>> WELCOME TO THE THIRD SERIES OF A POLITICAL CANDIDATE FORUM IN A NOVEMBER 5 GENERAL ELECTION.

THIS FORM IS A THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT AND WFSU PUBLIC MEDIA.

OUR CANDIDATES TODAY ARE RUNNING FOR THE LEON COUNTY COMMISSION AT-LARGE GROUP ONE SEAT.

I AM ÃMcCARTHY JOINED BY WILLIAM HATFIELD FROM THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRATS AND DANIELLE IRWIN WILL BE QUESTIONING THE CANDIDATES ON VARIOUS TOPICS OF INTEREST TO THE VOTING PUBLIC.

>> THE CANDIDATES FOR THE LEON COUNTY COMMISSION OUT AT-LARGE GROUP ONE RACE SITTING LEFT TO RIGHT ARE INCUMBENT'S CAROLYN CUMMINGS AND DAVID C HAWKINS.

ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLEASE HIT THE SHARE BUTTON AND HELP ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS SEE TODAY'S DISCUSSION LIFE.

FOR THOSE AT HOME, HERE IS HOW THE FORMS WILL WORK.

WE WILL ROTATE WHICH CANDIDATE GETS TO ANSWER FIRST.

WE WILL HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS SO WE ARE GOING TO ASK CANDIDATES TO KEEP YOUR ANSWERS TO ABOUT 60 SECONDS SOMETIMES SHORTER FOR FOLLOW-UPS.

WE WILL KEEP TIME AND IN FACT, YOU WILL KNOW WHEN YOU HIT TIME BECAUSE YOUWILL HEAR THIS .

[BELL RINGS] YOU DON'T HAVE TO COME TO A DEAD STOP BUT FINISH HER SENTENCE AND WE WILL MOVE ON.

>> IF YOU ARE WATCHING LIVE ON FACEBOOK AND YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE CANDIDATES, GO AHEAD AND TYPE THEM IN THE COMMENTS AND WE WILL GET TO AS MANY OF THEM AS WE CAN.

TIME IS VERY LIMITED SO YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF YOUR QUESTION BEING ASKED IF YOU KEEP IT BRIEF AND POLITE.

MAKE IT A QUESTION APPLICABLE TO ALL OF THE CANDIDATES.

ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE WE START?

>> THEN LET'S JUMP IN WITH THE FIRST QUESTION.

>> ALL RIGHT.

I GOT THE FIRST QUESTION.

THAT QUESTION WILL START WITH YOU MISS CAROLYN CUMMINGS AND THEN WE WILL MOVE NEXT TO THE SAME QUESTION TO YOU DAVID HAWKINS.

STARTING WITH YOU CAROLYN CUMMINGS, WHAT IS ONE PLEDGE HE WOULD MAKE TO VOTERS RIGHT NOW THAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH IF ELECTED AND HOW WILL YOU ACHIEVE IT?

>> Carolyn Cummings: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT QUESTION.

I FIRST OF ALL WANT TO THINK WFSU, THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS AND THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRATS FOR ORGANIZING THIS VERY IMPORTANT CANDIDATES FORM.

I BELIEVE, THE ONE IMPORTANT THING THAT WE AS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE CONCERNED WITH IS THE ECONOMY.

AND YOU LOOK AT THE ECONOMY, IT HAS A RIPPLE EFFECT ON OTHER AREAS IN OUR COMMUNITY SUCH AS AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

SUCH AS HOMELESSNESS AND I BELIEVE LEON COUNTY COMMISSION HAS FOCUSED ON THE ECONOMY IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ÃLEON COUNTY, TALLAHASSEE HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS THE APP ECONOMY IN THE COUNTRY.

SO I THINK THAT SAYS A LOT FOR WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN THE SELECTED OFFICIALS TOJUMPSTART THE ECONOMY.

BECAUSE WHEN I WAS ELECTED, WE WERE COMING OUT OF COVID.

AND I THINK WE'VE DONE A GREAT JOB .

>> THANK YOU.

SAME QUESTION TO YOU DAVID HAWKINS, WHAT IS ONE PLEDGE HE WOULD MAKE TO VOTERS RIGHT NOW THAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH IF ELECTED?

AND HOW WILL YOU ACHIEVE IT?

>> David T. Hawkins: I WOULD START WITH WORKING ON LOWERING THE CRIME RATE AND I WOULD ACHIEVE THAT BY TALKING WITH THE DA, THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS AND THE JUDGES ABOUT HOW THEY ARE CHARGING THE CRIMINALS AND PROSECUTING THEM AND ÃHAVING THEM WHERE THEY ARE GIVING THEM THE PROPER SENTENCES AND KEEPING THEM IN JAIL A LITTLE BIT LONGER.

SO THAT THE CRIME RATE IS GOING DOWN, BECAUSE THEY ARE SITTING IN JAIL WHERE THE SHOULD BE AND NOT INFLUENCING OTHER KIDS TO FOLLOW IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS.

>> I GOT A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION FOR BOTH OF YOU, YOU WILL HAVE 30 SECONDS TO AS THIS ONE.

DAVID HAWKINS, WE WILL START WITH YOU.

GENUINELY A COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S JOB IS CONSIDERED A FULL-TIME VISION WITH A $90,000 SALARY WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT DAY JOB AND IF ELECTED WILL YOU CONTINUE IN IT?

>> David T. Hawkins: I WORK IN THE STATE, IF I WIN THE ELECTION I HAVE GOT TO QUIT THE STATE WHICH I PLAN ON DOING ANYWAY.

IT IS A FULL-TIME JOB WHERE I AM A SUPERVISOR IN THE WAREHOUSE.

AND I PLAN ON IF I WIN THE ELECTION TO MAKE THIS JOB MY FULL-TIME JOB.

BEING THERE AT THE OFFICE ALL DAY.

HOPING TO TALK TO THE CITIZENS AND ANSWERING THEIR QUESTIONS AND TRYING TO HELP THEM OUT.

>> I'M SORRY CAN YOU SPEAK A LITTLE LOUDER?

REPEAT THE QUESTION?

>> Regan McCarthy: GENUINELY GENERALLY A TWO COMMISSIONER'S JOB IS CONSIDERED A FULL-TIME POSITION WITH A $90,000 SALARY.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT DAY JOB AND IF ELECTED WILL YOU CONTINUE IN IT?

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT QUESTION.

I AM ALREADY IN THAT POSITION.

IT IS A FULL-TIME JOB.

FOR THE LAST 3 AND A HALF, FOUR YEARS I THINK WE HAD WORKED FULL-TIME.

MY JOB DOES NOT END AT 5:00 IN THE AFTERNOON.

I AM ENGAGED WITH CONSTITUENTS AFTER 5:00.

IN MEETINGS.

I AM ON THE COMPUTER RESPONDING TO CONSTITUENTS.

RESPONDING TO ISSUES IN COMMUNITY, SO I BELIEVE THAT AS AN ELECTED COMMISSIONER, IF YOU ARE COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITY IT DOES NOT BEGIN ÃTHANK YOU.

>> DO YOU HAVE A CURRENT DAY JOB OUTSIDE OF THE LEON COUNTY COMMISSION?

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: I AM A ATTORNEY AND HAVE MY OWN PRIVATE PRACTICE.

ONCE I WAS ELECTED THREE AND HALF YEARS AGO.

I CURTAIL MY PRACTICE.

SO I AM IN THE PROCESS NOW OF CLOSING MY PRACTICE BUT OF COURSE AFTER CLOSE THE CASES THAT I HAVE.

BUT I HAVE CURTAILED MY PRACTICE OVER 50 PERCENT.

>> THANK YOU I APPRECIATE IT.

>> LET'S MOVE ON TO THE TOPIC OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING, DAVID HAWKINS, WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU.

DURING FEBRUARY 2022 WORKSHOP ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING, JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY OUR COUNTY AND CITY COMMISSIONS, IT WAS ESTIMATED 11,500 NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS WILL BE NEEDED IN LEON COUNTY THE YEAR 2045, WHAT ACTIONS MUST BE TAKEN TO ADDRESS THIS NEED?

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> David T. Hawkins: IT WOULD HAVE TO TAKE A LOT OF MONEY.

I HAVE BEEN SAYING FOR ABOUT A DECADE NOW, I JUST SAW A AD Ã NOT AD, A ARTICLE WHERE THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID WHAT I'VE BEEN SAYING.

IT IS TIME TO START THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX AND BUYING UP SOME OF THESE DILAPIDATED HOME SUPPORT $25-$40,000 AND PUTTING 100,000 AND RENOVATING THEM BECAUSE RIGHT NOW, THE HOUSES YOU SEE NOW, THE CHEAPEST ONES YOU SEE BEING BUILT NOW IS 250,000 AND UP.

THOSE ARE NOT AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES.

>> Danielle Irwin: THANK YOU, CAROLYN CUMMINGS SAME QUESTION.

A.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS A MAJOR ISSUE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

IT IS NOT A ONE STOP SHOP ANSWER.

IT IS GOING TO TAKE A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT FROM GOVERNMENT, CITY AND COUNTY AS WELL AS OUR PRIVATE SECTOR, BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAVE NONPROFITS AND THEY COME TOGETHER TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM.

LEON COUNTY HAS TAKEN THAT ISSUE VERY SERIOUSLY AND WE HAVE USED $3.7 MILLION INTO COLUMBIA GARDENS ON SOUTH ADAMS STREET ÃI'M SORRY SOUTH ORANGE AVENUE.

WE HAD A GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY TO RECOGNIZE THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ALL OF THOSE RENOVATIONS FOR HOUSING ON ORANGE AVENUE AND WE ARE CONTINUING TO ADDRESS THE HOUSING SHORTAGE THROUGH OUR PROGRAM.

THE INFUSION OF FEDERAL FUNDS THAT COME IN AS WELL AS ALLOCATED FUNDS FROM OUR STATE BUDGET.

>> THANK YOU.

NEXT QUESTION.

CAROLYN CUMMINGS WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU.

>> Danielle Irwin: HOW CAN LEON COUNTY CREATE AND PRESERVE ENOUGH AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR EXTREMELY LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS?

HOUSING AND UTILITIES WOULD COST NO MORE THAN $645 PER MONTH FOR 2 CHILDREN AND A SINGLE PARENT WHO WORKS FULL-TIME FROM FORT MINIMUM WAGE, YOUR 45 SECONDS.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU.

GREAT QUESTION.

WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE HAVE ABOUT 18,000 HOUSEHOLDS IN LEON COUNTY THAT ARE PART OF THE POPULATION, THAT IS ASSET LIMITED INDIVIDUALS THAT WORK AND SPEND MORE THAN 50 PERCENT OF THEIR INCOME ON HOUSING AND ELECTRICITY AS WELL.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT LEON COUNTY CAN DO IS ÃWE CAN ADDRESS DEVELOPERS, BUILDERS, BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND TRY TO INCENTIVIZE THEM TO INCLUDE MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AS THEY HAVE LOOKED AT IT IN THE PAST AND OF COURSE IT IS WORTH LOOKING AT.

FOR THE FUTURE AS WE HAVE MORE INDIVIDUALS THAT NEED AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

>> Danielle Irwin: THANK YOU, A BIT HAWKINS, SAME QUESTION.

>> David T. Hawkins: THAT IS A GREAT QUESTION AND ALSO A SCARY QUESTION BECAUSE ÃI PAID ANY 9000 FOR MY HOUSE, MY MORTGAGE IS JUST UNDER 600 AT 2.74 PERCENT INTEREST.

MY UTILITIES ABOUT 150.

THE ONLY WAY YOU ARE GOING TO ACHIEVE THOSE NUMBERS IS IF YOU HAVE HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT GOING TO FIND A HOUSE WITH A MORTGAGE IF THE WITH THE INTEREST RATES THEY HAVE TODAY.

THAT IS GOING TO GET YOU A MORTGAGE AROUND 600 A MONTH.

YOU ARE GOING TO NEED A LOT OF HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY.

>> Danielle Irwin: THANK YOU.

>> William Hatfield: DAVID HAWKINS, WE ARE GOING TO STICK WITH YOU HERE.

WE ARE SHIFTING OVER TO NATURAL DISASTERS AND WE'VE HAD A LOT OF THEM.

WE'VE HAD SOME REALLY CLOSE CALLS WITH HURRICANES.

ESPECIALLY LATELY IN WHICH ABOUT 10 MILES SPARED LEON COUNTY FROM A DIRECT HIT, VICIOUS HURRICANE FORCE WINDS.

WHAT KEPT YOU UP AT NIGHT WHEN IT LOOKED LIKE A DIRECT HIT LOOKED CERTAIN?

AND WHAT DOES THE COUNTY NEED TO DO AHEAD OF NEXT TIME WHEN WE MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY?

ONE MINUTE.

>> David T. Hawkins: WHAT KEPT ME UP WAS THINKING ABOUT HOW IS IT GOING TO BE HANDLED AFTERWARDS?

HOW AM I GOING TO HAVE TO DO WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY BECAUSE ÃFROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN WITNESSING FROM FRIENDS OF MINE THEY ARE HAVING TO FIGHT THEIR INSURANCE COMPANIES TO GET THEIR HOMES REPAIRED.

RIGHT NOW, THE CITY UTILITIES DID A AWESOME JOB ALL THREE TIMES, THE TWO HURRICANES AND TORNADOES.

SO I'M NOT WORRIED ABOUT THERE.

BY WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

I'M NOT WORRIED ABOUT THAT.

INSURANCE COMPANIES.

WHAT THEY DO.

>> William Hatfield: COMMISSIONER CAROLYN CUMMINGS SAME QUESTION.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

WHAT WE HAVE IN PLACE IS Ã EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

AND WE ALSO COORDINATE WITH THE CITY SERVICES, COUNTY SERVICES AND WE PUT A PLAN TOGETHER, FIRST OF ALL TO WARN THE PEOPLE THEM TO REPAIRED IF THERE ARE AREAS NEED EVACUATION .

THEY ARE WARRANTED TO EVACUATE, ALL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STATE OF EMERGENCY.

WHAT WE HAVE ALSO DONE FROM THE COUNTY STANDPOINT AS WE ALLOCATED FUNDS SO THAT IN CASES OF EMERGENCY LIKE WE EXPERIENCED EARLIER THIS YEAR WITH THE FLOODING AND WITH THESE TORNADOES.

WE ARE ABLE TO ASSIST OUR CITIZENS.

WE ACTUALLY ALLOCATED $1 MILLION AND PUT IT ON THE STREET WITHIN TWO WEEKS.

OF TIME TO THOSE BUSINESSES AND RESIDENCES WHO WERE DEVASTATED DURING THE TORNADOES IN THE FLOODING.

SO I THINK PREPAREDNESS IS THE KEY.

>> OUR NEXT QUESTION WILL BE FOCUSED ON HOMELESSNESS.

I WANT TO KNOW, IF ELECTED, THIS QUESTION WILL GO TO YOU DAVID HAWKINS.

IF ELECTED, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS?

YOU WILL HAVE 45 SECONDS TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION.

>> David T. Hawkins: I WOULD LIKE TO CREATE COMMUNITIES ON A BUS ROUTE THE FIRST ONE WOULD BE RIGHT THERE ON TRAM ROAD BETWEEN MONROE STREET AND CAPITAL CIRCLE WHERE A BUILDING SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU HAVE FOR ARMY BEARINGS.

USING ÃAND STUFF.

LET THEM COME IN THEIR PERIOD THAT WAY THEY WILL HAVE THEIR OWN ADDRESS SO THEY CAN GET THEIR CHECKS AND WHATNOT THAT THEY NEED.

THEY WILL HAVE MEDICAL IN THERE, SHOWERS, THEIR OWN PLACE TO SLEEP.

A CAFETERIA.

AND AFTER THEY GET ACCLIMATED AND THERE, YOU CAN START ASSIGNING THEM LITTLE JOBS TO HELP MAINTAIN THE PLACE WOW THEY ARE ALSO GETTING CLEANED UP AND GOING OUT AND LOOKING FOR THEIR REAL JOBS.

FULL-TIME JOBS.

>> Danielle Irwin: AND CAROLYN CUMMINGS WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS?

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

I WOULD CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR THE HOMELESS POPULATION THROUGH ALLOCATIONS TO OUR CO-SHARES WHO WE HAVE TWO OR THREE DESIGNATED POSITIONS TO ACTUALLY ENGAGE THE HOMELESS.

I WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE VARIOUS NONPROFITS, THE CENTER AND OTHER NONPROFITS THAT PROVIDE DIRECT SERVICES TO OUR HOMELESS POPULATION.

THEN WE NEED TO LOOK LONG RANGE AT HOW WE CAN ADDRESS THE HOMELESS POPULATION.

SO THAT IT WOULD BE TOTALLY ALLEVIATED IN LEON COUNTY.

COMPARED TO OTHER CITIES IN FLORIDA, WE DON'T HAVE ANY ENORMOUS NUMBER OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS SO I THINK IT IS WORKABLE.

>> Danielle Irwin: AS OF OCTOBER 1 A NEW LAW BARS COUNTY CITIES ALLOWING THEM TO CAMP OR SLEEP ON PUBLIC PROPERTY.

UNDER THE NEW LAW LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE AUTHORIZED TO DESIGNATE A PUBLIC CAMPING AND SLEEPING WITH APPROVAL FROM THE STATE.

HOW IS THE COUNTY ENFORCING THIS STATE LAW?

DOES THE PUBLIC SPACE NEED TO BE DESIGNATED BY THE COUNTY FOR CAMPING AND SLEEPING AND IF SO, WHERE?

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT QUESTION IT WAS A LONG QUESTION AND I DIDN'T REALLY ACTUALLY HEAR THE ENTIRE QUESTION.

CAN YOU SPEAK MORE INTO YOUR MICROPHONE?

>> Regan McCarthy: AS YOU KNOW.

A NEW STATE LAW HAS GONE INTO EFFECT THAT BARS COUNTIES FROM ALLOWING PEOPLE TO CAMP OR SLEEP OUTSIDE.

AND THAT DOES ALLOW COUNTIES TO DESIGNATE A SPACE WHERE CAMPING AND SLEEPING WOULD BE ALLOWED, WHAT IS THE COUNTY DOING NOW TO ENFORCE THAT LAW?

IS THERE A SPACE THAT COULD BE DESIGNATED FOR CAMPING AND SLEEPING?

AND SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING?

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU SO MUCH, YES WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THAT PARTICULAR PROVISION THAT TOOK EFFECT OCTOBER 1.

BUT SOME OF THE PREREQUISITES TO CAMPSITES IS THAT YOU HAVE TO CERTIFY THE DEPARTMENT, I BELIEVE IT IS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THAT YOU HAVE NO PROVISIONS OR NO OVERNIGHT BEDS FOR THE HOMELESS POPULATION.

I DON'T BELIEVE THAT WOULD BE A CERTIFIABLE FACT HERE IN LEON COUNTY.

I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN CERTAINLY ACCOMMODATE OUR HOMELESS POPULATION THROUGH THE COUNTY CENTER AND OTHER NONPROFITS THAT PROVIDE I REALLY DON'T ENVISION ANY OTHER HOMELESS CAMPS BEING ESTABLISHED HERE IN LEON COUNTY BECAUSE WE DO HAVE PROVISIONS FOR THEM.

>> Regan McCarthy: SAME QUESTION FOR YOU DAVID HAWKINS.

>> David T. Hawkins: I HAVE BEEN SEEING HOMELESS CAMPS ON THE WEST SIDE OF TOWN ON PENSACOLA STREET AND CAPITAL CIRCLE.

AND RIGHT THERE AROUND THE COUNTY CENTER.

THERE IS A FEW OFF OF THE SOUTHEAST CAPITAL CIRCLE AREA.

BECAUSE I'VE SEEN A COUPLE OF THE HOMELESS OUT THERE ON THE ROAD HOLDING MY SIGN.

THEY WERE ON THE BACK OF IT.

NEED TO GET MORE STRINGENT ON THAT IS WHERE I SAID EARLIER ABOUT BUILDING A LITTLE KWANZAA WOULD NOT BE THAT MUCH OF A DISPOSITION FOR THEM TO HAVE 4 PEOPLE SLEEPING IN A CLOSET, I WOULD LIKE TO DO Ã.

>> THANK YOU.

>> William Hatfield: WE ARE GOING TO SHIFT OVER TO THE LIGHTNING ROUND.

A LITTLE BIT OF A FASTER PACE.

A LOT BIT OF A FASTER PLACE.

ONE SENTENCE ANSWERS.

YOU CAN CERTAINLY ADD A AND AND BECAUSE.

BUT ONE SENTENCE.

WE ARE GOING TO START WITH YOU DAVID HAWKINS.

YOU WILL BE SHARING THE BALLOT WITH WHAT SOME CONSIDER TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION IN HISTORY.

WHO WILL YOU BE VOTING FOR ON THE APP OF THE BALLOT?

>> David T. Hawkins: TRUMP.

>> William Hatfield: WHY?

>> David T. Hawkins: I'VE ALWAYS FELT WE NEED A BUSINESSMAN IN OFFICE.

BECAUSE ÃI THINK PERSONALLY Ã NO OFFENSE WE HAVE TOO MANY ATTORNEYS RUNNING THIS COUNTRY RIGHT NOW.

>> CAROLYN CUMMINGS SAME QUESTION.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: I BELIEVE THE MOST QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS A LEGAL BACKGROUND, HAS THE BACKGROUND OF DEALING WITH CRIME THROUGHOUT THIS NATION IS KAMALA HARRIS.

I WILL BE SUPPORTING KAMALA HARRIS.

>> William Hatfield: CAROLYN CUMMINGS STICKING WITH YOU, WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE MOST PRIZED ENDORSEMENT AND WHY?

ONE SENTENCE.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: MY SINGLE MOST PRIZED ENDORSEMENT AS A MEMBER OF THE COUNTY COMMISSION HAS BEEN I BELIEVE SUPPORTING AMAZON COMING TO OUR CITY.

AMAZON HAS INFUSED OVER $200 MILLION IN OUR ECONOMY, IT HAS EMPLOYED OVER 2000 INDIVIDUALS, MANY FROM | >> THANK YOU.

DAVID HAWKINS, SAME QUESTION.

>> David T. Hawkins: ENDORSING ME?

OR ME ENDORSING THEM?

>> William Hatfield: ENDORSING YOU.

>> David T. Hawkins: IT WOULD BE PRETTY MUCH ALL OF THE CITIZENS THAT HAVE COME UP TO ME AND TALK TO ME ABOUT MY PLATFORM AND WHO HAS AGREED THANK YOU.

YOU WILL BE WORKING WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE CITY COMMISSION DAVID HAWKINS, WHO WOULD YOU ENDORSE ANDY PIVOTAL CITY COMMISSION RACE WITH CITY HALL CONTROL AT STAKE?

>> David T. Hawkins: I WOULD HAVE TO SAY CURTIS RICHARDSON.

IF I WAS ABLE TO VOTE FOR THE CITY.

ASK WHY SO?

>> David T. Hawkins: I HAVE LIKED A LOT OF THE STUFF THAT HE HAS DONE.

AND I FEEL HE IS PRETTY HONEST.

>> COMMISSIONER CAROLYN CUMMINGS SAME QUESTION.

THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

I BELIEVE IN THE SECRECY OF THE BALLOT.

I LIVE IN THE COUNTY SO I CANNOT VOTE IN THE CITY COMMISSION BUT I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE TWO STRONG CANDIDATES ON THAT BALLOT AND INCUMBENT IT IS CURTIS RICHARDSON.

>> William Hatfield: BICENTENNIAL, TELL US ONE PERSON IN LEON COUNTY HISTORY YOU ADMIRE AND WHY.

ONE SENTENCE CAROLYN CUMMINGS.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: I ADMIRE MRS. ÃBARNES PERIOD BECAUSE SHE IS A GREAT HISTORIAN AND SHE HAS BROUGHT MUCH OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY OF LEON COUNTY TO LIFE THROUGH THE HOUSE MUSEUM AND SHE CONTINUES.

>> William Hatfield: DAVID HAWKINS, SAME QUESTION.

>> David T. Hawkins: THINKING ABOUT THAT, I WOULD HAVE TO SAY BOBBY MOUNTAIN BECAUSE HE IS A GREAT ÃWAS A GREAT ALL-AROUND PERSON.

HE KNEW HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE AND HE ACTUALLY MADE A GOOD PREACHER I GUESS YOU COULD SAY BECAUSE HE LED A SERMON AT THE DOWNTOWN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

>> William Hatfield: TRUE OR FALSE, PRESERVING ARTERIES IS AS EQUALLY IMPORTANT AS ECONOMIC DEVELOP IT?

>> David T. Hawkins: TRUE.

YOU GOT TO HAVE TREES.

CAROLYN CUMMINGS SAME QUESTION.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THAT QUESTION IS TRUE.

IT IS RIGHT UP THERE WITH BEING IMPORTANT TO THE CITIZENS OF LEON COUNTY.

WE CERTAINLY PROTECT OUR CANOPY ROADS.

CONCERNED ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENT.

>> William Hatfield: LAST QUESTION OF THE LIGHTNING ROUND.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST THING YOU HAVE DONE TO MAKE THE LEON COUNTY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE?

CAROLYN CUMMINGS ONE SENTENCE.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THE SINGLE MOST THING IMPORTANT THING I HAVE DONE IS ÃBE SUPPORTIVE OF INFUSING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN LEON COUNTY WHICH IS RESULTS IN TALLAHASSEE AND LEON COUNTY FOUNDED TO BE THE APP ECONOMY IN 2024.

I THINK THAT IS IMPORTANT.

>> William Hatfield: THANK YOU DAVID HAWKINS, SAME QUESTION.

IT.

>> David T. Hawkins: I'VE HELPED SEVERAL PEOPLE I KNOW START THEIR BUSINESSES AND GOT THEM CONNECTED WITH SOME PEOPLE TO HELP THEM WITH SOME OF THEIR PROBLEM AREAS THEY WERE HAVING.

SO THEY CAN PROSPER.

>> William Hatfield: THANK YOU, YOU DID IT AND WE ARE TIRED.

WE HAVE BEEN ASKING ALL THE QUESTIONS.

WHAT IS A QUESTION YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOUR OPPONENT AND YOUR OPPONENT WILL HAVE ONE MINUTE TO ANSWER.

DAVID HAWKINS, YOU GET TO START.

WHAT IS A QUESTION YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOUR OPPONENT?

>> David T. Hawkins: HOW HAS IT BEEN OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS WITH DEALING WITH SOME OF THE TRIBULATIONS OF THE HOMELESS PEOPLE?

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: IT HAS BEEN A EXERCISE THAT CAUSES A LOT OF ANGUISH BUT WE HAVE GREAT PEOPLE IN CITY GOVERNMENT AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT.

WE HAVE A GREAT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND WE HAVE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LOOKING FOR WAYS TO HELP THE HOMELESS.

AND THEY ALSO COORDINATE THE SERVICES.

WITH THE NONPROFITS PERIOD WITH THE ATTORNEY CENTER.

AND OTHER GROUPS.

REDUCING THOSE NUMBERS COMING DOWN.

WE JUST HAVE TO CONTINUE TO WORK HOLISTICALLY AS A COMMUNITY COUNTY CITY AND ALL OF THE OTHER GROUPS.

AND I THINK EVENTUALLY WE WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: WHAT IS A COUNTY COMMISSIONER THAT PROPELLED YOU TO LAUNCH A CAMPAIGN AGAINST ME?

>> David T. Hawkins: I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS.

IT IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS WHERE I STARTED RUNNING FOR THIS SEAT BACK IN 2015 AGAINST MARIANNE.

DID PRETTY GOOD.

I KNEW I WAS GOING TO LOSE BUT I WANTED THE EXPERIENCE.

AND ÃI'VE BEEN WANTING TO GET ON THE COMMISSION SO I CAN TRY AND SOLVE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS.

IT IS NOTHING AGAINST YOU PERSONALLY, I JUST WANT TO GET ON THE COMMISSION BEFORE I GET TOO OLD AND TRY AND SOLVE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS.

>> William Hatfield: THANK YOU, CHANGING TOPICS.

>> Danielle Irwin: THAT TAKES US NOW TO THE TOPIC OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

CAROLYN CUMMINGS, WE WILL START WITH YOU.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF GUN VIOLENCE IN TALLAHASSEE AND LEON COUNTY.

AND IS THE COUNTY ADDRESSING IT EFFECTIVELY.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: GUN VIOLENCE IS A BIG ISSUE.

BUT WE HAVE SEEN THE NUMBERS COME DOWN PERIOD WE HAVE ADDRESSED IT THROUGH CAMPAIGNS AND CONJUNCTION WITH THE TALLAHASSEE URBAN LEAGUE WHERE WE ENCOURAGE INDIVIDUALS TO LEAVE THE GUNS IN YOUR CAR.

LOCK YOUR CAR.

BECAUSE MANY OF THE GUNS USED IN THE COMMISSION OF CRIMES HAVE BEEN STOLEN FROM CARS.

AGAIN, WE ALL HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER LIKE SHARON SAYS, WE ARE ALL IN.

WE ARE ALL IN AND TRYING TO ADDRESS GUN VIOLENCE.

IT IS CERTAINLY ADVERSELY AFFECTING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO HAVE A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT AND RECOGNIZE THAT GUN VIOLENCE HAS NO PLACE IN OUR COUNTY, IN LEON COUNTY.

>> Danielle Irwin: DAVID HAWKINS, SAME QUESTION TO YOU.

>> David T. Hawkins: I AM PRO-SECOND AMENDMENT, I OWN THE BIGGEST ISSUE WITH THE GUN VIOLENCE IS THE EASY ACCESS TO THEM.

FOR THE CRIMINALS LIKE SHE HAD SAID, PEOPLE BREAKING INTO CARS AND GETTING THEM.

WE NEED TO BE MORE STRINGENT ON MAKING THE OWNERS OF THE GUNS BE MORE RESPONSIBLE FOR OWNING THEM AND TAKING CARE OF THEM AND STORING THEM.

AND ÃTHE ONE THING OUR GOVERNOR DID THAT I DID NOT LIKE WAS MAKE IT WHERE YOU CAN CARRY A CONCEALED WEAPON WITHOUT A PERMIT.

BECAUSE NOW THE PEOPLE AREN'T GETTING THE TRAINING THEYSHOULD , WE NEED TO MAKE IT WHERE THEY NEED TO GO TO THE SCHOOL TO GET THE TRAINING BEFORE THEY CAN CARRY A GUN ON THEM.

>> Danielle Irwin: THANK YOU.

>> WE ARE GOING TO MOVE ONTO THE TOPIC OF BLUEPRINT.

LOCAL VOTERS INITIALLY CREATED BLUEPRINT IN 1989.

IT IS FUNDED THROUGH A ONE PERCENT SALES TAX.

THE BLUEPRINTING BOARD MADE UP OF THE CITY AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAS TWO FUNCTIONS, SUPPORT AND FOR STRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

MAKE A ELEVATOR PITCH TO VOTERS THAT OUR MONEY IS BEING SPENT WISELY.

OR UNWISELY.

IN ONE MINUTE.

DAVID HAWKINS, WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU.

>> David T. Hawkins: I HAVE A THING WHERE IT WAS REMOVED IN 2020.

IT DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT MOVING HOUSING.

ROADS AND SIDEWALKS AND STUFF LIKE THAT.

THAT'S WHAT IT SHOULD BE USED FOR.

TO WHERE WE NEED A LOT MORE SIDEWALKS.

I THINK THAT IS WHAT IT NEEDS TO BE USED FOR IS INFRASTRUCTURE.

>> Danielle Irwin: THANK YOU, CAROLYN CUMMINGS SAME QUESTION.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU, I BELIEVE THE BLUEPRINTING BOARD HAS UTILIZED THE FUNDS WISELY.

FROM A ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDPOINT, I THINK AMAZON COMING HERE, IT IS NO QUESTION THEY HAVE INFUSED ECONOMY FROM A POSITIVE STANDPOINT, FROM A INFRASTRUCTURE STANDPOINT WE SEE IMPROVED ROADS, IMPROVED STRUCTURES.

IF YOU GO TO THE AIRPORT, YOU SEE WHERE WE HAVE THE AIRPORT GATEWAY THAT IS UNDERWAY.

YOU SEE THE NEW FULL-LENGTH STRUCTURE IN FRONT OF THE AIRPORT.

AND ALSO NEXT WEEK WE WILL BE BREAKING GROUND ON THE NORTHEAST PART.

SO INFRASTRUCTURE IS THE ROADS BUT ALSO AREAS WHERE OUR CITIZENS CAN ENJOY GOOD QUALIT OF LIFE.

SO CREATING PARKS , RECREATIONAL AREAS, WE HAVE WALK ENTRAILS.

WE HAVE BIKE TRAILS.

WE HAVE CERTAINLY UTILIZED THOSE FUNDS OVER THE YEARS IN A POSITIVE MANNER THAT HAS BENEFITED THE CITIZENS OF LEON COUNTY.

>> Regan McCarthy: WE HAVE FOLLOW-UPS AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO EXPAND.

DAVID HAWKINS WE WILL GO OVER TO YOU AND START WITH YOUR 32ND THOUGHTS ON SOME PARTICULAR PROJECTS.

THE QUESTION IS ÃWAS IT WORTH IT?

FOOTBALL STADIUMS AND SPORTS FIELDS.

DAVID HAWKINS.

>> David T. Hawkins: WE SHOULD NOT HAVE SUNK ANY MONEY INTO THE STADIUM.

THAT IS A STATE-FUNDED COLLEGE.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE SPORTS FIELDS FOR THE CHILDREN COMING STUFF LIKE THAT.

WE HAVE ÃI THINK IT IS 160 ACRES WE COULD EXPAND ON NOW.

AND THEY ARE STARTING TO BUT THEY COULD ADD A FEW MORE BALL FIELDS OUT THERE.

>> THANK YOU.

CAROLYN CUMMINGS.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: AS A BOARD WE HAVE CRITERIA WE FOLLOW WHEN WE HOPE TO EXPAND MONEY IN ANY PARTICULAR AREA.

THE STADIUM STAFF WHO IS VERY CAPABLE AND EDUCATED.

DID A ANALYSIS ON WHETHER OR NOT FUNDING WOULD PROVIDE ANY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

WHETHER WE JUMPSTART THE ECONOMY AND OF COURSE THEIR I SUPPORTED THAT EXPENDITURE.

>> STICKING WITH YOU.

WAS IT WORTH IT?

THE 2.7 MILLION IN AMAZON?

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: I CERTAINLY BELIEVE IT WAS WORTH IT.

THE INFUSION OF OVER 2000 JOBS, OVER $2 MILLION IN THE ECONOMY.

THAT IS JUST FOR THE FIRST YEAR AND IT IS GOING TO CONTINUE TO GROW SO ABSOLUTELY.

>> Danielle Irwin: TO YOU DAVID WELL WORTH IT.

THEY DID GOOD VOTING FOR IT AND I APPLAUD THEM FOR THAT.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE MANUFACTURING COMING TO TALLAHASSEE AS WELL.

>> Danielle Irwin: STICKING WITH YOU DAVID HAWKINS, FOR THIS ONE THE 1.8 MILLION ESPECIALLY CREATED RECOVERABLE GRANT FOR THE WALLS DISTILLERY PROJECT ÃWAS IT WORTH IT?

>> David T. Hawkins: FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN SO FAR, I'M GOING TO SAY YEAH.

YEAH, I THINK IT WAS.

>> Danielle Irwin: OKAY CAROLYN CUMMINGS.

I.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: I BELIEVE IT WAS WORTH IT, I BELIEVE IT WAS IMPORTANT.

WE ARE LOOKING AT REVITALIZING THE SOUTH SIDE AND I BELIEVE CERTAINLY HAS SHORT UP THE SOUTHSIDE AND WE SEE OTHER BUSINESSES OF BEING INTERESTED IN COMING TO THE SOUTHSIDE AND HELPING TO DEVELOP THAT AREA AS WELL.

>> Danielle Irwin: ALL RIGHT.

FINAL FOLLOW-UP ON THIS CALL TOPIC.

THE RISING COSTS OF THE $134 MILLION AIRPORT GATEWAY.

WAS IT WORTH IT?

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU.

WE RECOGNIZE THAT THERE IS A INFLATIONARY MEASURE AND ANYTHING WE DO WITH BLUEPRINT.

WE PROJECT PROJECTS, APPROVED PROJECTS BUT WHEN THEY COME TO FLOURISH IN, THE COST HAS ELEVATED.

THE AIRPORT GATEWAY PROJECT COST HAS INCREASED, HOWEVER THE BUDGET THAT HAS BEEN PRESENTED TO BLUEPRINT, IT CONTINUES TO BE A BALANCED BUDGET.

AND I CERTAINLY SUPPORT THAT THE AIRPORT GATEWAY EXPENDITURES.

>> David T. Hawkins: I AM STILL ON THE FENCE WITH THAT ONE.

BECAUSE THE LAST BUT HAVE HEARD ON IT, THEY WERE GOING TO DIVIDE A NEIGHBORHOOD.

INSTEAD OF COMING STRAIGHT DOWN SPRINGHILL ROAD.

THEY WERE GOING TO CUT DOWN THE ROAD AND COME THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND I DON'T THINK THEY SHOULD SPLIT THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

IF THEY ARE STILL PLANNING ON THAT.

I THINK ÃJUST COME STRAIGHT DOWN SPRINGHILL ROAD TO THE STADIUM WOULD BE THE WAY TO GO.

>> William Hatfield: WE ARE GOING TO SHIFT OVER TO COUNTY MANAGEMENT.

MR. HAWKINS, ACCORDING TO STRATEGIC PLAN, ONE OF THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS CORE PRACTICES EXERCISING RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP OF THE COMMUNITIES RESOURCES.

IN YOUR OPINION, IS LEON COUNTY GOVERNMENT A RESPONSIBLE STEWARD OF OUR COMMUNITY RESOURCES?

WHY OR WHY NOT?

45 SECONDS.

>> David T. Hawkins: THEY ARE TRYING TO BE.

I HAVE BEEN SEEING TOO MANY SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT MISHAPS OR SPILLING SEWAGE ALL OVER TALLAHASSEE.

BUT OUR RESOURCES ÃI THINK THEY ARE DOING A PRETTY GOOD JOB OF IT.

>> William Hatfield: THANK YOU.

CAROLYN CUMMINGS SAME QUESTION.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: BEING A GOOD STEWARD OF THE COUNTIES RESOURCES IS CERTAINLY MULTIFACETED.

I BELIEVE WITH THE CONFERENCE OF PLAN, THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT HAS PLANNED IN SOME THE AREAS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE INCLUDED THE ENVIRONMENT.

WHAT THE COUNTY HAS DONE IS ALSO ALLOCATED FUNDS.

TO SHOW UP THOSE AREAS THAT ARE THINK THAT WE HAVE CERTAINLY SHOWN THAT THE TAXPAYERS CAN TRUST THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF THE RESOURCES.

>> William Hatfield: THANK YOU.

CAROLYN CUMMINGS STICKING WITH YOU.

WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE DYSFUNCTION ACROSS THE STREET AT CITY HALL WITH THE VERY DIVIDED CITY COMMISSION.

AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT COUNTY GOVERNMENT OR BLUEPRINT FUNCTIONS?

30 SECONDS.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU.

I WOULD NOT CHARACTERIZE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OR CITY GOVERNMENT AS DYSFUNCTIONAL.

I BELIEVE THE CITY HAS HIS ISSUES, THE COUNTY HAS HIS ISSUES AND AS ELECTED OFFICIALS, WE WORK HARD TO TRY TO ADDRESS ANY BOTTLENECKS OR ANY ISSUES THAT MIGHT BE ADVERSELY AFFECTING THE CITIZENS AND I BELIEVE THE CITY IS DOING THE SAME THING PERIOD CERTAINLY THE COUNTY IS DOING THE SAME THING.

AND I THINK IN THE ANALYSIS, WE COME TOGETHER AS ELECTED OFFICIALS.

>> William Hatfield: DAVID HAWKINS, SAME QUESTIONS.

>> David T. Hawkins: WITH WHAT THE CITY HAS ENDURED, IT IS PRETTY EMBARRASSING, YOU DON'T SEE THAT WITH THE COUNTY.

WHICH I AM PROUD OF.

AND I THINK THE CITY COULD TAKE SOME LESSONS FROM THE COUNTY ON HOW THEY RUN THINGS.

>> William Hatfield: ALL RIGHT THANK YOU.

>> Regan McCarthy: LET'S TALK ABOUT DEVELOPMENT.

THE PUBLIC HAS EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE ÃDEVELOPMENT COULD BE THE REASON FOR THE FLOODING IN THE GREENWAY AND NEARBY NEIGHBORHOODS.

IF ELECTED, WHAT IF ANYTHING WILL YOU DO TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON ITS NEIGHBORS INCLUDING THE GREENWAY?

CAROLYN CUMMINGS LET'S START WITH YOU, 45 SECONDS PLEASE.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU.

THERE IS CERTAINLY A GREAT CONCERN ABOUT THE MICCOSUKEE GREENWAY WHERE YOU ARE CONCERNED WE ARE CERTAINLY CONCERNED ABOUT FLOODING.

THE PLANNING FOR THE MICCOSUKEE GREENWAY IS ONGOING.

THERE ARE SAFEGUARDS IN PLACE TO MAKE SURE EVERY ASPECT OF THAT GREENWAY IS PROTECTED.

IN ITS OWN.

EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE A PLAN, WE HAVE TO WEIGH THE INTEREST OF THE CITIZENS WITH INTEREST OF PROPERTY OWNERS, THE INTEREST OF THOSE THAT USE GREENWAY.

BUT IT IS ONGOING.

AND I THINK IF THERE IS ANYTHING ADVERSE THAT OCCURS, THE COUNTY WILL ADDRESS IT.

>> Regan McCarthy: THANK YOU DAVID HAWKINS, SAME QUESTION TWO.

>> David T. Hawkins: BACK WHEN WE FIRST STARTED TALKING ABOUT THE CANOPY.

TO ME I THINK IT WAS POOR PLANNING BECAUSE THEY PUT IT BETWEEN TWO CANOPY ROADS.

THE FIRST QUESTION I ASKED THEM WAS HOW ARE YOU GOING TO MOVE ALL OF THE CARS.

AND THEY CANNOT ANSWER IT.

YOU ARE LOOKING AT PROBABLY 5000 CARS TODAY COMING AND GOING OUT OF THAT AREA.

ON THE CAPITAL CIRCLE AND TWO CANOPY ROADS.

AND I THINK NOW ÃPROBABLY THE ONLY THING THEY CAN DO NOW IS PUT A BIG RESERVOIR BACK THERE AND CATCH ALL OF THE STORMWATER.

INSTEAD OF A SMALL HOLDING POND.

MAYBE IF YOU GO PLAY A BIG RESERVOIR LIKE A LAKE OR SOMETHING BACK THERE.

>> Regan McCarthy: THANK YOU.

NEXT QUESTION, THE PUBLIC IS CONCERNED ABOUT DEVELOPERS WHO CLEAR-CUT LAND AND DESTROYED NATURAL FEATURES WITH LITTLE REGARD TO ITS IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT, SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS AND TRAFFIC.

IF ELECTED, WHAT IF ANY ACTIONS WILL YOU TAKE TO ADDRESS SUCH CONCERNS AND MITIGATE SUCH IMPACTS?

45 SECONDS AND WE WILL START WITH YOU CAROLYN CUMMINGS.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

I DO BELIEVE WE HAVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN PLACE TO ADDRESS THOSE PERIOD I DON'T BELIEVE DEVELOPERS ARE CLEAR CUTTING TREES WITHOUT IT BEING EVALUATED, THE APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT HAS TO GO THROUGH VARIOUS AVENUES WITH THE COUNTY.

THE CITY LIMITS, IT HAS TO GO THROUGH A CITY ANALYSIS AS WELL.

AND SO, I UNDERSTAND CITIZENS CONCERNS.

BUT WE DO HAVE PROCEDURES IN PLACE TO MAKE SURE TREES THAT ARE CUT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY LOOKED AT AND PERMITS HAVE BEEN PROPERLY GIVEN.

FOR THAT CUTTING.

AND I BELIEVE THAT WILL CONTINUE.

>> Regan McCarthy: THANK YOU.

>> Danielle Irwin: LET'S MOVE ONTO ECONOMY.

DAVID HAWKINS WILL BEGIN WITH THE QUESTION.

TALLAHASSEE COUNTY HAS A HIGH DEGREE OF FOOD AND SECURITY.

WHAT CAN THE COUNTY COMMISSION DO TO ADDRESS THIS?

45 SECONDS.

>> David T. Hawkins: I'VE CONTACTED PUBLIX ABOUT FOUR TIMES NOW.

THEY ARE PROBABLY TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT ME.

TO SEE IF THEY CAN'T OPEN UP SMALLER STORES AND THOSE AREAS WHERE THEY SELL JUST THE PUBLIX BRAND PRODUCTS AND LOCAL PRODUCE.

I'M STILL WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THE FOURTH LETTER I SENT THEM.

WE HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT.

THEY KEEP TELLING ME THEY ARE THINKING ABOUT IT.

THEY ARE DISCUSSING IT.

I'VE SEEN WHERE DOLLAR GENERAL IS NOW BUILDING GROCERY STORES.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM COME IN AND PUT SOME IN THOSE AREAS.

AS FAR AS THE COUNTY, WITH THE COUNTY AND CITY COMMISSIONS CAN DO.

UNLESS THEY BUILD THEM THEMSELVES, I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY CAN DO.

YOU CAN GIVE THEM INCENTIVES TO COME THERE.

THEY NEED THOSE MORE THAN THEY DO LIQUOR STORES.

>> Regan McCarthy: THANK YOU.

CAROLYN CUMMINGS.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THERE ARE FOOD DESERTS IN CERTAIN AREAS.

UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE SEEN A INFLUX OF GROCERY STORES IN AREAS WHERE CITIZENS MAY BE CITIZENS DON'T HAVE TRANSPORTATION.

BUT WE WILL CONTINUE.

WE HAVE A OFFICE OF ECONOMIC VITALITY.

WITH THE COUNTY.

WE HAVE OTHER OFFICES WHERE WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FROM A COUNTY STANDPOINT.

TO INCENTIVIZE STORES, GROCERY STORES AND OTHER SMALLER STORES THAT CAN PROVIDE CERTAIN SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY TO FILL THAT VOID WHERE THERE ARE FOOD DESERTS.

>> Danielle Irwin: THANK YOU.

CAROLYN CUMMINGS WE WILL STAY WITH YOU FOR THIS ONE.

THE CHILDREN'S SERVICES COUNCIL WAS APPROVED BY LYON COUNTY VOTERS IN 2020.

HOW EFFECTIVE HAS THESE ACTIVITIES, SERVICES AND PROGRAMS BEEN IN 45 SECONDS PLEASE.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION, WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THE CHILDREN OF THAT IT HAS BEEN AS EFFECTIVE AS IT CAN BE FOR THE FIRST THREE YEARS ÃTO AND HALF YEARS OF OPERATION.

OF THE CHILDREN SERVICES COUNCIL WAS REQUITED REQUIRED TO DO A NEEDS ASSESSMENT IN THE COUNTY BEFORE WE CAN PUT ANY MONEY ON THE STREET.

I AM THE COUNTIES REPRESENTATIVE ON THE CHILDREN'S SERVICES COUNCIL AND WE HAVE SUPPORTED SUMMER PROGRAMS.

WE HAVE SUPPORTED SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAMS.

WE HAVE SUPPORTED OTHER AREAS THAT REGULARLY AFFECT OUR CHILDREN FROM PRESCHOOL UP TO HIGH SCHOOL.

AND I THINK WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO.

>> Danielle Irwin: THANK YOU, DAVID HAWKINS, SAME QUESTION.

BEFORE I VOTED AGAINST IT WHEN IT FIRST CAME OUT.

STILL NOT QUITE HAPPY WITH THEM.

THEY HAVE BEEN DOING THE FEEDING PROGRAMS AND STUFF WITH THE SCHOOLS.

BUT THAT IS ALL I'VE HEARD THAT THEY'VE DONE.

THEY NEED TO BE MORE OPENLY WITH WHAT THEY DO.

SO WE KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

BECAUSE I REALLY DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT WHAT THEY'VE BEEN DOING EXCEPT FOR THE FEEDING AFTERSCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAMS.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING BUT THEY ARE NOT PUTTING IT OUT THERE.

>> Regan McCarthy: LET'S SWITCH TOPICS TO THE COUNTY BUDGET.

THIS YEAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OPTED TO KEEP THEIR TAX RATE THE SAME BUT BECAUSE OF RISING PROPERTY VALUES, THE COUNTY REAPED A ADDITIONAL 19 MILLION IN REVENUE.

A SIZABLE TAX INCREASE UNDER FLORIDA LAW.

MY QUESTION FOR YOU AND 45 SECONDS CAROLYN CUMMINGS ISÃ SHOULD THE COUNTY DO MORE TO TIGHTEN ITS PALLETS AND OFFER TAXPAYERS RELIEF ?

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

THE COUNTY HAS NOT RAISED ITS MILEAGE RATE FOR 13 YEARS.

WHEN YOU REALIZE A INCREASE IN TAXES OF COURSE IN FLORIDA STATUTE.

WHEN YOU REALIZE A DECREASE IN REVENUE IS CONSIDERED A TAX DECREASE.

LYON COUNTY HAS DONE IS INCREASE TAX REVENUE WITHOUT RAISING THE MILEAGE RATES TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE A RESERVE.

AND ONE OF THE PRIME EXAMPLES OF THE UTILIZATION OF THAT RESERVE IS WE WERE ABLE TO INFUSE $1 MILLION A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO TO THOSE INDIVIDUAL , BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS THAT SUFFER FROM THE TORNADOES.

>> Regan McCarthy: THANK YOU AND DAVID HAWKINS, SAME QUESTION.

>> David T. Hawkins: I'M GLAD THEY DIDN'T RAISE THE MILEAGE RATE BECAUSE HAVE BEEN SAYING FOR YEARS THEY DON'T NEED TO RAISE PROPERTY TAXES AT ALL.

JUST WAIT FOR ALL OF THESE HUNDREDS OF HOMES THAT ARE GETTING THROWN IN AND YOU WILL REAP IT.

AND IT IS STARTING TO HAPPEN.

IN FACT, THEY SHOULD START ROLLING IT BACK EVEN IF IT IS JUST MINOR INCREMENTS.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM START ROLLING IT BACK SOME.

BECAUSE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER THOUSAND HOMES COMING ONLINE BEFORE TOO LONG.

BECAUSE THEY HAVE APPROVED SEVERAL DIFFERENT NEW SUBDIVISIONS.

IT IS COMING.

SO THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE TO RAISE IT.

>> Regan McCarthy: I WOULD LIKE TO ASK A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION WE WILL START WITH YOU DAVID HAWKINS.

IS IT RIGHT TO GIVE COUNTY EMPLOYEES INCLUDING HIGH EARNING MANAGERS ACROSS THE BOARD NON-MERIT-BASED FIVE PERCENT RAISES YEAR AFTER YEAR WHEN MANY OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS DON'T GET SUCH RAISES?

30 SECONDS PLEASE.

>> David T. Hawkins: NONMERIT RAISES?

NO.

NUMBER TO ME, YOU SHOULD EARN IT.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

I BELIEVE WE HAVE TO CONSIDER THE INFLATIONARY EFFECTS AND WHAT THE COUNTY HAS DONE THIS PAST YEAR IS ÃWE GAVE ACROSS-THE-BOARD FIVE PERCENT RAISE TO THE COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND THERE IS CERTAINLY A RECOGNITION OF THE COST OF PROPER TO DO THAT.

>> Regan McCarthy: THANK YOU.

>> William Hatfield: WE ARE GOING TO SHIFT OVER TO THE TOPIC OF CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING.

COMMISSIONER CAROLYN CUMMINGS, ONE OF THE MOST LARGE FUNDING OF ALL OF THE LOCAL RACES.

YOU HAVE RAISED MORE THAN $90,000 INCLUDING MULTIPLE CHECKS FROM SOME OF THE COUNTIES BIGGEST REAL ESTATE INSURANCE.

MR. HAWKINS HAS ONLY RAISED ONLY $9000 FROM HIS OWN POPPET POCKET.

YOU SPENT ONLY 2000 SO FAR MUCH OF IT COMING FROM AID FROM POLITICAL CONSULTING.

WHY HAVE YOU RAISED SO MUCH MONEY THE CYCLE AND WHY HAS SO MUCH OF IT GOING TO HER AID?

45 SECONDS.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: I TAKE MY POSITION AS A COUNTY COMMISSIONER VERY SERIOUS.

I ALSO TAKE TO THE FACT THAT I HAVE A CHALLENGER VERY SERIOUS.

I RESPECT ESTHER HAWKINS, HE HAS RUN RACES BEFORE AND I THINK I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DID NOT TAKE HIS CANDIDACY SERIOUSLY.

I AM SERIOUS ABOUT WERE PRESENTED THE CITIZENS OF LEON COUNTY, I WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT.

SO MY ACTIVITY IS AS FAR AS CAMPION'S THIS TIME HOPE INDICATES MY SERIOUSNESS ABOUT CONTINUING TO REPRESENT THOSE CITIZENS .

>> William Hatfield: MR. HAWKINS, WHY HAVE YOU NOT COLLECTED A SINGLE CHECK FROM LEON COUNTY RESIDENTS?

WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY SUPPORT?

>> David T. Hawkins: THAT SHOULD SAY A LOT ABOUT MY COMMUNITY SUPPORT.

I TURNED DOWN DONATIONS BECAUSE THE FIRST THING I TELL THEM IS ÃWITH THIS ECONOMY, YOU NEED IT MORE THAN I DO.

I SOLD A FAVORITE MUSTANG OF MINE TO PAY FOR MY CAMPAIGN.

I'VE SOLD A ENCLOSED RACE CAR TRAILER TO PAY FOR THIS.

I'VE SAVED UP TO TAX RETURNS FOR THIS.

I AM TAKING IT SERIOUS BUT I AM ALSO NOT BOMBARDING PEOPLE WITH NUISANCE CALLS AND ADS.

ALL OF THE SIGNS YOU SEE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

I PUT THOSE THERE MYSELF.

I GO AROUND EVERY WEEKEND AND CLEAN AROUND THEM.

WHEN THE CAMPAIGN IS OVER LIKE BEFORE I WILL GO OUT THERE AND PICK THEM ALL UP.

>> William Hatfield: THANK YOU, WE ARE GETTING TO THE HOME STRETCH HERE.

>> Danielle Irwin: WE HAVE A BIG ELECTION COMING UP WITH THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION WITH SOME PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.

CAROLYN CUMMINGS WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU ON THIS QUESTION.

VOTERS WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE OR REJECT A AMENDMENT TO THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION THAT WOULD LEGALIZE RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA FOR ADULTS 21 YEARS AND OLDER.

STATE LICENSED ENTITIES WOULD BE AUTHORIZED TO DISTRIBUTE MARIJUANA AND RELATED PRODUCTS.

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT OR OPPOSE AMENDMENT 3 TO ALLOW THE ADULT PERSONAL USE OF MARIJUANA AND Ã IN YOUR OPINION, HOW WOULD ITS PASSAGE IMPACT LEON COUNTY?

ONE MINUTE PLEASE.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

I SUPPORT THE AMENDMENT, BEING A ATTORNEY HAVING REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS IN THE CRIMINAL ARENA, I HAVE SEEN Ã I'VE HAD CLIENTS WHO HAVE BEEN ARRESTED AND CHARGED FOR JUST HAVING A MINUTE AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA ON THEM.

AND ÃTHESE WERE ADULTS.

SO I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO DECRIMINALIZE THE USE OF MARIJUANA AND I BELIEVE IN DOING SO.

IT WILL REDUCE OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

IT WILL REDUCE THE COURT SYSTEM AND THE NUMBER OF CASES IN THE COURT SYSTEM.

AND I BELIEVE THAT OVERALL ÃIT WOULD BENEFIT LEON COUNTY.

IN THE SENSE THAT I BELIEVE GOOD BALANCE AND DRUG ACTIVITY THAT HAS RESULTED IN GUN VIOLENCE WOULD BE REDUCED AS WELL.

>> Danielle Irwin: THANK YOU.

DAVID HAWKINS, SAME TO YOU.

IT'S BEFORE I AM KIND OF LEANING TO APPROVE IT.

I AM NOT QUITE ALL THE WAY THERE YET.

BUT SO FAR, I AM LEANING TOWARDS APPROVING IT.

>> Danielle Irwin: ALL RIGHT WE WILL STAY WITH YOU FOR THE NEXT QUESTION.

VOTERS WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE OR REJECT FLORIDA CONSTITUTION OPPOSED PROPOSED AMENDMENT NUMBER FOUR.

NO LAW SHALL PROHIBIT, PENALIZE, DELAY OR RESTRICT ABORTION BEFORE A VILE ABILITY OR WHEN NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE PATIENT'S HEALTH AS DETERMINED BY THE PATIENT'S HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT OR OPPOSE THIS AMENDMENT?

ONE MINUTE.

>> David T. Hawkins: I AM PRO-LIFE.

I AM A MECHANICAL TYPE GUY.

WHEN YOU CAN TAKE A EGG AND SPERM AND CREATE A HUMAN BEING, TO ME THAT IS A MIRACLE.

SO I AM PRO-LIFE FOR THAT.

IF IT ENDANGERS THE MOTHER OR YOU ARTY KNOW THE BABY IS NOT GOING TO MAKE IT OR IT IS FROM RAPE, THEN OKAY.

YOU SHOULD GO TO THE DOCTOR AND GET WITH A DOCTOR AND WORK OUT WITH HIM.

OR HER.

BUT I AM PRO-LIFE.

SOURCE.

>> Danielle Irwin: THANK YOU CAROLYN CUMMINGS SAME TO YOU.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

BEING A WOMAN, I CERTAINLY SUPPORT THE AMENDMENT.

I BELIEVE THAT WOMEN SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS WITH THEIR OWN BODIES.

I BELIEVE THE DECISION SHOULD BE BETWEEN A WOMAN AND HER DOCTOR AND NOT THE LEGISLATURE.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THOSE SITUATIONS.

SO I CERTAINLY SUPPORT THAT AMENDMENT.

>> William Hatfield: ONE LAST QUESTION BEFORE CLOSINGS HERE.

NAME ONE SPECIFIC THING THE COUNTY IS NOT SPENDING ENOUGH MONEY ON AND ONE THING THE COUNTY IS SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY ON.

45 SECONDS.

CAROLYN CUMMINGS.

IT'S.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

I THINK THE EXPENDITURE THE COUNTY MAKES IN ANY PARTICULAR AREA IS DRIVEN BY THE COUNTY BUDGET.

AND THE COUNTY BUDGET IS OF COURSE ÃHAS PARAMETERS IN THOSE FUNDS COME FROM THE TAXPAYERS.

I THINK THERE ARE MANY AREAS WHERE WE CAN SPEND MORE IF WE HAD MORE.

IF WE HAD MORE HOMELESSNESS AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND CERTAINLY IN A AREA I BELIEVE WE COULD EXPAND MORE ON AND I BELIEVE WE COULD REDUCE THAT POPULATION.

BUT I THINK WE HAVE TO OPERATE WITH THE NEEDS THAT WE HAVE AND I THINK WE DO A GOOD JOB.

>> IS THERE A AREA THAT WE ARE SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY ON?

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: I DON'T BELIEVE THERE IS A AREA WE ARE SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY ON.

>> David T. Hawkins: I DON'T THINK WE ARE SPENDING ENOUGH ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND GETTING THE CRIME RATE DOWN.

I THINK WE ARE SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY ON PAYING INCENTIVES FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY THAT MUCH OUT.

FOR CONSTRUCTION STUFF AND BUSINESSES INSTEAD OF GIVING THEM TAX INCENTIVES, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM ÃGIVE THEM FREE PERMITS AND LET THEM BREAK DOWN SOONER THAN THEY HAVE BEEN.

>> William Hatfield: YOU MADE GOING TO HAVE CLOSING ARGUMENTS.

THAT IS A MINUTE WHERE YOU GET TO SPEAK DIRECTLY TO VOTERS.

LET YOU START AND WE WILL END WITH THE COMMISSIONER.

BEFORE MY NAME IS DAVID T HAWKINS.

I'VE LIVED IN LEON COUNTY FOR 57 YEARS.

I'VE SEEN IT GO THROUGH A LOT OF CHANGES.

MY MAIN GOAL IS TO REEL IN WASTEFUL SPENDING, LOWER THE CRIME RATE, IMPROVE THE ECONOMY ANDHELP MOVE LEON COUNTY INTO A POSITIVE DIRECTION .

I THINK IT HAS GOT DIFFERENT WAYS IT COULD GO BUT WE NEED TO TAKE INTO POSITIVE DIRECTION SO WE COULD IMPROVE, EXPAND AND PROSPER.

I WANT TO MAKE IT WHERE WE CAN BRING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER ON THE SPECIAL PROJECTS AND STUFF THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

THANK YOU.

>> William Hatfield: THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER CAROLYN CUMMINGS TAKE US OUT.

>> Carolyn D. Cummings: THANK YOU.

I AM CAROLYN CUMMINGS.

WHEN I WAS ELECTED THREE KNOPP YEARS AGO I'VE SEEN AN HOUR ECONOMY FROM THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF COVID.

OVER THE LAST THREE KNOPP TO 4 YEARS, I HAVE SUPPORTED MANY INITIATIVES TO UPSTART OUR ECONOMY IN 2024 LEON COUNTY, TALLAHASSEE AREA AS THE TOP WITH THE CITY AND COUNTY DECIDES THAT WE HAVE.

I THINK THAT SPEAKS A LOT OF THE FACT THAT I HAVE BEEN A COUNTY COMMISSIONER, I HAVE SUPPORTED ALL OF THOSE INITIATIVES TO JUMPSTART THE ECONOMY TO SUPPORTNONPROFITS , TO SUPPORT OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY, TO SUPPORT OTHER ENTITIES IN THE FAITH BASED COMMUNITY.

COLLABORATIVELY WE NEED TO COME TOGETHER HOLISTICALLY AND CONTINUE TO ADDRESS THE ECONOMIC ISSUES IN OUR COMMUNITY AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

>> Regan McCarthy: WITH THAT, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF THE THREE OF US AND ALL OF US HERE TO THE CANDIDATES AND TO OUR AUDIENCES.

FOR JOINING THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IN TALLAHASSEE.

WFSU AND THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRATS FOR THIS PROGRAM.

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

THE RECORDED BROADCAST WILL BE WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 16 AT 11:00 A.M. EASTERN ON WFSU 88.9.

PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS.

>> REMEMBER EARLY VOTING FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION BEGINS OCTOBER 21 AND ENDS NOVEMBER 3.

ELECTION DAY TAKES PLACE ON NOVEMBER 5.

>> WE HAVE ANOTHER FORM COMING THIS AFTERNOON AT 1:00 P.M. WITH THE DISTRICT FORUM LEON COUNTY COMMISSION CANDIDATES.

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ANY OF OUR UPCOMING FORMS, PLEASE EMAIL US AT NEWS@TALLAHASSEE.COM.

YOU CAN LOOK FOR SPECIAL ONLINE ELECTION ULTIMATE ELECTION GUIDE OF THE TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT INTERVIEWS WITH ALL OF THE CANDIDATES WITH A COLLECTION OF OUR COVERAGE WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING EARLY VOTING ON MONDAY.

VICKI SO MUCH, WE WILL SEE YOU SOON.

HAVE A GREAT DAY.