AG COMMUNITY SO WHEN THEY OPERATE THEIR EQUIPMENT, THEY DON'T GET NOISE COMPLAINTS THAT GET THEM IN TROUBLE.I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING WE'LL DO IF WE TOUCH ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, LEVERAGE THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE FUNNING THAT WE CAN HAVE TO IMPROVE OF AND HARDEN INFRASTRUCTURE.

>> OKAY, THANK YOU.

MS. NEELY, YOUR TURN.

>> OKAY.

OUR YOUTH IS OUR FUTURE, SO LET'S MOVE INTO THE EDUCATION SEGMENT.

AND, MR. BENDER, I'M GOING TO START WITH YOU.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE GOVERNOR'S DIRECTION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA?

45 SECS, PLEASE.

>> -- SECONDS, PLEASE.

>> I'LL TALK ABOUT WHAT WAS REPORTED IN THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT WHERE $200 MILLION WAS ALLOCATED TO SCHOOLS AS AN INCENTIVE.I KNOW IN 2021 THE LEGISLATURE, WHAT GOVERNOR DeSANTIS SAID, IF YOU CAN READ, YOU CAN LEARN.

AND WE KNOW THERE'S A MEASURE OF STUDENTS THAT GRADE DEPENDING ON HOW THEY DO, DEPENDING HOW MANY BEDS TO BUILD IN THE PRISON.

EVERY STUDENT THAT'S SCHEDULE -- IN K-12 EDUCATION, THEY GET A BOOK EVERY MONTH.

I THINK 2021 WAS A GREAT YEAR FOR EDUCATION AND 2022 AS WELL.

>> OKAY.

MR. FRANKLIN?SAME QUESTION, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE GOVERNOR'S DIRECTION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION?

>> THERE ARE SOME GOOD THINGS HE'S DONE BUT ALSO SOME CHANNELING THINGS TO NEGATIVE D CHALLENGING THINGS HE'S DONE.

I'LL START WITH THE GOOD THINGS.

HE HAS INVESTED, AS YOU KNOW, STARTING SALARIES FOR TEACHERS HAVE INCREASED.

I APPLAUD HIM FOR HELPING TO LEAD THE CHARGE IN THAT.

OBVIOUSLY, LIKE MR. BENDER SAID, HE'S MAKING GOOD INVESTMENTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

WHERE HE'S ACTUALLY, I BELIEVE, MAKING SOME MISTAKES IS TRYING TO CONTROL WHAT TEACHERS TEACH IN THEIR CLASSROOM ARE.

EVEN THOUGH I DO BELIEVE PARENTS SHOULD HAVE A RIGHT TO THEIR CHILD'S EDUCATION, JUST LIKE MY MOM, MY MOM DECIDED TO HOME SCHOOL ME BECAUSE SHE FELT THAT WAS IN MY BEST INTEREST.

SHE DIDN'T GO INTO THE CLASSROOM AND TRY TO MANDATE, ESSENTIALLY, WHAT CONVERSATIONS WE HAD.

SO THERE HASN'T BEEN ENOUGH SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS, AND PEOPLE WONDER WHY WE HAVE A SHORTAGE, WHY PEOPLE ARE WALKING AWAY.

>> THANK YOU.

I'M GOING TO STAY WITH YOU, MR. FRANKLIN, FOR A FOLLOW-UP.

PARENTS OF GAY AND TRANS STUDENTS TELL REPORTERS THE PARENTAL RIGHTS IN EDUCATION ACT HAS HAD A CHILLING EFFECT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS LEADING TO BOOKS BEING BANNED AND CURRICULUM-CENTERED.DO YOU THINK THE SO-CALLED DON'T SAY GAY BILL NEEDS TO BE REPEALED?30 SECONDS, PLEASE.

>> YES.

I WOULD VOTE TO REPEAL THE DON'T SAY GAY BILL.

I KNOW QUITE A FEW TEACHERS, AND EVERY TEACH OR I KNOW IS IN IT FOR THE RIGHT REASONS TO INSURE EACH STUDENT IS -- THE FIRST PLACE A CHILD CAN HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT A CHALLENGE THEY MIGHT BE HAVING.

TEACHERS MAY BE PUTTING HAIR END OWN PERSONAL VIEWS INTO A CHILD, BUT DIRECTING THEM TO CHILD PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SCHOOL COUNSELORS TO MAKE SURE THEY CAN BE GUIDED IN THE RIGHT WAY, I THINK, IS POSITIVE.

>> MR. BENDER, DO YOU THINK THE SO-CALLED DON'T SAY GAY BILL NEEDS TO BE REPEALED?

>> I THINK THE PARENTAL RIGHTS BILL ABSOLUTELY SHOULD NOT BE REPEAL IFED BECAUSE IT DID SOME GOOD THINGS.

IT DID A LOT MORE GOOD THAN I THINK THE MEDIA AND OTHER THINGS PORTRAYED.THERE'S NOT A HOLISTIC APPROACH AND SUPPORT FROM PARENTS.

THE NEW BILL MANDATES THAT SCHOOL DISTRICTS, THEY MUST COME UP WITH A PLAN AND PUBLISH A POLICY ON HOW TO GET PARENTS INVOLVED IN THE STUDENT'S HOMEWORK.FOR EXAMPLE, PRIOR TO THIS BILL IF A TEACHER SUSPECTED A CHILD BEING SUBJECT TO ABUSE BY ANOTHER STATE EMPLOYEE, THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO REPORT IT.

NOW THEY DO.

I THINK THERE'S A LOT OF GOOD.

>> OKAY.

I WANT TO STAY WITH YOU FOR ANOTHER FOLLOW-UP.

HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THE TEACHER SHORTAGE IN FLORIDA'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS?

>> I THINK WE'RE ALREADY ADDRESSING IT.

FOR EXAMPLE, IN 2022 WE PASSED THE HOMESTEAD ACT THAT INCREASED HOMESTEAD PROTECTION FOR TEACHERS FROM 50,000 TO 75,000 FOR A TAX EXEMPTION.

AND I THINK THAT WE HAVE TO FOCUS ON NOT JUST PARTICULARLY THE TEACHERS, INCRETUL SALARY, BUT HOW CAN WE SUPPORT -- INCREASE SALARY.

2021 AND 'THE -- 22 WERE GREAT YEARS FOR EDUCATION.

IF YOU MAINTAIN AN A RATING, YOU INCREASE.

SO I THINK IT'S A HOLISTIC APPROACH THAT WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO APPROACH.

>> OKAY, THANK YOU.

MR. FRANKLIN, HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS THE TEACHER SHORTAGE IN FLORIDA'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS?

>> WE SHOULD CONSIDER RENEWING THE EXPIRED TEACHING CERTIFICATES.WHEN YOU COME IN THOSE FIRST TWO YEARS, HAVE A TEMPORARY TEACHING CERTIFICATE SO THAT THOSE TEMPORARY TEACHERS TEMPORARILY CAN CONTINUE TO TEACH FOR ANOTHER 2-3 YEARS.

EXPANDING THAT TAX EXEMPTION, LOOKING AT HOW CAN WE PROVIDE INTEREST RATE LOANS, REALLY HELP TEACHERS EVEN THOUGH THE SALARIES AREN'T IN THE PLACE WHERE THEY NEED TO BE, THERE'S SOME SUPPORT AND THEY CAN HAVE IT DOING SO.

>> THANK YOU, BOTH.

>> ALL RIGHT, FOLKS, WE'RE OFF INTO THE ARENA OF CRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.

AND FLIPPING OVER TO YOU, MR. BENDER, TO START HERE AND A 30-SECOND RESPONSE, PLEASE, HOW DO YOU PROPOSE THAT THE STATE DEALS WITH WHAT APPEARS TO BE AN EPIDEMIC OF GUN VIOLENCE?

>> I THINK THAT THE EPIDEMIC OF GUN VIOLENCE IS THE THINGS THAT DR. FRANKLIN AND I ARE DOING IN OUR DAILY LIVES.

I HAVE A MENTEE WHO'S FACING SOME SERIOUS CHARGE, AND HE ZOOMED IN FOR OUR LAST DEBATE.

I KNOW HE WORKS WITH A DISTINGUISHED YOUNG MAN.

I THINK WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS SHIFT WHO WE SAY ARE THE VICTIMS AND SHOW THAT THE YOUTH -- NOT SAYING OTHER FOLKS AREN'T VICTIMS, BUT HELP THEM IDENTIFY WITH IT AT HOME, THE VICTIMS ARE THEIR MOTHERS, THEIR SISTERS, THE OTHER FOLKS THAT THEY LEAVE BEHIND WHEN THEY COMMIT CRIME THAT HITS AT HOME.

>> OKAY, THANK YOU.

MR. FRANKLIN, YOUR THOUGHTS.

>> WE HAVE TO SUPPORT YOUTH-SUPPORTED ORGANIZATIONS.

IT'S SO IMPORTANT THE YOUTH ARE IN PROGRAMS WHERE THEY'RE SET ON A GREAT PATH.

OFTEN TIMES IF YOU LEAVE SCHOOL AND YOU'RE NOT PART OF AN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM OR YOUTH SUPPORT PROGRAM OR ATHLETIC PROGRAM, YOU HAVE ALL THIS FREE TIME ON YOUR HANDS.

AND THE BIBLE TALKS ABOUT IT, IDLE MIND, CLEARLY, IS A PLACE FOR THE DEVIL'S HAND.

ALSO TECHNOLOGY ON FIREARMS.

WE TALK ABOUT HOW DO WE CONTROL AND ASSURE THAT FIREARMS ARE BEING USED APPROPRIATELY, BUT WE MAKE SURE THERE'S SOME TYPE OF BIOMETTICS THAT EXIST THAT PREVENT PEOPLE FROM BEING ABLE TO STEAL GUNS AND ALSO USE THEM.

>> THANK YOU, SIR.

WE'LL STICK WITH YOU FOR A FOLLOW UP, 30 SECONDS AGAIN.

DO YOU SUPPORT A CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY OR OPEN CARRY BILL TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO DISPLAY AND CARRY GUNS IN PUBLIC OPENLY?

>> NO, I DON'T SUPPORT CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY TO OPENLY CARRY GUNS.

I DO THINK PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH A PROCESS LIKE WE HAVE A CONCEALED PERMIT LICENSE, INSURE THAT WE HAVE DIFFERENT PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS AND BACKGROUND CHECKS THAT MAKE SURE THAT THE PERSON CARES.

I THINK GOOD PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE GUNS IN THEIR FACT.

MINAJ CHALLENGE IS INSURING THAT WE DON'T -- MY CHALLENGE IS INSHOEINGING WE DON'T -- INSURING WE DON'T HAVE GUNS IN THE HANDS OF BAD PEOPLE.

A GUN SHOULDN'T FIRE WITHOUT BIOMETRICS OR MAYBE AN EYE RETINA SCAN.

>> MR. BENDER, SIR.

>> ABSOLUTELY, I SUPPORT IT.

IF YOU GO TO GEORGIA, YOU DON'T SEE PEOPLE WALKING AROUND WITH GUNS OUT IN THE OPEN.

FROM MY RESEARCH, THE REASON THAT CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY ISN'T PERMITTED IS BECAUSE OF A COURT DECISION WHERE IT'S, LIKE, WE DON'T WANT BLACKS WALKING AROUND WITH GUNS OUT IN THE OPEN.

IT'S NOT, FOR EXAMPLE, I KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF ISSUE WITH THE STAND YOUR GROUND LAW ARE.

THAT LAW CAN BE USED BY ANY PERSON OF ANY COLOR.

IT'S TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOURSELF WITH.

IT'S YOUR RIGHT, AND THERE SHOULD BE LIMITATIONS.

>> ONE MORE FOLLOW-UP, MR. BENDER.

30 SECOND AGAIN.

YOUR THOUGHTS ON A BAN ON WHAT ARE DESCRIBED AS ASSAULT WEAPONS.>> ABSOLUTELY NOT.

RIGHT?I THINK THAT WE'RE GOOD WHERE WE ARE.

AN ASSAULT RIFLE'S A SEMIAUTOMATIC WEAPON.

IT'S NOT A MILITARY-STYLE WEAPON THAT GOES AUTOMATICALLY.

I DON'T THINK THAT THE AVERAGE CIVILIAN SHOULD HAVE AUTOMATIC WEAPONS, NOR GRENADES.

BUT WE CAN'T KEEP FEAR MONGERING BY THE APPEARANCE OF A WEAPON.

YES, A RIFLE HAS A HIGHER CAPACITY, BUT PISTOLS ARE USED IN THE MILITARY AS WELL.

I DON'T THINK THAT THE FEAR MONGERING A GOOD THING, AND I DON'T SUPPORT PULLEY AUTOMATIC WEAPONS, BUT IT'S A SEMIAUTOMATIC WEAPON.

>> OKAY, THANK YOU.

AND, MR. FRANKLIN.

>> IN REFERENCE TO THAT, I TRULY BELIEVE THAT AND FEEL THAT GOOD PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE GUNS.

SO WHEN WE LOOK AT BANS, YES, WE SHOULD BAN THEM, BUT IN THE WAY THAT WE APPROACH IT IN THE SPACE THAT IS MORE SO ABOUT HAVING MORE INTENSE BACKGROUND CHECKS, MORE PSYCHOLOGICAL TOAST THING -- TESTING AND ALSO STARTING TO REQUIRE THE MANUFACTURERS TO HAVE BIOMETRICS WITH THE GUNS.

FOR EXAMPLE, SOMEONE THAT IS MENTALLY STABLE, HEALTHY AND IN A GREAT PLACE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO OWN WHATEVER WEAPON THEY WANT TO OWN OUTSIDE OF SOMETHING LIKE AN ASSAULT RIFLE.

BUT IT'S IMPORTANT WE INSURE THAT THOSE WEAPONS DON'T GET INTO THE HANDS OF BAD FOLKS.

>> OKAY.

IT'S TIME FOR OUR LIGHTNING ROUND.

PLEASE KEEP YOUR RESPONSE TO YES, NO OR A SINGLE SENTENCE.

WE'LL START WITH YOU, MR. BENDER.WHO IS YOUR SINGLEMOST PRIZED ENDORSEMENT?

[LAUGHTER]>> THIS IS A TRICKY QUESTION.

MY FAMILY.

>> MR. FRANKLIN?

>> I'D SAY MY MOM AND MY WIFE, YEAH.

>> MR. BENDER, IF YOU COULD IMMEDIATELY GAIN ENOUGH VOTES FOR A PASSAGE, WHAT'S ONE LAW YOU WOULD ACT IMMEDIATELY?

>> YOU REPEAT THAT, PLEASE?

>> IF YOU COULD IMMEDIATELY GAIN ENOUGH VOTES FOR PASSAGE, WHAT'S ONE LAW YOU WOULD ENACT?

>> DEFINE THE TERM PUBLIC WHEN IT COMES TO RENEWABLE ENERGY TO MEAN A MASS AMOUNT OF FOLKS AND NOT JUST ONE INDIVIDUAL.

>> AND WHAT ONE LAW YOU WOULD INVALIDATE.

>> PROBABLY THE NEW LOTTERY LAW, BECAUSE I WANT TO KNOW WHO THE KIN WINNER IS.

-- WINNER IS.

>> FROM FRANKLIN, SAME QUESTIONS.>> I WOULD WANT TO EXPAND MEDICAID.>> AND WHAT'S ONE LAW YOU WOULD INVALIDATE?>> THERE'S A NEW LAW THAT 25UBGS ABOUT PUBLIC -- TALKS ABOUT PUBLIC, IF YOU'RE KIND OF MARCHING ALONG AND TRYING TO PEACEFULLY PROTEST, YOU COULD POTENTIALLY GET CHARGED WITH A CRIME.

THERE'S OTHER PEOPLE IN THAT AREA THAT MIGHT BE LOOTING.

>> ONE SENTENCE.

>> GOT IT.

>> NEXT QUESTION, MR. FRANKLIN.

WHAT DO YOU THINK FLORIDA'S LEGISLATIVE ACTION SHOULD BE IN RESPONSE TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT'S REVERSAL OF ROE V. WADE?

>> WE NEED TO NOT CONTINUE TO TRY TO GO TOWARDS A FULL BAN OF ABORTION.

>> MR. BENDER.

>> YOU REPEAT THAT, PLEASE?

>> WHAT DO YOU THINK FLORIDA'S LEGISLATIVE ACTION SHOULD BE IN RESPONSE TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT'S REVERSAL OF ROE V. WADE?

>> INCORPORATE.

>> UNCORPORATE?

>> -- INCORPORATE.

>> YEAH, YOU SAID ONE WORLD.

INCORPORATE.

>> A BAN OR ABORTION RIGHT?

>> REPEAT THE QUESTION?

>> WHAT DO YOU THINK FLORIDA'S LEGISLATIVE ACTION SHOULD BE IN RESPONSE TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT'S REVERSAL OF ROE V. WADE?

>> SO THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT CAME TO A DECISION, AND I THINK WE SHOULD INCORPORATE THE DECISION.

>> OKAY.

IN ADDITION TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT OVERTURNING ROE V. WADE, JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS HAS STATED HIS WILLINGNESS TO REVISIT PRECEDENTS THAT PROTECT CONTRACEPTION AND SAME-SEX MARRIAGE.

DO YOU SUPPORT A RIGHT TO RECEIVE AN ABORTION?

MR. BICEPPER.

MR. BENDER.

>> IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES, YES.

MARLEY WHEN IT COMES DOWN -- PARTICULARLY WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO THE CHOICE BETWEEN THE MOTHER AND THE CHILD.

>> MR. FRANKLIN.

>> I SUPPORT ABORTION THROUGH THE FIRST TRIMESTER SO, YES, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT.

>> MR. FRANKLIN, DO YOU SUPPORT THE RIGHT TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE?

>> YES, I SUPPORT THE RIGHT.

>> MR. BENDER WHO?

NO.

>> MR. BENDER, DO YOU SUPPORT A RIGHT TO ACCESS CONTRACEPTION?

>> YES.

>> MR. FRANKLIN?

>> YES, I SUPPORT THE RIGHT TO ACCESS CONTRACEPTION.

>> MR. FRANKLIN, DO YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE THAT THE VOTE COUNTERS OF THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WAS CORRECT?>> I HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE THAT THE 2020 ELECTION RESULTS WERE CORRECT.>> MR. BENDER?

>> YES.

>> MR. BENDER, IF YOU ARE ELECTED, WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE?

>> I DON'T REALLY CARE MUCH ABOUT MY LEGACY, I JUST WANT TO DO GOOD.

>> MR. FRANKLIN?

>> HELPING PEOPLE.

>> THANK YOU.

>> OKAY.

NEXT UP IS OUR HOUSING SEGMENT.

WHAT NEW IDEAS OR PROPOSALS DO YOU HAVE TO ADDRESS THE SHORTAGE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING?

MR. BENDER.

>> I THINK WITH THIS NEW INDUSTRY WHERE FOLKS ARE BUILDING HUNDREDS OF HOMES AT A TIME THERE'S GOING TO BE INDEFINITELY FOR RENT, WHEN I THINK OF HOUSING AFFORDABILITY, I THINK OF AFFORDABLE HOME E OWNERSHIP.I THINK THAT WE SHOULD, FOR EXAMPLE, WE COULD DO TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE.

IF YOU'RE DOING IT FOR THESE COMMUNITIES IN LARGE, I THINK THEY SHOULD INCORPORATE SOME SORT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE.IF YOU'RE BUILDING COMMUNITIES END MASS THAT'S GOING TO BE BUILT FOR RENT, OF YOU HAVE TO INCORPORATE SOLAR PANELS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE SUCH AS WE DID -- NOT WE, BUT THE COMMUNITY OF BABCOCK DOWN THERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA.>> OKAY.

AND, MR. FRANKLIN?

IF THE SUPPLY SIDE OF HOUSING IS LOW AND THE -- SIDE IS HIGH.

SO TRYING TO BALANCE THAT.

INCENTIVIZING BUILDERS TO HAVE TO BE ABLE TO BUILD AND HAVE MORE CAPACITY, THAT'S WHY THEY'RE SO EXPENSIVE.

THERE'S CONCURRENCY FEES.

WHEN YOU'RE HAVING TO BUILD OUT COMMUNITIES, THERE'S SEWER COSTS, ELECTRICAL COSTS THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN PLAY A ROLE IN TO INSURE THAT THE SPEED TO BUILDING CAN BE FASTER, BUT ALSO INSURING THOSE SAVINGS CAN BE PASS ON TO THE CONSUMER.

IT'S NOT JUST, HEY, ENJOY THIS FREE BACON, BUT INSURE THAT'S PASSED ON.

HOW DO WE HAVE OUR A TAXES IN SPACE WHERE WHEN YOU'RE PAYING YOUR MORTGAGE, IT'S NOT SO EXPENSIVE EVERY SINGLE YEAR?

LOOKING AT FLATLINING THOSE DURING TIMES LIKE THIS.

>> ALL RIGHT.AND I HAVE A FOLLOW-UP.

45 SECONDS FOR THE FOLLOW-UP AND, MR. FRANKLIN, WE'LL STAY WITH YOU.

>> -- HERE'S WHY THE FLORIDA PROPERTY INSURANCE MARKET IS SAID TO BE IN CRISIS.

WHILE HOMEOWNERS PAY THREE TIMES THE U.S. AVERAGE FOR COVERAGE, MORE THAN A DOZEN COMPANIES HAVE STOP WRITING POLICIES, AND SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE CLOSED SHOP YEAR.THIS IS OR BEFORE -- THIS IS BEFORE IAN STRUCK.

HOW DO YOU PROPOSE TO FIX THIS?

>> INSURING WE HAVE A FUND IN PLACE THAT HELP SUPPORT THAT WHEN HURRICANE IAN DOES HAPPEN, USING STATE DOLLARS AS WELL TO SUPPORT THE RECOVERY SO THAT PRIVATE COMPANIES KNOW, OKAY, WHEN CATASTROPHIC EVENTS LIKE HURRICANES HAPPEN, THERE IS SUPPORT AROUND TO INSURE THAT THERE'S HELP.

IN ADDITION, LOOK AT LITIGATION.

AS YOU KNOW, THERE HAS BEEN A RECENT SCAM OUT THERE THAT HAS TO DO WITH REPLACING ROOFS.

I DO BELIEVEA REAL STORM MESSED UP SOMEONE'S ROOF, INSURANCE COULD COVER THAT.

GOT A PHONE CALL IF FROM AN ATTORNEY -- NO OFFENSE -- [LAUGHTER]AND THE ATTORNEY TALKED ABOUT, HEY, I CAN GET YOU A NEW ROOF.

I HAD MISSING SHINGLES BECAUSE IT WAS AN OLD ROOF, NOT BECAUSE SOMETHING HAPPENED, SO ADDRESSING THOSE TO INSURE THAT INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE -- WELL, I'LL STOP THERE.

THANK YOU.

>> OKAY.

ALL RIGHT.

MR. BENDER?

>> YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION?

I WAS LAUGHING AT MR. FRANKLIN'S JOKE.

[LAUGHTER]>> SO THE PROPERTY INSURANCE MARKET IN FLORIDA IS SAID TO BE IN CRISIS, AND HOMEOWNERS ARE PAYING THREE TIMES THE U.S. AVERAGE FOR COVERAGE.

MORE THAN A DOZEN COMPANIES HAVE STOPPED WRITING NEW POLICIES, AND SEVERAL OTHERS CLOSED SHOP YEAR.THIS IS BEFORE IAN STRUCK.

HOW WOULD YOU PROPOSE POSE -- PROPOSE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM?

>> THANK YOU.

THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, AND WE'RE STILL WORKING THROUGH THE SOLUTIONS OF THAT IN THE LEGISLATURE.WE JUST ENACTED THAT EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND IN 2022.

BUT 90% OF LITIGATION IN FLORIDA IS DIRECTED TOWARDS INSURANCE COMPANIES.

CERTAINLY THAT WE HAVE TO, WE CAN'T LOWER -- WE CAN'T HIGHER THE BARRIER OF ENTRY, BUT WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO REFORM FIRST PARTY CLAIMS.

THAT'S ONE OF THEM.

ANOTHER THING IS WE HAVE TOHARDEN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.

I MENTION AGAIN THE EXAMPLE OF BABCOCK, THERE WAS A GREAT OP-ED IN THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT.

ONCE WE CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD, UPDATE OR HARDEN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, THE EFFECT WILL BE LESS AND THE COST TO RECOVER WILL BE LESS AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU.

>> GENTLEMEN, WE ARE NOW ON THE DOWN HILL SLIDE OF OUR ENCOUNTER HERE TODAY WITH LESS THAN A HALF HOUR TO GO IN OUR CANDIDATE FORUM.YOU KNOW, WE'VE BEEN ASKING ALL THE QUESTIONS, AND I CAN TELL EXHAUSTION IS STARTING TO SENT IN HERE.

[LAUGHTER]SO WHAT I'D LIKE YOUD TO DO IS TO ASK YOUR OPPONENT A QUESTION THAT ALL LIKE ANS ANSWER FOR.

AND IF WE COULD START WITH YOU, MR. BENDER.

ASK WHATEVER YOU'D LIKE OF MR. FRANKLIN.HE'S GOT 45 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

>> WHAT DO YOU MOST ADMIRE ABOUT ME AND MY CAMPAIGN?

>> GREAT, GREAT QUESTION.

I THINK MR. BELLER'S RAN FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.

HE'S TALKING ABOUT SERVICE AND WANTING TO PUSH FORWARD RENEWABLE AREA.

AND HE'S DONE IT IN A VERY INNOVATIVE WAY, SO I ADMIRE THAT ABOUT YOU.

>> MR. FRANKLIN, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ASK MR. BENDER TO RESPOND TO?

>> THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION.

SOMETHING I DON'T ALREADY KNOW.

WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST MOTIVATION IN LIFESOME -- LIFE?

>> I'M FROM -- WHERE I'M FROM LES NO ROADS, LES A RIVER.

LES -- THERE'S A RIVER.

THERE'S NO ELECTRICITY.

LES NO INDOOR PLUMBING.

YOU HAVE TO COVER THE HOLE AND MOVE THE OUTHOUSE.

SO I FEEL THAT THERE'S SO MUCH OPPORTUNITY IN AMERICA, I FEEL THAT I'VE ALREADY WON THE GAME OF LIFE.

I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY.

I JUST FEEL CONFIDENT THAT I'M DOING WHATEVER I WANT TO DO, AND EVERY DAY I TRY TO GO OUT THERE AND WALK ON WATER.

MY MOTIVATION IS JUST TO LEVERAGE -- LIKE I SAY, I'M A STUDENT, ENTREPRENEUR AND PUBLIC SERVANT.

I'M A STUDENT OF LIFE.

THAT CRYPTS ADVENTURES TO PAY FOR THE -- CRYPTS ADVENTURES FOR THE TALENTS THAT I WAS GIFTED.

AND I THINK I'M JUST AN AVERAGE PERSON, AND I SEE A LOT OF THE SAME QUALITIES IN YOU AS WELL, MR. FRANKLIN.>> OH, THANKS.

THANK YOU.

>> NOW THAT I CAUGHT MY BRENT -- THAT WAS QUITE AN INTERESTING EXCHANGE, I MUST SAY.

THAT WAS VERY INTERESTING.

FLORIDA'S -- MR. FRANKLIN, STARTING WITH YOU.

FLORIDA'S CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING MAP IS UNDER COURT CHALLENGE.

GOVERNOR RON DeSANTIS, IN AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE, INSERTED HIMSELF INTO THE PROCESS AND PRODUCEDDED WHAT CRITICS CALL A RACIAL GERRYMANDERED MAP THAT REDUCED IN HALF THE NUMBER OF MINORITY/MAJORITY DISTRICTS INCLUDING ONE THAT INCLUDED TALLAHASSEE MIDTOWN, WEST AND SOUTH SIDES.

MR. FRANKLIN, DO YOU SUPPORT THE COURT CHALLENGE, AND WOULD YOU SUPPORT LEGISLATION -- [INAUDIBLE] INSERTING THEMSELVES INTO THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS?

AND YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> I DO SUPPORT A COURT CHALLENGE.I THINK IT'S SO IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE OF COLOR HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT -- CAN REPRESENT THEIR IDEOLOGIES SO THAT IF THE THE CONGRESS DISTRICTLY THAT CONGRESSMAN LAWSON CURRENTLY SITS IN, I THINK IT SHOULD BE RETAINED.

AND I LOOKED AT IMPORTANT LEGISLATION TO TRY TO TAKE THAT TYPE OF POWER OUT OF THE GOVERNOR, AND THAT'S BECAUSE IT WAS DONE BY A REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR.I BELIEVE THAT'S IMPORTANT TO ASSURE PEOPLE, AND SO TO DO THAT, I WOULD PREFER TO SEE A THIRD PARTY NONPOLITICAL, NONPARTISAN GROUP TO INSURE THAT REPRESENTATION REPRESENTING OUR PEOPLE TRULY REFLECT THE MAKEUP AND THE E GENETICS AND HOW OUR PEOPLE LOOK IN THE STATE.

>> MR. BENDER?

>> I ECHO MR. FRANKLIN, DR. FRANKLIN'S STATEMENTS.

I DON'T THINK IT'S CORRECT.

I KNOW THAT CONGRESSMAN DUNN AND CONGRESSMAN LAWSON HAD A GREAT RELATIONSHIP, AND NOW THEY'RE COMPETING AGAINST EACH OTHER.

I DON'T THINK THAT'S CORRECT.

I WOULD SUPPORT THE COURT CHALLENGE, AND I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO SAY I'M NOT THE AVERAGE REFLIP.

I HAVE MY OWN -- REPUBLICAN.

I HAVE MY OWN THOUGHTS, AND I WON'T VOTE LOCKSTEP.

ORIGINALLY THE LEGISLATURE REJECTED THAT PLAN, BUT THEN THE GOVERNOR REASSERTED AND THE LEGISLATURE, IN MY OPINION, I'LL USE THE WORD CAVE, AND THAT WOULDN'T BE ME.

>> ALL RIGHT, FOLKS.

WE HAVE A -- >> I DON'T WANT TO CALL IT A FOLLOW-UP, BUT IT KIND OF HAS SOME LINKAGE TO THE LAST LINE OF QUESTIONS THAT WE HAD.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE HAS PREEMPTED LOCAL AUTHORITIES ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES INCLUDING SUCH THINGS AS WORKER BENEFITS, GUN CONTROL, ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS, A HOST OF THESE.

WHERE ON THE PREEMPTION SPECTRUM BETWEEN HOME RULE AND STATE MANDATES TO DO YOU STAND?

30 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

MR. FRANKLIN, LET'S START WITH YOU.>> I SUPPORT HOME RULE.

THE REASON WHY I SUPPORT IT WHICH MEANS THAT LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE ABLE TO MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON THEIR LOCAL CONSTITUENCIES.THEY GET ELECTED, HIRED AND FIRED BY THE PEOPLE THEY SERVE, SO WE HAVE TO RESTORE A LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE THAT PEOPLE KNOW WHEN THEY RUN FOR MAYOR, CITY COMMISSION, WHATEVER IT MAY BE, THEY CAN PASS LAWS TO OVERSEE THEIR ENTIRE CONSTITUENCY BASE.

SO I DON'T SUPPORT PREEMPTSES.

AND A FEW -- PREEMPTIONS.

IN A FEW SCENARIOS, I COULD CONSIDER IT.

>> MR. BENDER?

>> AND I HEARD FROM DR. FRANKLIN SAY BEFORE IN RARE INSTANCES HE'LL CONSIDER, THE CONSTITUTION SAYS THAT ALL THE POWER'S NOT DELINEATED TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, I THINK THE STATE IS HOME RULE BUT, OF COURSE, THE POWER RESTS CLOSEST TO THE PEOPLE WHICH IS IN OUR LOCAL JURISDICTION.

HOWEVER, IT'S GOOD TO HAVE PREEMPTION BECAUSE IF THERE'S A LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD AROUND OKEECHOBEE CHOKE THATS HAS LARGE SURE CANES AND IF THEY WANT TO ALLOW POLLUTION, I THINK THE STATE SHOULD PREEMPT IT AT THAT LEVEL.BUT THERE'S ALWAYS A GIVE IN A PLAY.>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> OKAY.

SO FLORIDA IS ONE OF 12 STATEMENTS THAT HAS NOT EXPANDED MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY AS ALLOWED UNDER THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT.

DISCUSS WHY YOU DO OR DO NOT SUPPORT EXPANDING MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY IN FLORIDA, MR. BENDER.

>> I'LL STATE THAT 2.7 MILLION FLORIDIANS HAVE REGISTERED FOR THE ACA, AND I THINK THAT'S A GOOD THING.

THERE'S CERTAIN BENEFITS FROM THAT.

WHEN HE WAS RUNNING FOR OFFICE, BEING THE PRECURSOR OF OBAMACARE.BUT UNDER THE PRINCIPLES OF FEDERALISM, IT'S OKAY FOR THE STATE TO EXPERIMENT ON DIFFERENT THINGS, AND THAT'S HOW WE COME TO DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS.

IT ENDS UP COSTING US MORE IN THE LONG RUN.

>> I SUPPORT EXPANDING MEDICAID.

AS WE KNOW, IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE OR YOU DON'T HAVE INSURANCE AND YOU GET SICK ENOUGH, YOU'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE HEALTH CARE ANYWAY.

YOU'RE GOING TO SHOW UP AT THE HOSPITAL ANYWAY.

IT'S MORE EXPENSIVE TO TREAT A PATIENT WHO'S AT THE E.R.

FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIFE THAN TO TREAT THEM WITH PREVENTIVE SERVICES.

EXPANELING MEDICAID AND INSURIND WOULD DRIVE DOWN OUR HEALTH CARE COSTS HOLISTICALLY.

WE'RE ALREADY SUBSIDIZING HOSPITALS, CLINICAL AREAS FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T HAVING INSURANCE.

>> THANK YOU.

>> OKAY.

MR. FRANKLIN, WE'LL STAY WITH YOU.

WHAT'S ONE IMPORTANT ISSUE TO THE TO THE DISTRICT THAT WE HAVEN'T ALREADY DISCUSSED?

30 SECONDS.

>> WE HAVEN'T DISCUSSED SUPPORTING STATE EMPLOYEES.

THIS DISTRICT HAS SO MANY STATE THE EMPLOYEES, IT'S SO IMPORTANT THAT WE ARE GETTING PAID FAIRLY.

I WANT TO LOOK AT HOW CAN WE MAKE SURE THAT THERE ARE AUTOMATIC MERIT-BASED INCREASES IN SALARIES NOT WHERE THE LEGISLATURE HAS TO VOTE EVERY FIVE YEARS.

THAT'S THE ONLY WAY THAT WE CAN RETAIN TALENT AS WELL AS RECRUIT PEOPLE TO WORK PERCENT STATE.

I TALK TO COMPANIES AND BUSINESSES ACROSS FLORIDA, AND THEY DON'T REALLY HAVE A LOT OF GREAT THINGS TO SAY BECAUSE WE'RE SO SHORT STACKED BECAUSE WE CAN'T HOLD ON TO GOOD TALENT.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. BENDER?>> THE ABSURD UTILITY PRICES IN GADSDEN COUNTY THAT FOLKS CAN'T AFFORD.I ALSO ECHO WHAT MR. FRANKLIN SAID.

ONE OF THE DOWNSIDES IN BEING SO FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE IS YOU HAVE FULL-TIME CAREER SERVICE EMPLOYEES.I WAS AN A ATTORNEY, WHEN I GRADUATED LAW SCHOOL ARE, I WAS MAKING ABOUT $36,000 A YEAR WHICH ISN'T SUSTAINABLE, SO I LEFT TO GO TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

BUT I WANTED TO CONTRIBUTE MY TALENTS TO THE STATE.

AND IT'S A SHAME WHEN FAMILIES HAVE TO DECIDE WHEN THEY GO HOME BETWEEN GETTING ANOTHER JOB OR CARING FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

>> THANK YOU.

>> OKAY.

LET'S SEE, WE HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS SINCE WE HAVE ADDITIONAL TIME.

>> OKAY.

>> WHICH IS A GOOD THING HERE.

TELL YOU WHAT, WHY DON'T I TAKE THE STATE WORKER, AND WE'LL KIND OF WORK OUR WAY THROUGH THE LAST QUESTION.

>> SURE.

>> SINCE WE HAVE A LOT OF STATE WORKERS.PRESENT COMPANY INCLUDED HERE, FOR SURE.

SO WE'LL START WITH THIS ONE HERE, AND 30 SECONDS FOR A RESPONSE, AND WE ALSO HAVE A FOLLOW-UP HERE.

SHOULD THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE REFORM FRS, THE FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM, AND DO AWAY WITH THE DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN AND REQUIRE STATE WORKERS TO MOVE THEIR PENSION SAVINGS INTO A 401(K)-STYLE PLAN?

HOW ABOUT YOU?

>> WE HAVE TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEES.

AND THE WAY WE DO THAT IS IT HAS TO BE THROUGH COMPENSATION OR COMPENSATION PACKAGES.

WE'RE NOT GOING TO PAY PEOPLE TOP OF THE LINE, COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE RATE FOR THEIR JOB IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE FRINGE BENEFITS WHERE THEY DON'T HAVE TO INVEST IN THAT PENSION.

ABOVE SCOTT REQUIRED AN INVESTMENT INTO YOUR RETIREMENT PROGRAM.

AS YOU KNOW NOW, AS YOU MENTION THEY'RE TRYING TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE DON'T GO TOWARDS THE PENSION, BUT MORE TOWARDS THE 401(K).SO WE NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THAT AND INSURE THAT WE'RE SUPPORTING STATE EMPLOYEES SO THEY KNOW THEIR FUTURE IS SECURE.>> OKAY, MR. BENDER.

>> I APOLOGIZE, CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION, PLEASE?

>> SURE.

THE PUSH THAT HAS BEEN ONGOING BY THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO MIGRATE MORE STATE EMPLOYEES FROM FRS, THE FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM, THE DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN INTO A 401(K)-STYLE PLAN.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT?

SUPPORT IT OR OPPOSE IT?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

>> WHEN I WAS A STATE EMPLOYEE, I HAD TWO OPTIONS.

ST THIS IS ONE SORT OF THE INVESTMENT-DRIVEN PLAN, AND THE OTHER ONE'S SORT OF A PENSION-BASED PLAN.

AND I CHOSE THE INVESTMENT-DRIVEN.

I DON'T EXACTLY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR QUESTION IS ASKING.

BUT WHAT -- ONE THING I WILL SAY THAT I THINK WOULD MAKE FOLKS MORE HAPPY, IS RECENTLY GOVERNOR DeSANTIS RULED -- NOT RULED, BUT HE INSTRUCTED THAT ESG CAN'T BE A CONSIDERATION FOR STATE PENSION PLANS WHEN THEY'RE DECIDING WHAT TO INVEST IN.

AND I THINK THE VAST MAJORITY OF FLORIDIANS SUPPORT GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, AND THAT SHOULD BE ALLOW.>> OKAY.

AND A 30-SECOND FOLLOW-UP, MR. BENDER.SHOULD STATE WORKERS RECEIVE ANNUAL COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENTS TO KEEP PACE WITH INFLATION?

>> I'LL START WITH SAYING, FIRST, I THINK WE NEED TO HAVE A COMPETITIVE MARKET RATE.

OF COURSE, THE PRIVATE SECTOR WILL ALWAYS ARE HAVE A HIGHER SALARY FOR EMPLOYEES.

FOR EXAMPLE, I KNOW, FOR EXAMPLE, MANY TOP ATTORNEYS, GENERAL COUNSELS, THEY'RE ABOUT 120-135.IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THEY COULD MAKE 250.

I DON'T THINK WE COULD MATCH THAT, BUT IT HAS TO BE AN AFFORDABLE, FAIR WAGE SO FOLKS CAN GO HOME AND NOT HAVE TO GET A SECOND JOB.

I HAD TO UBER ON THE SIDE.

JUST MY THOUGHTS.

>> OKAY.

THANK YOU, MR. FRANKLIN LIN.

>> YES, I DO SUPPORT THE COST OF LIVING WAGE INCREASES.

THE WAY WE DO IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS ALSO BASED OFF MERIT.

IS AS LONG AS A YOU MEET THE EXPECTATIONS, YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THAT.

SO THAT WAY WE KNOW THAT WE'RE RETAINING THE TALENT THAT'S REALLY WORKING HARD FOR THE STATE.

SO I COMPLETELY SUPPORT AN AUTOMATIC INCREASE BASED OFF OF STILL, YOU'RE MEETING EXPECTATIONS AT THE JOB TO INSURE THAT WE CAN KEEP UP WITH INFLATION.WE VOTE ON IT, WHAT, EVERY FOUR OR FIVE YEARS.

>> MR. FRANKLIN, LET'S STAY WITH YOU.

WHAT DOES PROTECTING DEMOCRACY MEAN?

>> PROTECTING DEMOCRACY, TO ME, MEANS EXPANDING ACCESS TO BEING ABLE, TO BE ABLE TO VOTE.

SO, FOR EXAMPLE, I TRULY BELIEVE IF YOU HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND YOU ARE IDENTIFIED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, YOU ARE A U.S. CITIZEN, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE.

I THINK EVEN REGISTERING TO VOTE, TO ME, IS ANOTHER OBSTACLE.

OBVIOUSLY, NOT THE SAME AS POLL TAXES BACK IN THE DAY, BUT STILL A STEP THERE'S THIS PIECE OF PAPER THAT YOU HAVE TO FILL OUT, BUT WHY CAN'T I SHOW UP WITH MY SOCIAL SECURITY AND EACH THOUGH I'M A CITIZEN, I GO AND CAST A BALLOT TO VOTE?

TO ME, INSURING THAT EVERYONE'S INVOLVED AND ENGAGED, ABRAHAM LINCOLN SAID OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE, BUT FOR THAT TO WORK WE ALL HAVE TO BE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS.

>> MR. BENDER, THE SAME QUESTION.>> I'M A FREDERICK DOUGLASS REPUBLICAN AND ABRAHAM LINCOLN REPUBLICAN AND ALSO JAMES MADISON IN FEDERALIST PAPERS NUMBER 39 SAID THAT -- I'M SORRY, IT'S THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, THE SECOND PARAGRAPH, ELECT LEADERS FROM THE GOVERNED.

I THINK IF YOU'RE CONGRESSED, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE.

I DO AGREE WITH THE INTERPRETATION OF THE AMENDMENT 4, BUT I THINK THAT'S JUST LEGALITY.THAT'S WHAT IT SAYS.

I AGREE WITH THAT.

BUT I THINK IT SHOULDN'T BE AN OPTION.

IF YOU'RE SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT, YOU SHOULD HAVE PARTICIPATION IN THAT GOVERNMENT IN ANY AND ALL INSTANCES.

AND I ALSO BELIEVE, FOR EXAMPLE, I THINK IN THE RECENT BILL, THE VOTING RIGHT BILL, I THINK IT EXPANDED A LOT OF RIGHTS FOR VOTING.I THINKS AGREE THAT IF YOU'RE A CITIZEN, YOU SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY BE REGISTERED.

BUT WE DID THINGS TO MAKE IT WHERE IF YOU CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS, THEY MUST COMMUNICATE WITH THE DIVISION OF ELECTIONS BECAUSE WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT -- FOLKS HAVE TO REGISTER WITHIN THEIR SPECIFIC PRECINCT SO THAT WE DON'T HAVE FOLKS ALL OVER VOTING IN DIFFERENT ELECTIONS.

I THINK THE SYSTEMS WE HAVE IN PLACE ARE GOOD.

WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO FIND WAYS TO HARDEN THEM, AND I THINK WE'RE DOING THAT.

AND I THINK WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO HAVE AN HONEST FEEDBACK AND NOT FEAR MONGERING AND MISCHARACTERIZING THE LAWS.

AND I MENTIONED IT BEFORE, IT'S THE ISSUE THAT, OKAY, IF YOU NEED A VOTER ID, I THINK THAT'S A GOOD WAY TO PROVE WHO YOU ARE.

IF THE ARGUMENT IS PEOPLE CAN'T AFFORD IT, LET'S ADDRESS THAT, LIKE WE DID.

SO I THINK WE MAKE STEPS FORWARD STEP BY STEP WITH HONEST DIALOGUE.

>> DO WE HAVE TIME FOR A FOLLOW-UP?>> YES, ABSOLUTELY.

>> MR. BENDER, I'D LIKE TO HAVE A FOLLOW-UP AND, OF COURSE, MR. FRANKLIN, YOU'LL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TOO.

MR. BENDER, YOU SAID IF YOU ARE GOVERNED, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE.

SO DO YOU BELIEVE NO, NO REVOCATION OF A PERSON'S VOTING RIGHT, THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO REVOCATION OF SOMEONE'S VOTING RIGHT?>> ABSOLUTELY.

IF YOU ARE GOVERNED, YOU SHOULD HAVE A RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE.

BECAUSE YOU STILL HAVE OBEY -- TO PAY TAXES.

THAT THAT'S WHY THIS COUNTRY STARTED, TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION ARE.AS LONG AS YOU'RE SUBJECT TO GOVERNANCE, YOU SHOULD HAVE ARIGHT TO PARTICIPATE.

AND THAT'S IRREVOCABLE.

THAT'S JUST MY STANCE ON THAT, ABSOLUTELY.

>> MR. FRANKLIN.

>> NO, I WOULD AGREE WITH THAT.

AND THAT'S WHY I SUPPORT RESTORING THE RIGHTS OF FELONS.

ONCE YOU DID YOUR TIME FROM PARTICULAR FELONIES, OF COURSE, I KNOW WE HAVE THE EXCEPTIONS OF RAPE AND MURDER, BUT OTHER TYPES OF FELONY, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN SOCIETY ONCE YOU'RE OUT OF JAIL.

I DO BELIEVE PEOPLE DESERVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE, AND AS LONG AS THEY'RE LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS THAT AREN'T A PART OF SOME GANG OR, YOU KNOW, OBVIOUSLY LIKE THE ITALIAN MAFIA, THAT'S A DIFFERENT SCENARIO.

BUT PEOPLE THAT ARE LIVING EVERY DAY AND DOING THE RIGHT THING AND WANT TO HELP THE COUNTRY OUT, I SUPPORT FULL-FLEDGED EVERYONE HAVING THE RIGHT TO VOTE.

>> ALL RIGHT.

STICKING WITH YOU, MR. FRANKLIN, FOR ANOTHER QUESTION HERE.

SINCE WE HAVEN'T REALLY DELL OFFED INTO EDUCATION -- DELVEDED INTO EDUCATION THAT MUCH, LET'S GIVE SOME ADDITIONAL TIME, 45-SECOND RESPONSE TO THIS ONE.

WHAT'S YOUR OPINION OF CHARTER SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC-FUNDED VOUCHERS FOR PRIVATE AND RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS?

>> THAT'S A REALLY GREAT QUESTION.

SINCE THE MID '90s IS WHEN CHARTER SCHOOLS BEGAN, AND BEFORE THAT, TRIGGAL EDUCATION -- TRADITIONAL EDUCATION HADN'T HAD MANY CHANGES.YOU CAN GO THE A MAGNET SCHOOL IF YOUR INTERESTED IN HEALTH CARE.A CHARTER SCHOOL DOWN THE STREET COULD BE BETTER SUIT FOR THE STUDENT.I THINK WE HAVE TO INSURE THAT WE'RE SUPPORTING STUDENTS, FOCUSING ON STUDENT SUCCESS BECAUSE THAT'S ULTIMATELY HOW WE'RE GOING TO INSURE THAT STUDENTS GET THE BEST EDUCATION THEMSELVES.I DON'T SUPPORT THE UNIVERSAL VOUCHER INITIATIVE THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT NOW IN THE LEGISLATURE, BUT I DO SUPPORT IT IN A SPACE FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T AFFORD TO GO TO SCHOOL.

SO, FOR EXAMPLE, I CONSIDER THAT EQUITY IN EDUCATION.

SO A FRIEND OF MINE WHOSE PARENTS CAN AFFORD TO SEND THEIR CHILD SOMEWHERE ELSE, SINCE THEY CAN AFFORD IT, IT'S OKAY.

BUT A FRIEND OF MINE WHO DOESN'T HAVE THE SAME FINANCIAL MEANS, I DO BELIEVE IF YOU'RE BELOW THE POVERTY LINE, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE SAME ACCESS AS THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU REGARDLESS OF YOUR ZIP ECOED.

>> OKAY, THANK YOU.

FROM MR. BICEPPER.

>> YEAH, I SUPPORT -- MR. BENDER.>> YEAH, I SUPPORT A SCHOOL VOUCHER PROGRAM.

THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS ABOVE DeSANTIS WON THE ELECTION BECAUSE I HEARD COREY SIMON TALK ABOUT THE STRUGGLES HIS MOTHER HAD TO USE HER WORK ADDRESS SO HE COULD GET INTO A BETTER SCHOOL.AND I THINK THAT WE KNOW THAT PROPERTY TAXES ARE HIGHER?

IN MORE AFFLUENT PLACES.

THE FOCUS OF THE EDUCATION ARE THE CHILDREN, AND NEXT TO THE CHILDREN ARE THE PARENTS.

THAT EDUCATION SYSTEM, THE SCHOOLS, THEY'RE ESSENTIALLY PUBLIC SERVANTS.

AND ONLY ABOUT 68% OF THE MONEY GOES WITH THE STUDENT.

BUT I THINK THAT THE RIGHT BELONGS TO THE STUDENT AND THEIR PARENTS, NOT NECESSARILY THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

>> VERY GOOD.

>> ALL RIGHT, MR. FRANKLIN, THIS IS FOR YOU.

60 SECONDS.

ST IT'S ABOUT HOMELESSNESS.

IT'S BECOMING MUCH MORE VISIBLE IN THE TALLAHASSEE AREA.

HOW DO WE SOLVE THIS PROBLEM?

OR IS IT, FIRST, IS IT A PROBLEM THAT GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR, AND IF SO, HOW DO WE SOLVE IT?

>> GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE ENGAGED IN THE PROCESS, ABSOLUTELY, TO MAKE SURE WE'RE SUPPORTING THE RIGHT MENTAL HEALTH CLINICS AND SERVICE, YOU KNOW, OUR PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING CHALLENGES AT THE TIME.

AND SO MENTAL HEALTH IS ACTUALLY THE CENTER FOCAL POINT FOR HOMELESSNESS.OFTEN TIMES IF SOMEONE DIES IN THE FAMILY, THERE'S SOME CATASTROPHIC EVENT, YOU NO LONGER HAVE THAT DESIRE TO WORK AND LIVE.

AND SO MAKING SURE WE GIVE THEM ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IS THE FIRST THING, BUT ALSO INSURING THEY HAVE TRAINING PROGRAMS AS WELL.

THERE SHOULD BE REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN HOMELESS TYPE OF ACTIVITIES WHETHER IT'S SHELTER OR FOOD.

WE HAVE THIS TRADE PROGRAM, AND WE ALSO HAVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.SO TO BE A PART OF THIS, YOU'VE GOT TO PARTICIPATE AS WELL SO WE CAN HELP YOU BECOME THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF.

OUTSIDE OF THAT, IT'S GREAT TO OFFER HOMELESS SERVICES, AND I SUPPORT THAT WHOLE HEARTEDLY.

BUT IF WE DON'T HAVE AN EXPECTATION FOR WHAT -- OBVIOUSLY, WHERE WE HAVE GREAT SERVICES, THOSE FOLLOW.

SO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, ALSO TRAINING PROGRAMS TO INSURE THEY CAN GET BACK ON THEIR FEET.

>> MR. BENDER?

>> WHAT WAS THE QUESTION?

>> HOMELESSNESS IS BECOMING MUCH MORE VISIBLE IN OUR DISTRICT, IN OUR AREA, AND THE QUESTION IS, IS THIS A PROBLEM THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD ADDRESS?

AND IF SO, HOW DO WE ADDRESS DO HOMELESSNESS?

>> CERTAINLY, I THINK THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULDN'T CONTINUE TO EXASPERATE .

-- EXACERBATE WITH.

EVERYONE WANTS TO HELP BUT NOT IN THEIR BACKYARD.

I DON'T WANT TO BE THERE.

THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE LOST A LAWSUIT IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE COURT, AND THEN THEY APPEALED, THEY'RE SPENDING ALL THIS MONEY TO FIGHT GREAT PEOPLE THAT ARE JUST TRYING TO DO THEIR BEST TO HELP SERVICES, AND WE HAVE GOVERNMENT LITERALLY GETTING IN THE WAY AND COMING UP WITH EXCUSES.

IT'S RIDICULOUS.

I THINK, CERTAINLY, GOVERNMENT -- THIS IS WHEN I SAY WE HAVE TO LEVERAGE OUR ECONOMIES OF SCALE.

BUT, FOR SURE, GET OUT OF THE WAY OF PEOPLE TRYING TO DO GOOD.

>> FOLKS, JUST BY REQUEST, ONE FINAL QUESTION HERE BEFORE WE HEAD INTO THE WRAP-UP HERE.

THE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED OFFICE OF ELECTION CRIMES AND SECURITY, MR. BENDER, YOU FIRST.

>> I DON'T THINK IT'S A GOOD THING.

YOU KNOW, I THINK THAT MANY DECISIONS THAT COME OFF THE GOLF'S OFFICE -- GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, MANY THINGS I DON'T AGREE WITH.

WE HAVE GREAT ELECTIONS HERE IN FLORIDA.WE HAVE SAFE ELECTIONS HERE IN FLORIDA.

I JUST DON'T AGREE WITH THAT WHOLE SCHEME.

>> OKAY, THANK YOU.

AND, MR. FRANKLIN, FOR YOU.

>> EVEN THOUGH I SUPPORT SAFE AND FAIR ELECTIONS, OF COURSE, BUT THIS TASK FORCE IS OBVIOUSLY NOT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE STATE.THIS WAS 2000 BACK WHEN THEY HAD CHADS, BUTTERFLY BALLOTS, REMEMBER THOSE?

YEAH, I THINK AT THAT NOTE TIME THIS WOULD MAKE PERFECT SENSE.

BUT IN 2022 WE'VE HAD GREAT ELECTIONS, A LOT OF FAIR ELECTIONS HERE.

I THINK IT'S A WASTE OF TAX DOLLARS.

I DO SUPPORT FAIR AND SAFE ELECTIONS, OF COURSE, BUT THIS IS JUST UNNECESSARY, IN MY OPINION.>> GENTLEMEN, YOU HAVE REACHED THE FINAL THRESHOLD.

CONGRATLATES OF GETTING THROUGH OUR CANDIDATE FORUM ARE.

WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO WRAP UP YOUR CANDIDACY, KIND OF PUT A LITTLE PACKAGE WITH A BOW ON IT, IF YOU'D LIKE.

AND IF YOU CAN INCLUDE SUCH THINGS AS A WEB SITE, WHATEVER ELSE HERE.

90 SECONDS FOR EVE ONE OF YOU AND, MR. BENDER, YOUR CLOSING COMMENTS, SIR.

>> GREAT.

I THINK BOTH CANDIDATES UP HERE ARE EXCELLENT PERSONS.

THEY DO GOOD IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

I THINK THE PRIMARY CHALLENGE FACING DISTRICT 8 IS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

I'M A ENTREPRENEUR THAT ATTENDED LAW SCHOOL.

FOR EXAMPLE, I VOLUNTEERED AT TCC SPARK PROGRAM EVERY SINGLE MONTH.

MANY OTHER ENTREPRENEURS.

I VERVED AS -- [INAUDIBLE]TWICE.

I BROUGHT MONEY INTO OUR DISTRICT TO FUND THE FIRST FIT COMPETITION.

IF YOU GO TO MY WEB SITE, BENDER CAMPAIGN.COM, YOU'LL SEE MORE INITIATIVES.BUT I'D LIKE TO SHARE A QUICK STORY ON HOW I THINK WE COULD PROTECT DEMOCRACY.

BACK IN 2008 WHEN, YOU KNOW, WHETHER MARRIAGE IS BETWEEN A MAN OR A WOMAN, THAT WASN'T ON THE BALLOT.

I DIDN'T HAVE A CAR.

AND MY ROOMMATE AT THE TIME WAS GAY, AND I HAD NO IDEA.

AND WE GOT IN A VERY SPIRITED ARGUMENT, AND I USED SOME PROFANE THINGS, AND HE WAS LIKE, CURT, I'M GAY.

I REALIZED WHEN A MUTUAL FRIEND STARTED CLAPPING BECAUSE HE FINALLY CAME OUT TO ME.

THAT GENTLEMAN KNOWING TO THE -- DROVE ME TO THE BALLOT BOX KNOWING MY VOTE WOULD CANCEL HIS VOTE.WE RESPECTED AND LOVED EVE OTHER, AND THAT'S STILL MY OR BROTHER TO THIS DAY.

I THINK WE CAN DISAGREE ON IMPORTANT ISSUES BUT STILL LOVE THE PERSON AND JUST KNOW THAT, HEY, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE SOME DIFFERENCES.WE DON'T ATTACK.

I COMMENTED DR. FRANKLIN.

I THINK THIS HAS BEEN A VERY POSITIVE RACE, AND THAT'S HOW WE PROTECT DEMOCRACY, BUT -- BY LETTING PEOPLE TO KNOW T OKAY TO TRY AND YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE ATTACKED ON EVERY SINGLE THING THAT YOU DO.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SIR.

MR. FRANKLIN, YOU HAVE THE LAST WORD.

>> DISTRICT 8 HAS IS SOME OF THE HIGHEST POVERTY LEVELS IN COMPARISON TO OTHER PLACES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

WE'RE HAVING CHANNELS JUST PUTTING FOOD ON THE TABLE, PILLING UP OUR GAS TANKINGSES.

AND SO IT'S SO IMPORTANT THAT WE'RE FOCUSED ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

ALSO HEALTH CARE IN THIS DISTRICT HAS BEEN A CHALLENGE.

THERE'S PARTICIPANTS OF THIS REGION WHERE YOU HAVE TO DRIVE 20 AND 30 MINUTES JUST TO GET YOUR BLOOD WORK DONE.

WE WANT TO INSURE THAT WE HAVE ACCESS IN QUALITY HEALTH CARE.

WE'RE ALSO FOCUSED ON INVESTING IN EDUCATION, SUPPORTING PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC SCHOOLTEACHERS AND ALL TEACHERS AS WELL.

THIS SEAT ALSO REPRESENTS FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY AT THE CAPITOL, AND AS A FORMER MEMBER OF THE FAMU BOARD OF TRUSTEES, LET'S INSURE THAT WE HAVE SOMEONE IN THE SEAT THAT CAN PROTECT THE LEGACY AND TRADITION OF FAMU.

I'M ASKING FOR YOU TO GO TO THE BALLOT AND VOTE ON NOVEMBER 8TH.

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME, GALLOP FRANKLIN.ORG.

GALLOP FRANKLIN.ORG.

SEND US AN E-MAIL IF YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH YOU -- US.

LOOKING BARD TO MEETING MORE PEOPLE OUT ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL.>> THANKS TO THE CANDIDATES, THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT, THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF TALLAHASSEE, WF WFSU MIX MEDIA AND ALL OF OUR VIEWERS.>> YOU CAN FIND A REPLAY OF THIS FORUM AND ALL THE OTHERS IN OUR SERIES ON YouTUBE PAGES, PLUS TALLAHASSEE.COM AND WFSU.ORG.

THE RECORDED BROADCAST WILL BE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER THE 19TH, AT 11 A.M. ON WFSU, 88.9 FM.

>> WFSU AND THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT WILL BE HOSTING THE NEXT LIVE FORUM FOR THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RACE, AND THAT WILL TAKE PLACE TODAY, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18TH, AT 3 P.M. THAT RACE BETWEEN AL LAWSON AND NEIL DUNN.

AL LAWSON HAS CONFIRMED ATTENDANCE, NEIL DUNN HAS DECLINED SAYING HE WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO ATTEND, AND THIS WILL BE TREATED AS AN EMPTY SEAT FORUM.>> AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ANY OF OUR UPCOMING FORUMS, PLEASE E-MAIL US AT NEWS@TALLAHASSEE.COM, AND YOUCAN LOOK FOR THESE FORUMS PLUS INTERVIEWS WITH THE CANDIDATES ON OUR WEB SITE AT THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT WEB SITE, TALLAHASSEE.COM.

PLUS, KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR SPECIAL GENERAL ELECTION INSERT WHICH WILL BE IN OUR PRINT VERSION ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23RD.

HAVE A GREAT DAY.

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