[MUSIC] >> WELCOME TO THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF POLITICAL CANDIDATE FORUMS IN ADVANCE OF THE AUGUST 20 AS PRIMARY ELECTIONS.

THIS FORMAL IS A COOPERATIVE PRODUCTION OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THOMAS HASSEY, AND W FSU PUBLIC MEDIA.

OUR FIRST GROUP OF CANDIDATES IS RUNNING FOR TALLAHASSEE CITY COMMISSION SEAT AND ONE.

I AM LYNNE HATTER OF WFSU PUBLIC MEDIA AND I AM JOINED BY WILLIAM HATFIELD AND DANIELLE IRWIN OF LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF TALLAHASSEE.

WE WILL QUESTION AND LET'S MEET THE CANDIDATES.

>> THE CANDIDATES FOR THE SEAT ONE SITTING LEFT TO RIGHT ARE LOUIS DILBERT, RUDY FERGUSON, SR, AND JACQUELINE PORTER.

THE INCUMBENT IN THIS RACE FOR THOSE WATCHING US ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLEASE HIT THE SHARE BUTTON AND HELP ALL YOUR FRIENDS SEE TODAY'S DISCUSSION AS WELL.

FOR THOSE OF -- AT HOME WE WILL ROTATE WHICH CANDIDATES GET TO ANSWER FIRST.

WE HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS SO WE ARE GOING TO ASK THE CANDIDATES TO KEEP YOUR ANSWERS TO ABOUT 60 SECONDS.

SOMETIMES SHORTER FOR FOLLOW-UPS AND WE WILL SPECIFY WHICH EACH QUESTIONS.

WE WILL ALSO BE KEEPING TIME.

WE HAVE A VERY TECHNOLOGICAL MARVEL HERE WHEN YOU REACH THE END OF YOUR TIME YOU WILL HEAR THIS.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP RIGHT THERE BUT PLEASE AND ASSURE SENTENCE AND WILL MOVE ON.

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

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

MAKE THE QUESTION APPLICABLE TO ALL CANDIDATES.

ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE WE START?

LET'S JUMP IN WITH THE FIRST QUESTION.

>> THE FIRST QUESTION IS FOR MR. GILBERT AND WHAT DOES THE CITY NEED AND HOW WOULD YOU PROVIDE?

>> Louis Dilbert: I THINK WE NEED A RESOLUTION TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS.

I BELIEVE THAT THE BEST SOLUTION FOR THAT IS TO SEEK FUNDING FOR A FACILITY TO HOUSE OUR HOMELESS.

I WOULD DEFINITELY PRIORITIZE A FACILITY THAT FOCUSES ON OUR SPECIAL POPULATIONS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND SENIORS.

THEY ARE THE MOST VULNERABLE POPULATION AGAIN WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING HAVING PLACES AROUND THE CITY AND ALL PARTS OF THE CITY WHERE INDIVIDUALS CAN LIVE AND AFFORD TO COMPARABLE OF A LIVING WAGE SO THEY ARE NOT EVICTED AS SOON AS THEY MOVE INTO THAT AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. FERGUSON SAME QUESTION.

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: HAVE LIVED IN THE COMMUNITY THAT IS PLAGUED WITH VIOLENT CRIMES.

I THINK THAT AFFECTS ALL OF US IN TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY.

AS AN INCUMBENT, I BELIEVE I WILL DEAL WITH PUBLIC SAFETY FIRST.

THAT IS A DETERRENT FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO COME TO TALLAHASSEE TO ATTEND OUR UNIVERSITIES.

THOSE WHO WANT TO MOVIE HERE AND LIVE IN TALLAHASSEE TO BE A PART OF ITS NATURAL BEAUTY.

WE ARE CLASSIFIED AS A VIOLENT CITY AND A GLUTTON WRITTEN CITY.

THAT PUTS US IN A PRECARIOUS SITUATION.

DEALING WITH OUR PUBLIC SAFETY AND IMPROVING OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND WORKING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT THEY HAVE THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT AND MOVING EXPENSES IS -- EXPEDITIOUSLY AND THAT OUR HOMELESS POPULATION THAT AFFECTS THEM AS WELL AS WE CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH A CRISIS.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I AGREE WITH MY OPPONENTS HAVE SAID.

THE URGENT MANAGER NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED IS THE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH OUR FIREFIGHTERS.

THAT IS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED.

THEY DESERVE FAIR PAY AND I WILL ALWAYS STAND UP AND PROTECT THOSE WHO PROTECT US AND I AM PROUD TO HAVE THEIR ENDORSEMENT.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. FERGUSON, WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUELY SUITED FOR THIS JOB OVER YOUR OPPONENTS?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: MY TIME WORKING THE COMMUNITY, HAVE OVER 35 YEARS WORKING WITH OUR COMMUNITY.

I AM IN THE COMMUNITY AND I AM A PART OF THAT COMMUNITY.

I BROUGHT RESOLUTIONS AND WORK ALONG WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT.

I ALSO WORK WITH THE VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES FOR SOCIAL SERVICES.

THIS IS WHAT HAS PROPELLED ME TO THIS PLACE.

I BELIEVE I AM MORE SUITED IN EDUCATION, I AM ALSO IN MY EXPERIENCE AND I WILL SAY LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO THIS.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: HAVE A MASTERS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING.

WHAT I THINK QUALIFIES ME MORE THAN ANYTHING IS THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT THAT I HAVE.

I HAVE OVER 8000 INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS, HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS AND THE SUPPORT OF HAD A 2020 HAVE ROLLED OVER TO THE CYCLE AND I THINK THAT MORE THAN ANYTHING IS WHAT QUALIFIES ME FOR THIS ROLE.

>> THANK YOU.

>> Louis Dilbert: THE POPULATION THAT I'M CONNECTED TO.

NOT I'M ALSO HAVING DEGREES FROM FLORIDA STATE AND FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY CUYAMA I AM WORKING IN THE VETERAN COMMUNITY THROUGH OUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE IN THEM ALSO ACTIVE IN THE FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY TO MY CHURCH.

I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH MENTORING ORGANIZATIONS AND VOLUNTEERING SINCE I STEP FOOT IN THE CITY AND 25 YEARS AGO.

SINCE THAT TIME HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN DIVERSE AREAS.

>> WE ARE GOING TO START WITH PUBLIC SAFETY.

COMMISSIONER PORTER LAST YEAR WE HAD EIGHT SHOOTING DEATHS AT THIS POINT A YEAR THIS YEAR WE HAVE ALMOST DOUBLE OF THAT, WHAT IS ONE NEW ACTION YOU WOULD RECOMMEND TALLAHASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT OR CITY COMMISSION TO REDUCE HOMICIDE AND FIREARM ASSAULT RATES?

ONE MINUTE.

>> Jacqueline Porter: PUBLIC SAFETY IS MY NUMBER ONE PRIORITY AND THE CITY NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.

EVERYONE DESERVES A PLACE WHERE THEY FEEL SAFE.

AS A LIFE OR DEATH ISSUE AS WE KNOW AND IT IS A QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUE AND IT IS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUE I THINK ONE OF THE STEPS THAT WE NEED TO TAKE IS INCREASE INVESTMENT IN OUR SOCIAL SERVICES.

WE TALK ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTERVENTION AND THAT IS ADDRESSING THE IMMEDIATE NEED.

I BELIEVE THAT THE COUNCIL SHERIFF COUNCIL AND MEN AND BOYS IS MAKING GREAT STRIDES IN ADDRESSING THAT.

ON A PREVENTATIVE SIDE, WE NEED TO BE INVESTING IN LOW INCOME AND AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING.

MAKING SURE THERE ARE JOBS ADDRESSING THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT PLAGUE PEOPLE.

WHEN PEOPLE ARE COMMITTING VIOLENCE, THEY ARE COMING FROM A PLACE OF CRISIS.

THEY NEED OUR HELP AND WE NEED TO COME TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ADDRESSING THAT FROM ALL ANGLES.

IT IS A HOLISTIC PROBLEM AND I AM COMMITTEE -- COMMITTED TO DOING THAT.

>> Louis Dilbert: WE HAVE YET TO GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM.

THEY START OUT AS A YOUTH AT SOME POINT AND THESE DESIRES THAT LEAD TO CRIME START OFTEN TIME AT YOUTH.

WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO OUR YOUTH OFFENDERS AND MAKING SURE WHEN THEY GO INTO THE SYSTEM FIRST OF ALL PREVENTING THEM FROM GOING INTO THE SYSTEM.

WHEN THEY ARE IN THERE AND THEY COME OUT MAKE SURE THEY HAVE APPROPRIATE MEASURES AND INTERVENTION SO THEY DO NOT RETURN.

THAT STEMS AND STIFLES THEM FROM GOING ON TO BECOME ADULT OFFENDERS.

THEY SHOULD HAVE APPROPRIATE RESOURCES TO AVOID GOING INTO THE SYSTEM ALSO TO REACTIVATE THEM TO SOCIETY APPROPRIATELY ONCE DAILY.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: WHEN JOBS GO UP GUNS GO DOWN.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY WHERE IT HAS BEEN PLAGUED WITH LIMITED RESOURCES AND GUN VIOLENCE.

UNFORTUNATELY, AS A PASTOR IN GREATER FRENCHTOWN COMMUNITY, HAVE THE DAUNTING TASK OF EULOGIZING THREE WHO HAVE DIED FROM INCIDENTS OF GUN VIOLENCE.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE MUST BRING THOSE JOBS INTO TOWN.

WE NEED THOSE JOBS TO GIVE THEM A SENSE OF PRIDE TO GIVE THEM A SENSE OF HOPE AND A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE BEGIN TO WORK COLLECTIVELY WITHOUT SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS ALONG WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT.

TERESA GOT IN THE VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES AND THOSE WHO CHOOSE THE WAY OF THE GUN OR ANY VIOLENT CRIME.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE BEGIN TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IS SO IMPORTANT.

BUYING FROM OUR COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES.

>> MR. DILBERT HOW IS TPD DOING FIGHTING CRIME IN THE CITY?

GIVE US A LETTER GRADE AND EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER.

30 SECONDS.

>> Louis Dilbert: CONSIDERING THAT THE CRIME IS GOING UP, I WILL HAVE TO GIVE IT A C. IF THEY WERE AT A HIGHER LEVEL THEN WE WILL SEE A REDUCTION.

I ALSO SEE OUTSIDE OF VIOLENT CRIME EVERY NOW AND AGAIN I WILL DRIVE AND I'M OUT ON THE WEEKENDS AND I'M SEEING COLLEGE STUDENTS HAVING A GOOD TIME BUT OFTEN TIMES IT SEEMS TO BE IRRESPONSIBLE.

WE ARE LOOKING AT VIOLENT CRIME A LOT BUT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT SAFETY ON THE WEEKENDS AND THINGS OF THAT SORTS.

NEXT MR. FERGUSON SAME QUESTION -- >> I WOULD GIVE THEM A B. I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CITIZEN ADVISORY COUNCIL WHICH IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT FROM THE REVIEW COUNCIL THAT THEY HAD.

I WORK ALONG WITH OUR CHIEF IN LAW ENFORCEMENT TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AS WELL AS OUR VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES TO ENSURE THERE IS A LETTER OF PROTECTION AND A LETTER OF SERVING ANY STANDARDS OF COOPERATION.

I BELIEVE THAT WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO NEVERTHELESS I BELIEVE OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT -- >> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: MAKE A DISTINCTION BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE CHIEF.

I WOULD GIVE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT A, A. I WOULD GIVE THE CHIEF AND F. SHE POLICE POLICE INVESTIGATE CRIME BUT THEY NEED OUR HELP INVESTIGATING CRIME.

I DON'T THINK THEY ARE BEST EQUIPPED TO PREVENT CRIME.

I THINK OTHER RESOURCES AND INVESTMENTS ARE WHERE WE SEE CRIME PREVENTION.

>> THANK YOU LAST FOLLOW-UP FOR ME.

THE ANATOMY OF A HOMICIDE REPORT WAS RELEASED IN 2021 IN THE COMMUNITY-BASED VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PREVENTION INITIATIVE REPORT WAS RELEASED BY FSU IN 2020.

WHAT IS YOUR KEY TAKE AWAY AND JUST 32ND ON THIS MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I SERVE ON THE SHARES ADVISORY COUNCIL AND THAT IS AN ACCURATE REPORT.

WE ALREADY SAW IT FIRSTHAND AND I COMMEND THE SHERIFF AND FSU FOR PUT IT IN AN ANALOGY WHERE WE CAN SEE AND UNDERSTAND WHICH DIRECTION WE NEED TO BE GOING.

TO COMBAT THIS ISSUE.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: GUN VIOLENCE JUST LIKE SO MUCH OF THE PROPERTY IS TARGETED IN CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOODS AND A REFLECTION OF A LACK OF INVESTMENT FOR MANY, MANY YEARS.

IT WAS INCREDIBLY VALUABLE TO TOOLS AS POLICYMAKERS TO KNOW WHERE TO BEST DIRECTOR RESOURCES BECAUSE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT WE CAN SOLVE.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: I SHARE THE SENTIMENTS OF MY COLLEAGUES.

WHEN THESE REPORTS COME FORTH, WE LOOK AT OUR COMMUNITIES FROM A DEFICIT PERSPECTIVE.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WHILE WE ARE WORKING HARD TO SOLVE THE ISSUES, WE ALSO HAVE CHILDREN AND YOUTH THAT ARE LIMITING THOSE COMMUNITIES THAT ARE HEARING THESE CONVERSATIONS AND THE TALK ABOUT WHAT THEIR COMMUNITY IS.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THERE'S A BALANCE.

WE RECEIVED THESE REPORTS WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE IS A BALANCE.

THE BAD INFORMATION BUT ALSO HIGHLIGHTING THE GOOD INFORMATION.

WE WOULD LIKE TO YOU.

RE OF THAT.

>> OUR NEXT QUESTION WAS SUGGESTED BY THE CAPITAL AREA JUSTICE ADMINISTRATE.

THE QUESTION IS INSTEAD OF BEING ARRESTED JUVENILES WHO HAVE COMMITTED VARIOUS FIRST-TIME MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES MAY BE ISSUED CIVIL CITATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH TALLAHASSEE'S JUVENILE PROGRAM.

HAVE WE STRUCK THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN CITATIONS AND ARRESTS?

THIS QUESTION IS GOING TO GO FIRST TO COMMISSIONER PORTER.

>> Jacqueline Porter: I DO NOT BELIEVE WE HAVE STRUCK THE BALANCE.

I THINK AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, WE NEED TO BE ISSUING CIVIL CITATIONS.

THERE ARE SOME POLICIES AS I UNDERSTAND THAT CAN BE CHANGED TO MAKE THAT EASIER.

THE GREEDY CORPORATIONS OF OUR CHIEF.

TPD IS ISSUING FEWER CITATIONS THAN OUR SHERIFF'S OFFICE COUNTERPART.

WE NEED HIS SUPPORT AND BUY-IN.

TO THIS MOMENT, I DO NOT BELIEVE WE HAVE IT.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: WE LIVE IN A CAPITALISTIC AND SOMEONE IS MAKING MONEY OFF OF THE JAIL CELLS BEING FILLED.

I DO THINK WE NEED TO WORK ON IMPROVING THE CIVIL CITATIONS SYSTEM.

THE FOCUS ON REHABILITATION AND GIVING PEOPLE AN OPPORTUNITY TO CORRECT THEIR MISTAKES.

WE HAVE MANY PRISON CELLS FILLED WITH INDIVIDUALS WHO DID NOT COMMIT VIOLENT CRIMES IT COULD HAVE BEEN REHABILITATED BUT INSTEAD THEY WERE ARRESTED.

>> AND MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT DEPENDING ON CASE BY CASE SCENARIO WITH A CIVIL CITATION CAN BE ISSUED.

WE ARE CURRENTLY LIVING IN A TIME WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE PICKING UP GUNS.

THERE'S NO WAY WE CAN ISSUE A CIVIL CITATION FOR VIOLENT CRIMES OF THAT NATURE.

TO THOSE WHO ARE STILL FIRST-TIME OFFENDERS, WE HAVE DIVERGENT PROGRAMS.

I AM THE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT FOR TEACHING YOUTH ANGER MANAGEMENT AND GANG RESISTANCE EDUCATION.

THESE ARE THE APPROACHES THAT WE SHOULD TAKE WITH OUR CHILDREN.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

THE FIRST OF TWO FOLLOW-UPS TO THE TOP QUESTION.

ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE SCOPE AND THE COST FOR THE NEW TALLAHASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS?

IF ELECTED WHAT PROCEDURAL AND PROJECT DIRECTION WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AND WILL FIRST GO TO MR. DILBERT.

>> Louis Dilbert: IF I WAS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, I WILL WANT QUALITY FACILITIES THAT I CAN BE PROUD OF AND FEEL COMFORTABLE WORKING IN EVEN IF I AM ON THE STREET.

QUALITY VEHICLES SO SAFETY IS MAXIMIZED.

I DO THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AT THESE CONTRACTS IN A SENSE SO THAT COST AND WE HAD TO TURN AROUND AND FLIP THE BILL.

AND $30 MILLION ON THE PROJECT CAN BE FUNDING A HOMELESS SHELTER.

IT COULD BE FUNDING A YOUTH INTERVENTION PROGRAM.

THEY COULD GO TOWARD SOCIAL SERVICES.

WHEN THESE CONTRACTORS COME BACK AND SAY, IT'S GOING TO COST MORE MONEY AND YOU HAVE TO PAY UP, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THESE CONTRACTS THAT WE DO NOT LEAVE ROOM FOR ANY BALLOONING COST THAT MAY COME BACK TO BITE US AND HAVE TO CUT OF THE PROGRAMS.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I WANT TO ENSURE THAT OUR BRAVE WOMEN AND MEN WHO ARE SERVING TO PROTECT THE CITY, I THINK THEY NEED TO HAVE THE NECESSARY TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT TO DO THEIR JOB CORRECTLY.

I ALSO THINK AS A COMMISSIONER, WE NEED TO BE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT WE GET MORE BANG FOR OUR BUCK.

I WOULD LOVE TO SIT DOWN WITH OUR CHIEF AND COME UP WITH ANOTHER WAY WE CAN ADDRESS THE BUILDING OF THIS PLACE TO ENSURE THAT WE DON'T OVERSPEND WE TAKE THOSE FUNDS THAT WE MAY HAVE AND USE THEM IN OTHER PLACES THAT WOULD CERTAINLY BENEFIT THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY.

>> AND COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: BUILDINGS DO NOT KEEP US SAFE.

THAT BEING SAID I DO BELIEVE OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS DO NEED THE TOOLS.

THEY NEED THE TOOLS TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE PROJECT THAT STARTED OFF AT $40 MILLION AND BALLOON TO POTENTIALLY $200 MILLION WITHOUT THE PUBLIC OR COMMISSIONERS KNOWLEDGE.

THIS CAME TO US ALMOST A YEAR BEFORE WE HAD THAT INFORMATION.

I DO BELIEVE WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT WHAT IS ESSENTIAL, WHAT IS NOT AND WHERE CAN WE BUILD THE FUTURE?

BUT HAD THAT CONVERSATION OF WHAT OUR PRIORITIES AND NEEDS AND WHERE THE MONEY CAN BE SPENT IN PUBLIC SAFETY.

>> ON AN ISSUE ON WHAT WAS GOING ON EARLIER WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO BREAK THE YEAR-LONG IN UNION NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT?

AND WHY IS IT THAT THE FIRE FIGHTERS HAVE A PROBLEM CLOSING THE DEAL THE POLICE UNION DOES NOT?

MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: AS A FORMER RESPONSIBLY IS ON THE FIRST RESPONDER FOR THE FLORIDA DIVISION EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, I UNDERSTAND THE PLIGHT OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT.

UNFORTUNATELY IF I WAS A COMMISSIONER AT THE TIME I WOULD'VE ASKED THE UNION TO TAKE THAT NEGOTIATIONS TO THE FIREFIGHTERS WHO ARE OUT HERE AND LET THEM VOTE THAT UP AND DOWN.

THEY LIKE IT WE GO FOR IT AND IF THEY DON'T WE GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD.

I WOULD NOT HAVE RECOGNIZED IT FOR POLITICAL PURPOSE IN ORDER TO FURTHER MY CAMPAIGN OR ANYTHING OF THAT NATURE.

I THINK WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT OUR EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE VERY IMPORTANT.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AS WELL AS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THEY SERVE AND PROTECT THE CITY.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: ARE -- IF I WAS A BOATER I WOULD WANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY WAS DONATED TO SOME OF THE CAMPAIGNS BY THE POLICE UNION.

I THINK THAT CERTAINLY PLAYS A ROLE.

I THINK WE HAVE A POLITICAL PROBLEM AT THE CITY THAT REQUIRES A POLITICAL SOLUTION.

IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT THIS HAS BECOME POLITICIZED.

THE CITY HAS THE MONEY THAT HE NEEDS TO PAY OUR FIREFIGHTERS A FAIR WAGE THEY PROTECT US AND WE NEED TO BE THERE FOR THEM AND IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT HIT HAS COME TO THIS POINT.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: IF WE HAVE BALLOONING COSTS OR PROJECTS THAT AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO PAY OUR EMPLOYEES AND CITY WORKERS, FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE OFFICERS.

IT ALL WORKS, IT IS ALTOGETHER.

THAT IS THE CONSEQUENCES IF WE ARE NOT WATCHING OUR DOLLARS MORE CAREFULLY.

I DO THINK WITH THE NEGOTIATIONS EVERY UNION HAS A LEADERSHIP TEAM.

THEY MAKE DECISIONS FIREFIGHTERS, TEACHERS AND IT IS UP TO THEM TO GO AND CONTINUE TO NEGOTIATE AND COME BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD UNTIL THERE IS AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION.

I THINK WE SHOULD SPEND LESS TIME ATTACKING COMMISSIONERS AND THINGS OF THAT SORT AND MORE TIME FOCUSING ON MAKING SURE OUR FIREFIGHTERS ARE TAKING CARE OF.

>> WHY DID THE FIREFIGHTERS HAVE A PROBLEM CLOSING THE DEAL AND THE POLICE DOES NOT?

>> Louis Dilbert: IT GOES BACK TO IS THE LEADERSHIP OF THE UNIONS.

I THINK SOMETIMES THESE UNIONS THEY ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE WORKING DAY IN AND DAY OUT.

YOU ARE A LEADER FOR A REASON.

YOU ARE SELECTED.

>> MR. FERGUSON SAME QUESTION.

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: THE NEGOTIATIONS HAVE FAILED BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED.

IT WAS FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES.

IF THE UNION PRESIDENT SIMPLY OFFER THAT TO THE FIREFIGHTERS, THEY WERE MADE A DECISION UP AND DOWN WHICH WAY THEY WOULD WANT TO GO ANYWHERE BROUGHT US BACK TO THE TABLE TO SEE IF WE NEED TO GO HIGHER STOP.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I BELIEVE THIS IS POLITICAL RETRIBUTION.

THE UNION PRESIDENT HAS BROUGHT OFFERS BACK TO THE FIREFIGHTERS.

IT IS INCORRECT THAT IT IS NOT.

I BELIEVE THIS IS A POLITICAL ISSUE UNFORTUNATELY.

>> WE ARE GOING TO MOVE THE DISCUSSION TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

APPROXIMATELY 43 -- 42% SPEND THEIR INCOME ON HOUSING.

MOST OF THESE HOUSEHOLDS ARE LOW-WAGE EARNERS IN NEED OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING THAT COST LESS THEN $700 A MONTH.

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

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE TO ANSWER.

WE'RE GOING TO START WITH YOU MS. PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: TO MAKE SURE THERE ARE RENTERS PROTECTION AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE STAYING IN THEIR HOME THAT IS AFFORDABLE.

I THINK WE CAN IMPROVE ON OUR CODE ENFORCEMENT TO MAKE SURE HOMES THAT ARE AFFORDABLE DO NOT FALL INTO BLIGHTED CONDITIONS.

WE HAVE THE MONEY AND RESOURCES TO SUPPORT RAPID REHOUSING AS WELL.

WE CAN INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY LAND TRUSTS.

WE CAN INVEST IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.

WE CAN BE BUILDING HOMES IF WE WANT TO.

WE CAN BE BUYING LAND THAT OTHER PEOPLE BUILD HOMES ON.

THERE IS A LOT OF OPTIONS FOR US.

BUT I THINK LONG-TERM WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT -- WHEN WE TALK ABOUT URBAN DENSITY IT IS CHEAPER FOR THE CITY AND THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE CITY.

I AM A RENTER AND I THINK I MIGHT BE THE ONLY RENTER IN THE GOVERNMENT.

I HAVE A ROOMMATE AND A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE GOING THROUGH IT SO I UNDERSTAND.

>> MR. DILBERT SAME QUESTION.

>> Louis Dilbert: WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE PROCESS FOR HOUSING IN GENERAL.

IF YOU GO AROUND CAMPUS YOU SEE STUDENT HOUSING POPPING UP LEFT AND RIGHT.

THEY ARE TAKING UP SPACE THAT WOULD BE USING TO BUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

FOR EXAMPLE ON TENNESSEE STREET.

HAVE A 10 STORY UNIT COMING UP AND YOU HAVE ANOTHER SEVEN STORY UNIT GOING ON.

STUDENT POPULATION AT FSU WENT DOWN 2500 STUDENTS IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.

YOU HAVE TO BUILD ACCORDING TO THE NEED.

WE SEE DEVELOPMENTS COMING ALL OVER THE CITY BUT ARE THEY REALLY AFFORDABLE?

CAN PEOPLE MOVE INTO THEM?

OR SOMEBODY GETTING A CONTRACT TO BUILD AND THEY WALK AWAY AND WITH THEIR POCKETS STUFFED WHILE WE ARE STUCK WITH THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. FERGUSON, SR.

IN QUESTION.

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO WORK ALONG WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSES TO FOCUS RATHER THAN HAVING PEOPLE LIVE WITHIN THE URBAN SERVICE AREAS.

I BELIEVE WE HAVE TO WORK ALONG WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF THOSE WHO ARE CAPABLE OF BUILDING.

WE HAVE A LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOMES BECAUSE WE HAVE A LACK OF HOMES.

IF THE GET TO THAT PLACE WHERE WE CAN HAVE THAT CONVERSATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WE COULD GET PEOPLE IN HOMES.

THAT IS PRIME, THAT IS JOY AND THAT IS A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY.

I BELIEVE EVERYONE WANTS A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS HAVE A ROOF OVER THEIR HEAD.

WE SHOULD WORK CLOSELY TO BUILD THOSE THAT HAVE THOSE IN PLACE.

SO PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE TO LEAVE AND GO TO CRAWFORDVILLE SO THEY CAN HAVE AFFORDABLE HOMES.

TO DO THAT HERE WE JUST HAVE TO BE A LITTLE BIT MORE BUSINESS FRIENDLY FOR THE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE CABLE AND WHO ARE WORKING ALONG WITH US IN THE CITY AND OUR COMMUNITIES TO BRING THIS TO BEAR.

WE ARE MORE HOMES THE COST OF BUYING HOMES GOES DOWN.

>> THANK YOU WE HAVE ONE FOLLOW-UP TO THAT QUESTION.

SHOULD THE CITY HELP MEET LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEEDS THROUGH THE REUSE OF VACANT PROPERTIES?

IF SO HOW AND IF NOT WHY NOT?

>> WE KNOW IN CERTAIN PARTS OF OUR COMMUNITY THERE IS DESOLATION.

IF YOU GO TO THE SOUTH SIDE, YOU SEE VACANT BUSINESSES THAT HAVE HAD LEFT.

YOU SEE VACANT LOTS, ABANDONED HOUSING.

I WAS RUNNING AROUND THE COMMUNITY JUST THE OTHER MORNING AND I THOUGHT ABANDONED HOUSE AFTER ABANDONED HOUSE.

AND SOMETIMES YOU GET A PERMIT AND THE HOUSES ARE JUST SITTING THERE.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE AREAS OF LAND THAT ARE AVAILABLE AND TRY TO PURCHASE IT.

>> 30 SECONDS TO MR. FERGUSON.

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: WE HAVE A LOT OF HOMES WHO ARE BANDED AND DILAPIDATED.

WE NEED TO FOCUS ON HOW DO WE GET THAT HOUSE OFF THE GROUND AND HELP SOMEONE TO LIVE IN IT?

IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND HOW IT WORKS AND EVERYTHING FROM THE TOP-DOWN OR BOTTOM-UP DOESN'T WORK IN OUR CITY.

WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO BRING THAT THING TO BEAR AND WE HAVE TO WORK ALONG WITH THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE CAPABLE OF BRINGING THIS TO HIM TO BEAR.

AND WE START WITH THE CITY.

>> MS. PORTER?

IT'S.

>> Jacqueline Porter: I WILL SUPPORT LOOKING INTO WHETHER THE CITY COULD PURCHASE SOME LOTS.

WHETHER THAT IS THE LAND IS IN PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OR NONPROFIT OWNERSHIP WILL DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THE COST OF DEVELOPING AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

LAND COST IS ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE PART OF HOUSING.

THAT CAN BE PUBLIC AND IT WILL REDUCE THE COST SIGNIFICANTLY.

>> THANK YOU.

>> LET'S GO TO EVERYBODY'S FAVORITE TOPIC, BLUEPRINT.

MR. FERGUSON ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH WHAT THEY ARE DOING IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MONEY THROUGH SALES TAX?

WHAT CHANGES ARE NEEDED AND YOU HAVE 45 SECONDS?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: BLUEPRINT IS DESIGNED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

THAT IS IMPORTANT.

I WOULD SAY I AM SATISFIED.

ONLY THING I WOULD OR WHAT CONCERNS ME RATHER IS THE COOPERATION AND COMMUNICATION AROUND THE TABLE BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE COUNTY.

I BELIEVE WANTS TO COME TOGETHER AND HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT OBJECTIVES ARE AND PURPOSE WE CAN MOVE.

I BELIEVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THINGS OF THAT NATURE SHOULD COME OUT OF THAT WHEN WE ARE BUILDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT TO BRING JOBS TO THE CITY.

THAT IS SO IMPORTANT.

ONCE WE GET THERE WE END WE HAVE THAT IN PLACE I BELIEVE AT THE AIRPORT AND THE GATEWAYS AND GOING TO SOUTH MONROE, WE WILL HAVE MORE PEOPLE INTERESTED IN COMING HERE.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I BELIEVE BLUEPRINT HAS A LOT OF GREAT PROJECTS THAT BRING TREMENDOUS VALUE TO OUR COMMUNITY AND MANY THAT ARE IN THE PIPELINE CURRENTLY.

HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THERE ARE NEW MEANS THAT WE DID NOT ANTICIPATE MANY YEARS AGO WHEN BLUEPRINT WAS VOTED ON.

I DO BELIEVE THERE ARE MISGUIDED PRIORITIES AND PROJECTS THAT I DO NOT BELIEVE SERVE THE PUBLIC WELL.

I WAS PROUD TO LEAD ALL AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT BLUEPRINT THAT ULTIMATELY FAILED AND GAVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE LAND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITH PRIVATE DEVELOPERS.

I THINK THAT WAS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY.

I WAS PROUD TO OPPOSE THE $27 MILLION GIVEAWAY.

THINK OF HOW MANY BUSINESSES COULD BE BENEFITING TODAY FROM THAT MONEY.

WE SEE IT TODAY WITH RAILROAD SQUARE THAT WOULD'VE BEEN AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FUNDS.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: I WOULD AGREE WITH THE COMMISSIONER.

OUR PRIORITIES NEED TO BE REALIGNED.

I CAN'T SAY WHETHER OR NOT I WOULD'VE VOTED ON $27 MILLION TO SHARE BUT I WOULD'VE TAKEN A CAREFUL LOOK IN COMPARISON TO WHAT THE NEEDS ARE.

ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

NOW WE ARE STUCK IN A PLACE WHERE MONEY IS RUNNING OUT OR WE HAVE NEW PRIORITIES TO GET THE SOUTH SIDE IS BECOMING DILAPIDATED IN THE CORE OF THE SOUTH SIDE BUSINESSES ARE LEAVING.

WE CAN REALLY USE THE EXTRA FUNDS TO DEAL WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE.

IT WAS DISAPPOINTING THAT IT DID NOT PASS.

WE HAVE TO REALLY BE CAREFUL WITH THESE DOLLARS BECAUSE IT COMES BACK TO BITE US.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER HOW WOULD YOU GRADE ON ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESSES TO TALLAHASSEE?

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS RECRUITMENT WOULD BE NUMBER ONE ON YOUR WISH LIST?

WE WILL TALK ABOUT INDIVIDUAL PARKING DECKS THERE -- PROJECTS AFTER THIS.

>> I WOULD RATE IT B OR C. OUR NUMBER ONE WE SHOULD BE RECRUITING IS MAKING THE BEST USE OF INNOVATION PARK.

THAT IS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY WHEN YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT OUR STRENGTH IN MAGNETICS AND WHERE THAT IS LEADING IN THE RESEARCH.

I THINK THAT IS WHERE WE LIKE TO SEE OUR RESOURCES BE FOCUSED.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: I WILL GIVE THEM A B.

PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON HELPING WOMEN AND MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOP ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND OPEN BUSINESSES.

I THINK THEY ARE DOING A GREAT JOB.

WE TALK ABOUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND FAIRNESS AMONGST COMMUNITIES, I THINK THAT THEY REALLY DO A GREAT JOB IN MAKING SURE THERE IS EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF RESOURCES.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I WOULD SAY THEY ARE DOING A FANTASTIC JOB.

THAT WOULD GIVE THEM A B.

THERE'S ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AND WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN THERE YET.

AS FAR AS THEM ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN THAT IS A BIG PLUS.

EMPLOYING 2000 EMPLOYEES AND 836 FROM 04 AND 03.

THAT IS 42% OF AFFORDABLE COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE JOBS, INSURANCE DENTAL AND HEALTH CARE.

THIS IS SO IMPORTANT SO I WOULD GIVE THEM A B.

THEY'RE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB.

>> THANK YOU.

CAN I GET YOU COMMISSIONER PORTER?

WE ARE NOW GOING TO PLAY WAS IT WORTH IT?

YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE 30 SECONDS TO OFFER YOUR THOUGHTS ON SOME PARTICULAR PROJECT.

FOOTBALL STADIUMS AND SPORTS FIELDS STARTING WITH YOU MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: OUR SEMINAL TEAM AND RATTLERS FOOTBALL THEY DID GOOD.

I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS RELATING TO THE BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE.

THOSE TEAMS UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF COACH SIMMONS HAVE DEFINITELY IMPROVED SINCE THE AWARD.

I DON'T THINK THERE'S A CORRELATION TO BE HONEST WITH YOU.

I DO THINK THAT, IT IS HELPING US IN A SENSE THAT WE CAN MAKE UP FOR SOME OF THE DEFICIT THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THAT MONEY.

I WOULD'VE HAD SOME QUESTIONS BEFORE VOTED.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I THINK FLORIDA STATE IS A POWERHOUSE OF THE BIGGEST UNIVERSES THAT WE HAVE IN TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA.

I KNOW THERE'S A STRONG ECONOMIC BASE WHERE PEOPLE COME FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY TO COME SEE OUR GREAT SEMINOLES PLAY FOOTBALL.

I BELIEVE IF I WAS SITTING ON THE COMMISSIONER MY QUESTIONS WOULD BE IN IS A STRONG AND POWERFUL INVESTMENT.

NOT HAVING ALL THE FACTS IN FRONT OF ME BUT IF I HAD TO I WOULD SAY, YES BASED ON THE FACT THAT THEY ARE A POWERHOUSE.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I WAS VOCALLY OPPOSED TO THE $27 MILLION GIVEAWAY TO FSU.

I SUPPORT FSU AND FOOTBALL.

THEY ARE SO RICH THEY NEED MORE MONEY DOESN'T REALLY PLAY OUT TO ME.

I THINK THERE WERE SO MANY MISSED OPPORTUNITIES AND THEY HAD THE MONEY AND THEY DIDN'T NEED HOURS.

AS FAR AS SAM YOU AND THEY CANNOT BE COMPARED TO AND I WAS NOT ON THE COMMISSION BUT I DID FOR TCC.

>> THE INCENTIVES ARE AMAZON WAS IT WORTH IT.

>> YES.

>> ANYTHING TO ADD?

>> IT BROUGHT 2000 JOHNSON GAVE A SENSE OF HOPE FOR THOSE ZIP CODES WHO WERE OTHERWISE UNEMPLOYED ANY GIVEN OPPORTUNITY.

IN FACT MY SON WORKS AT AMAZON AND I'M PROUD THAT HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF AND HIS DAUGHTER AND GO FORTH.

IT IS COMMISSIONER PORTER?

T. >> I VOTED AGAINST IT BECAUSE THE RESEARCH AND DATA SHOWS THOSE KIND OF INCENTIVE PACKAGES DO NOT FACTOR IN TO THE DECISION-MAKING TO A COMPANY LIKE AMAZON.

WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MULTI MILLION OR TRILLION DOLLAR COMPANIES, THEY DO NOT IN NEED OUR $2.5 MILLION TAX INCENTIVE.

I THINK IT HAD BEEN BETTER SPENT FOR RECRUITING OTHER BUSINESSES.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THAT.

[LAUGHTER] IT IS A LOT OF MONEY.

IN MY SPARE TIME, A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE SPENDING MONEY TO GET OUT THERE.

I HAVEN'T DRIVEN PASSENGERS THAT ARE SPENDING 300 Ã$400 A WEEK TO GET TO WORK.

IT IS A SHUTTLE THAT GOES OUT THERE NOW BUT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE NOT TAKING THAT.

IF YOU WANT TO TAKE A PORTION OF THAT CHECK FOR TRANSPORTATION THAT IS NOT A VEHICLE THAT THEY WILL EVENTUALLY OWN THEN WE HAVE TO WORK ON THAT FIRST.

I WILL WORK ON GETTING SOME OF THOSE ACCOMMODATION FIRST.

>> MOVING ONTO THE NEXT ONE.

$1.8 MILLION IN ESPECIALLY CREATED RECOVERABLE GRANT FOR THE WALLS DISTILLERY PROJECT.

COMMISSIONER PORTER?

WAS IT WORTH IT?

>> Jacqueline Porter: AGAIN, I DO NOT BELIEVE SO.

I DON'T THINK THAT IS THE WAY OUR TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE GOING TO REAP THE GREATEST RETURN ON OUR INVESTMENT.

I HAVE A LOT OF CONCERNS ABOUT THAT VOTE IN A TRANSPARENCY OF THE APPLICANT.

THE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BASED ON THE APPLICANT SUPPORT FOR SEVERAL COMMISSIONERS BUT THAT BUSINESS HAS YET TO OPEN.

I THINK WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THERE'S ACCOUNTABILITY AND STRICT STANDARDS FOR THOSE KINDS OF LOANS AND GRANTS.

THAT BEING SAID I HOPE THEY ARE SUCCESSFUL.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THEIR OPENING.

>> I DO THINK THERE'S A RESTAURANT OPENING SOON.

MR. DILBERT SAME QUESTION?

>> Louis Dilbert: WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING INDIVIDUALS WITH INFRASTRUCTURE AND THINGS OF THAT SORT, IT IS YET TO BE TOLD IF IT IS WORTH IT.

WITH THE DOLLARS BEING SO STRETCHED, REALLY HAVE TO LOOK AT THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO DO THINGS ON THEIR OWN.

WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL.

IT DOESN'T MEAN I AM AGAINST THE PEOPLE AND IT DOESN'T MEAN I'M AGAINST THE BUILDING OR WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE.

IT MEANS THAT HEY, I MIGHT HAVE GIVEN LESS MONEY OR RECONSIDER ALLOCATING THE FUNDS ELSEWHERE.

>> THANK YOU, MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I THINK IT IS A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT.

WHEN PEOPLE COME OFF APALACHEE PARKWAY AND COMING INTO TOWN, THEY WANT TO SEE SOMETHING THAT GIVES THEM A SENTENCE OF THIS IS BEAUTIFUL.

I BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE A GRAND OPENING COMING.

I LOOK FORWARD TO THOSE LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY TO WORK AT THE FACILITY TO GIVE THEM A SENSE OF EMPLOYMENT AND A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY.

I BELIEVE THIS IS AN INVESTMENT NOT A GIVEAWAY BUT AN INVESTMENT THAT WILL BE PAID IN RETURN NEXT THE LAST ROUND OF WAS IT WORTH IT.

THE RISING COST OF $134 MILLION AIRPORT GATEWAY.

MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: WHEN WE NEGOTIATE THESE CONTRACTS THAT NEED TO BE CLAUSES THAT STIPULATE THE LIMIT IN WHICH A PROJECT CAN INCREASE.

IF I SIGN A CONTRACT TO SPEAK SOMEWHERE IN MY PLANE TICKET PRICE CHANGES OR OF AN EMERGENCY, I CAN COME BACK TO THE COMPANY AND SAY, I MISS MY FLIGHT.

THERE WAS A SITUATION AND YOU HAVE TO PAY AN EXTRA $300 FOR ME TO BE THERE.

SOME PEOPLE MIGHT PUT THAT IN THE CONTRACT.

IN ALL FAIRNESS IT IS UNFAIR TO US TO HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL FOR THOSE INCREASES.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I GO BACK TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THE CHECKS AND BALANCES AND GIVE EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED TO THE CITIZENS AND TAXPAYERS MUST GET MORE BANG FOR THEIR BUCK.

IF YOU CAN GET TO THAT PLACE IT IS FABULOUS.

WE ARE SPENDING LESS MONEY AND THAT'S GREAT.

I UNDERSTAND WITH RISING COSTS THINGS THE LONGER WE DELAY WITH CERTAIN THINGS THE COSTS GO UP.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

I BELIEVE WE MUST CONTINUE TO LOOK CLOSELY TO MAKE SURE WE MONITOR THOSE TYPE OF EXPENSIVE.

>> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I'VE ADVOCATED FOR REDUCING THE COST OF THE PROJECT WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE SCHOOL.

WE HAVE A WAY TO GET TO THE AIRPORT AND I THINK THERE ARE OTHER WAYS THAT YES WE CAN INVEST IN THAT GATEWAY.

BUT REDIRECT FUNDS FOR MORE PRESSING NEEDS.

>> THIS NEXT SERIES OF QUESTIONS WILL FOCUS ON THE ISSUE OF CITY MANAGEMENT.

FOR MR. FERGUSON AFTER LAST YEAR'S 8.5% PROPERTY TAX INCREASE THE CITY COMMISSION IS LOOKING TO HOLD THE LINE ON THE MILLAGE RATE THIS YEAR BUT WILL STILL BE CONSIDERED A TAX INCREASE BY FLORIDA LAW WITH RISING PROPERTY VALUES.

ARE WE MAKING THE RIGHT BUDGETARY DECISIONS?

YOU WILL HAVE ONE MINUTE TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION.

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: AS A RESPONSIBLE TAXPAYER I WOULD NEVER WANT TO RAISE TAXES ON OUR HARD-WORKING FAMILIES.

WHENEVER WE DO HAVE TO RAISE TAXES BECAUSE IT IS A THIS IS - - NECESSITY THAT IS NEEDED.

IT IS GOING TO GET US TO THE PLACE WHERE WE NEED TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE CITY.

HOWEVER, I THINK WE SHOULD ALSO TAKE A MORE PROACTIVE LOOK TO BRING MORE REVENUE TO OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY THROUGH OTHER ENDEAVORS THAT GET ON THE RIGHT THE EXPENSES SO WE DO NOT HAVE TO GO WITH TAXES INCREASES.

SO CERTAINLY, YES, MA'AM.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I VOTED AGAINST THE TAX INCREASE IN 2023 AND THIS YEAR.

I BELIEVE IT WAS UNFAIR TO OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FRANKLY TO USE THEM AS A JUSTIFICATION FOR RAISING TAXES.

THEIR RACES COULD'VE BEEN PAY FOR THE GENERAL REVENUE WITHOUT RAISING THEIR TAXES.

I THINK WE NEED SOMETIMES JUST LIKE WE ASK EVERYONE ELSE TO THINK, WHAT ARE OUR NEEDS?

WHAT ARE OUR PRIORITIES AND WHAT IS EXTRA?

WE NEED TO FOCUS ON MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND I THINK WE DO THAT ARE TAXPAYERS.

WE ARE NOT A PUT DOWN MY POOR COMMUNITY.

>> Louis Dilbert: THE TAX INCREASE NEED TO BE UP TO THE CITIZENS, VOTERS AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED THERE TO DETERMINE THAT.

I WILL WORK TO AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS.

THE REALITY IS BECAUSE OF RISING COSTS IN OUR COUNTRY IN GENERAL, WE HAVE TO FIND DIFFERENT WAYS TO BE ABLE TO FUND THINGS UNLESS WE GET SOME GENEROUS RESIDENTS TO DONATE.

I THINK WE NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL.

IF THE TAXES ARE GOING TO SPECIFIC PROJECTS THAT IS WHAT THE OVERALL INCREASE THE ECONOMY AND MAKE LIVES BETTER FOR OUR CITIZENS, I THINK WE SHOULD SUPPORT IT.

IT SHOULD ULTIMATELY BE THE DECISION OF THE VOTERS AND ULTIMATELY THE DECISION FALLS ON US.

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

PLEASE ASSIGN A GRADE TO HAVE THE CITY MANAGER IS DOING?

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

COMMISSIONER PORTER YOU WILL START.

>> Jacqueline Porter: THE ROLE OF THE CITY MANAGER IS A CRITICAL ROLE.

I THINK THE CITY MANAGER FOR THE WORK HE DOES TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.

I HAVE GIVEN HIM A F IN MY PAST EVALUATIONS OF HIM.

WHEN WE THINK ABOUT THE PUBLIC TRUST AND HIS MANAGEMENT OF THE POLICE CHIEF, THE WAY HE HAS TREATED MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION WHO HE DOES NOT LIKE OR WHO ARE CRITICAL OF HIM.

THAT DISRESPECT IS NOT DISRESPECTED ME BUT THE PUBLIC WHO ARE REPRESENT.

I HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED BY CITY MANAGER WHO DOES NOT BRING BACK AGENDA ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN VOTED ON UNANIMOUSLY BY THE COMMISSION.

MAKING PERSONAL ATTACKS ON PRIVATE CITIZENS THAT HE DOESN'T LIKE.

A CITY MANAGER THAT DOES NOT RESPOND TO MOST OF MY EMAILS.

THAT IS NOT THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS.

THERE HAS BEEN MANY MISSTEPS AND I THINK WE NEED A CHANGE IN CITY HALL TO RESTORE THE TRUST OF THE PUBLIC SO WE CAN SERVE THEM BETTER AND BE OUR BEST CITY.

>> Louis Dilbert: I WOULD HAVE TO GIVE OUR CITY MANAGER A C. I HAVE A CONCERN WITH THE PERMITTING ISSUE, HOW LONG IT TAKES AND RISING COSTS AND CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS.

IT IS ULTIMATELY COSTING US LOTS OF MONEY.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE DEVELOPERS AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS NOT TO TELL ME IN A SENSE WHERE IT IS EASIER FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS TO GET BUSINESS AND OTHERS TO GET BUSINESS.

AT THIS POINT IN TIME CONSIDERING ISSUES HERE HAVING WITH THE COMMISSION, WOULD GIVE HIM A, C. >> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I HAVEN'T HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH HIM.

UNDERSTAND THE ROLE OF THE CITY MANAGER GOVERNS THE EMPLOYEES AND EVERYTHING THAT AFFECTS THE CITY.

THE RELATIONSHIPS ARE SO IMPORTANT AND BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CITY MANAGER.

I HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING TO KEEP AN OPEN LINE OF COMMUNICATIONS TO TALK THROUGH ISSUES AND DEBATES.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT AS A COMMISSIONER TO ATTEND ALL BRIEFINGS.

WE ATTEND OUR BRIEFINGS WE CAN UNDERSTAND AND HAVE THAT CONVERSATION WITH THE CITY MANAGER.

WE CAN DEAL WITH RESPECT AND DECORUM AND GO FROM THERE WITHOUT NECESSARILY HAVING TO WANT SOMEONE FIRED BECAUSE THEY DISAGREE WITH US.

WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER WE CAN COME TO A SOLUTION THAT WILL BENEFIT THIS ENTIRE CITY.

I WOULD GIVE HIM A, B.

>> OUR LAST QUESTION IN THIS SECTION TO CURRENT LOBBYING REGULATION PROVIDE PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY THROUGHOUT THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS AS TO WHO IS ATTEMPTING TO INFLUENCE THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE GOVERNMENT POLICY AND DECISION.

AN HOUR OF REGULATORY OR PROCEDURAL CHANGES NEEDED AND YOU WILL HAVE 30 SECONDS TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION BEGINNING WITH MR. DILBERT.

>> Louis Dilbert: I DO NOT KNOW ALL OF THE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS QUESTION.

I DO KNOW AND I WILL START LOOKING, I DON'T KNOW IF THE TRANSPARENCY IS THERE.

WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO WHO GETS BUSINESS IN OUR COMMUNITY, WHO HAS ACCESS TO OUR PUBLIC OFFICIALS, IT IS SILLY?.

I'M NOT SAYING ANYONE IS ACTING IN AN UNETHICAL MANNER.

THE FOCUS NEEDS TO BE ON CONTINUING TO LOOK AT THE PROCESS AND ENSURING THIS EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF THE RESOURCES TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE CITY.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION?

>> TO CURRENT LOBBYING REGULATIONS PROVIDE PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS AS TO WHO IS ATTEMPTING TO INFLUENCE THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE GOVERNMENT BY REGULATORY AND PROCEDURAL CHANGES NEEDED?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THERE MUST BE A SENSE OF PROPER CONDUCT.

WE MUST BE HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD AS ELECTED OFFICIALS.

INTEGRITY MUST BE IN PLACE WILL THEREFORE LOBBYISTS OR ANYONE WHO INTENDS TO PERSUADE THE ELECTED OFFICIALS TO GO CERTAIN WAY THAT SHOULD BE OUTLAWED.

WITH THAT BEING SAID, I DON'T BELIEVE I AM EDUCATED ENOUGH BECAUSE I HAVEN'T HAD THAT EXPERIENCE OF WORKING ALONG WITH THE LOBBYISTS.

ANYBODY IN THAT CAPACITY SHOULD BE REGULATED.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I SUPPORTED CLOSING SOME OF THE LOBBYISTS LOOPHOLES THAT EXIST IN THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE.

THESE WERE RECOMMENDING THAT STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS AND BOARD SUPPORTED.

THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME DID NOT SUPPORT MOVING FORWARD CLOSING THE LOBBYING POLLS.

WE HAVE CONSULTANTS AND PR FIRMS WHO ESSENTIALLY OPERATING AS LOBBYISTS AND THAT NEEDS TO STOP.

>> WE ARE GOING TO DO A QUICK LIGHTNING ROUND.

THE WAY THAT WORKS IS I'M LOOKING FOR ONE SENTENCE ANSWERS.

SOME MIGHT BE YES, OR NO.

NO ONE LIKES RUN ON SENTENCES.

STARTING WITH YOU MR. FERGUSON.

WHO ARE YOU BACKING IN THE COMMISSION RACE AND WHY?

ONE SENTENCE.

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I AM BACKING MR. CURTIS RICHARDSON.

I HAVE KNOWN HIM ALL OF MY LIFE SINCE I WAS A TEENAGER SINCE YOU WORK WITH THE URBAN LEAGUE AND SCHOOL BOARD.

I CONSIDER TO HIM TO BE A FATHER TEACHING ALL OF US AND ESPECIALLY ME.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON HOWEVER THIS CRITICAL BOLTS THAT WE DISAGREE ON.

FOR THOSE REASONS I AM SUPPORTING JOHNSON FOR THAT SEAT.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: I HAVE NOT MADE ANY ALLIANCES IN THIS PARTICULAR RACE.

I DO HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF RESPECT FOR COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON.

I DO PLAN ON SUPPORTING HIM.

THAT IS BASED OFF A ONE YEAR RELATIONSHIP BUT A 20+ YEAR RELATIONSHIP.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST ADVISOR OR MENTOR AND IT CANNOT BE FAMILY?

>> Jacqueline Porter: ANYONE WHO RUNS HIS CAMPAIGN KNOWS THAT THE VOTERS IN COMMUNITY ARE NOT SHY.

I LISTEN TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

I HAVE WORKED ON CAMPAIGNS BEFORE.

>> THANK YOU.

SAME QUESTION MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: [INDISCERNIBLE] >> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I AM GOING TO GO WITH MY TREASURER.

SHE GOT ME IN THIS SO SHE HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL TO MAKE SURE I GET TO THE PLACES WHERE NEED TO BE.

I HAVE TO GIVE HER SHOUT OUT.

MS. HAYES.

>> WHAT IS YOUR DAY JOB AND IF ELECTED WOULD YOU KEEP IT?

MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: ABSOLUTELY.

I LOVE THE WORK THAT I DO SERVING THE VETERAN COMMUNITY AND FAMU AND THOSE WHO ARE TRYING TO GET INTO SCHOOL.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I CANNOT QUIT MY JOB BECAUSE I'M A PASTOR.

MY PEOPLE NEED ME THERE SO I WILL CONTINUE TO DO IT.

>> THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I HAVE WORKED A PART-TIME JOB AS A GRANT WRITER.

>> THANK YOU.

SINGLE MOST PRIZED ENDORSEMENT AND WHY?

MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I'M PROUD TO RECEIVE THE POLICE ENDORSEMENT.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: THE FIREFIGHTER UNION ENDORSEMENT.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: I DON'T HAVE ORGANIZATION ENDORSEMENT THAT I HAVE RECEIVED ENDORSEMENT OF A MENTOR FOR MY FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER WHO SERVED 25 YEARS ON THE SCHOOL BOARD.

>> WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM THE RECENT TORNADO OUTBREAK IN ONE SENTENCE?

COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: WE NEED BETTER FOR COMMUNICATION ON EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND MAKING SURE WE ARE SUPPORTING FOLKS DOING SEARCH AND RESCUE.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: WE NEED IN RESERVE FOR SUCH EVENTS LIKE THIS TO HELP RESTORE OUR COMMUNITIES.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AT UNDERGROUND POWER LIES TO ENSURE WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN, WE WILL BE PREPARED TO DEAL WITH IT.

PEOPLE WILL NOT BE WITHOUT POWER FOR WEEKS.

>> MR. DILBERT WHAT PLEDGE WOULD YOU MAKE TO VOTERS THAT YOU WOULD ACCOMPLISH IF ELECTED?

>> Louis Dilbert: STEM THE ISSUE WITH HOMELESSNESS.

I WILL WORK DILIGENTLY FOR US TO GET ALTERNATIVE FACILITIES TO HOUSE OUR HOMELESS FOCUSING ON SPECIAL POPULATIONS.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

WHAT IS ONE PLEDGE TO VOTERS THAT YOU WOULD ACCOMPLISH WHEN ELECTED?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE THAT WE ARE SAFE IN THIS COMMUNITY.

AND A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I WILL NOT STOP FIGHTING TOOL EVERYONE HAS A PLACE TO CALL HOME.

>> DO YOU SUPPORT AUTOMATIC FINDING OF SCHOOL ZONE SPEEDERS FOR $100 A POP?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: WE HAVE TO PROTECT INDIVIDUALS TO WALK ACROSS THE STREET.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: YES.

>> Louis Dilbert: YES TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.

>> ARE WE DOING ENOUGH TO PRIORITIZE AND DEVELOP SPENDING TO UNDERGROUND UTILITIES?

COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: NO.

>> MR. DILBERT.

>> Louis Dilbert: NO.

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: NO.

>> TRUE OR FALSE STATEMENT PRESERVING OUR TREATIES IS AS EQUALLY IMPORTANT AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?

MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDS DON'T GET MAD AT ME ON THIS ONE BUT I THINK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS IMPORTANT.

WE DO NEED TO SAVE OUR TREES AS BEST AS WE CAN.

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: HAVE TO FIND THE BALANCE BETWEEN PRESERVING OUR NATURAL BEAUTY AND ENVIRONMENT AS IT CONTINUED TO GROW.

>> TRUE OR FALSE?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: TRUE.

>> Jacqueline Porter: TRUE, I BELIEVE THAT IT IS ONE IN THE SAME.

>> VERY GOOD.

>> THE FIRST QUESTION IS FOR COMMISSIONER PORTER AND YOUNG WOMAN TO RESPOND.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAVE RECEIVED PUSHBACK FOR DETRIMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SOME DEVELOPMENTS IN PRACTICE IS OUR COMMUNITY GROWING RESPONSIBLY?

>> Jacqueline Porter: UNFORTUNATELY, NO.

WE HAVE IN SOME WAYS, YES.

IN THE PAST 10 YEARS ESPECIALLY HAS BEEN DECISIONS THAT ARE GOING TO COST THE TAXPAYERS TREMENDOUSLY FOR THE FUTURE COST OF MAINTAINING THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF BUILDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE.

WE ARE LITERALLY CLEAR CUTTING TREES, INCENTIVIZING URBAN SPRAWL ALL THINGS MEN ARE COSTLY TO TAXPAYERS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT AND WE CAN DO BETTER.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: IT IS VERY INEQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT GOING ON IN THE CITY.

AGAIN, AS COMMISSIONER PORTER SAID, WE ARE CUTTING DOWN TREES AND IT WILL BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE WE HAVE A BUNCH OF HOUSING CONFLICTS OUT THERE.

WE ARE NOT FOCUSING ON BUILDING ON THE SOUTH SIDE, BUILDING IN FRENCHTOWN AND MAKE SURE THE WEST AND THE SOUTH MATCHED THE EAST AND NORTHEAST.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. FERGUSON, SR.?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: WE NEED TO FOCUS ON INFILL DEVELOPMENT WE CAN CUT BACK ON OPEN SPRAWL.

WE CAN FIND WITHIN THE URBAN AREAS TO BUILD FROM THERE THAT WE WOULD CUT BACK ON SEWAGE, GAS, ELECTRICITY YOU NAME IT IF WE CAN BUILD RIGHT INTO THE CITY WE WILL BE OKAY.

CERTAINLY, WE DO HAVE A WAYS TO GO BUT WE'RE GETTING THERE.

>> THANK YOU.

NEXT QUESTION, THE ROLE OF DEVELOPERS AND BLACK MONEY IN CAMPAIGNS HAVE BECOME A FLASHPOINT.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR OPPONENTS CAMPAIGNS FUNDRAISING?

45 SECONDS.

>> Louis Dilbert: I FEEL OBLIGATED MY TREASURER CHEST IS NOT AS BIG.

I DO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE INFLUENCES ON BOTH SIDES OF BOTH MY OPPONENTS THAT WILL TIE THEIR HANDS ON THE DECISIONS THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE.

I AM VERY PROUD OF THE EFFORTS MADE TO RAISE FUNDS.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO DROP ME SOME MONEY I WOULD HAVE TO CONSIDER EACH PERSON.

I WILL MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THAT PERSON DOESN'T HAVE A STRONG HOLD ON DECISIONS THAT I MAKE AS A COMMISSIONER.

>> THANK YOU.

45 SECONDS FOR YOU MR. RUDY FERGUSON.

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I'M NOT SURE WHAT DARK MONEY IS AND WE HAVE TO PUT IT ON OUR TREASURER REPORT.

NEVERTHELESS I DON'T BELIEVE THE MONEY YOU RECEIVE AND I'M GRATEFUL FOR THE FIVE DOLLARS THAT I RECEIVED, I'M GRATEFUL FOR THE 25 IN THE $500 THAT I HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

ALSO FROM THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO CAN'T AFFORD TO GIVE ME BIG CHECKS.

SO CERTAINLY I WOULD SAY, IT PLAYS NO ROLE AS FAR AS MY DECISION HAS THERE IS CONCERNED.

THERE'S NO SPECIAL INTEREST OR THINGS OF THAT NATURE.

I WILL GOVERN WITH INTEGRITY AND RESPECT TO WHO I SERVING MY ANSWER.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR OPPONENTS CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I'M PROUD TO HAVE A THOUSAND WITH MANY DONATIONS AND ONE OF $60.

HE IS FUNDED BY THE SAME DEVELOPERS WHO WE ARE TALKING ABOUT AND WHO ARE SUPPORTING URBAN SPRAWL AND BENEFITING FROM IT.

HIS AVERAGE CONTRIBUTION IS $400, $-60.

I THINK THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

>> THANK YOU.

NEXT QUESTION.

THE DEVELOPERS OF RAILROAD SQUARE HAVE SAID PRETTY BLUNTLY THAT THEY CANNOT AFFORD THE COST OF RUNNING WHAT IS CONSIDERED THE CITY'S ART DISTRICT.

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

WHAT IS THE CITY'S ROLE HERE.

MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: OUR ART DISTRICT IS BEAUTIFUL AND IT IS ADDITION TO OUR CITY.

I'M NOT SURE WITH THE CITY ROLE COULD BE THAT I CERTAINLY WANT TO SEE RAILROAD SQUARE IS BROUGHT BACK INTO ACTION.

I WAS SAYING MY OPPONENTS THAT I HAVE, SHE HAD 1000 DONORS SO LET'S BE CLEAR THAT SHE HAS 400 AND EACH ONE OF THOSE HAS GIVEN 15 Ã20 TIMES TO MAKE THAT NUMBER.

THIS IS WHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH AS FAR AS MANIPULATION OF OUR VOTERS.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I BELIEVE OUR ARTS DISTRICT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT.

WHEN I FIRST MOVED TO TALLAHASSEE IT IS ONE OF THE REASONS THAT ALLOW -- I FELL IN LOVE WITH TALLAHASSEE.

WEATHER IS LOOKING INTO BUYING PORTIONS OF RAILROAD SQUARE THERE ARE MODELS FOR THIS AND OTHER CITIES.

AGAIN THIS IS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY WHERE SOME OF THE MONEY WAS GIVEN TO CAMPBELL STADIUM COULD HAVE BEEN USED.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: WHEN IT COMES TO THE TOWN TO PRESERVE OUR UNIVERSITIES THE ART DISTRICT IS IMPORTANT.

IF THE CITY WAS TO PURCHASE THE LAND, THEY NEED TO FOCUS ON MAKING SURE IT IS A PRIORITY.

I WAS IN COLORADO SPRINGS AND I SAW AN ARENA THAT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL AND IT WAS A UNIQUE STRUCTURE.

I AM WONDERING TALLAHASSEE IS READY FOR SOMETHING LIKE THAT FOR PEOPLE TO COME AND VISIT AS WELL AS PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE.

THE ART DISTRICT WE NEED TO MAINTAIN THAT IT WILL KEEP INDIVIDUALS HERE.

PARTICULAR FOR THE CROWD THAT IS 20 Ã35 TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE THIS IS A PLACE THEY CAN FIND ENTERTAINMENT AND THE CAN ENJOY THANK YOU.

NEXT QUESTION.

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

HOW EFFECTIVE IS THIS INITIATIVE BEEN?

IF ELECTED WHAT IF ANY CHANGES WOULD YOU SEE?

YOU 45 SECONDS FOR YOUR RESPONSE.

COMMISSIONER PORTER YOU CAN BE - - BEGIN.

>> Jacqueline Porter: IT IS UNFAIR TO PUT THAT BURDEN ON SOME NEIGHBORHOODS TO PLAN FOR THEMSELVES RATHER THAN OTHERS.

I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF BENEFIT AND I THINK THE COMMUNITIES ARE EXCITED.

THERE IS SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THIS CALL PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING WHICH I HAVE ADVOCATED FOR.

I THINK THAT IT IS A GREAT MODEL TO BUILD UPON IN THE FUTURE.

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE RESULTS OF THOSE PLANS COME TO BEAR.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: I THINK THEY ARE DOING A GREAT JOB.

I THINK THE CITIZENS SHOULD BE INVOLVED WITH THE PLANNING PROCESS.

THEY SHOULD HAVE A SAY BECAUSE OFTEN TIMES IN OTHER COMMUNITIES GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS DICTATE WHAT IS GOING TO GO WHERE.

SOME OF THAT HAPPENS HERE TALLAHASSEE SO THAT IS MY CONCERN ABOUT THE SOUTH SIDE.

ARE WE BUILDING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE SOUTH SIDE?

THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE THERE WILL USE AND CAN AFFORD TO USE AND FREQUENT AND IT WILL REFLECT THE COMMUNITY?

WHERE WE DOING THIS THROUGHOUT THE CITY I THINK THE CITIZEN INPUT IS IMPORTANT.

EVEN A PROJECT THEY HAD FOR AUCILLA STREET THIS DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE BUT I WENT TO THE STREET AND I LOOKED AT WHAT THEY WERE DOING AND I CHANGED MY MIND.

I ACTUALLY WENT TO THE LOCATION AND SAW THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO PUT THE SIDEWALK IN THE LOCATION.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. FERGUSON, SR.?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I'M VERY PROUD OF THOSE.

I MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS AND THE CITIZENS DID HAVE INPUT.

BEFORE IT WAS PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED A LOT OF THE CITIZENS AND PROVIDENCE PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN WHICH WE WANTED TO SEE IN THE COMMUNITIES AND WHAT WE WANTED TO HAVE.

AND FROM THAT WE HAVE A BRAND-NEW STORE COMING TO THE GRIFFIN NEIGHBORHOOD.

WE ARE CURRENTLY A FULL PARK THAT IS BEAUTIFUL.

WE HAVE SIDEWALKS NOW AND MORE SENSE OF PRIDE.

THE $6 MILLION THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED AND RECEIVING IS PERFECT.

IT IS BEAUTIFUL.

FINALLY, WE GET SOMEONE THAT IS PAYING ATTENTION IN OUR MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR FOR MANY YEARS.

>> THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: -- >> MR. DILBERT WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU.

IT IS 15 SECONDS ONLY EACH.

WHAT IS ONE KIND OF DEVELOPMENT WE HAVE TOO MUCH OF THEM WHEN WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH OF?

>> Louis Dilbert: WE HAVE TOO MUCH HOUSING MASK UNITS ON ONE SIDE OF TOWN.

AND DESOLATE ON THE OTHER SIDE.

THE NORTHEAST TO BE SPECIFIC AND SOUTH SIDE.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. FERGUSON?

WHAT IS ONE KIND OF DEVELOPMENT WE HAVE TOO MUCH OF AN ANOTHER THAT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH OF?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: WE NEED MORE JOBS.

WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH JOBS THAT BRING GOOD WAGES.

AND HEALTH INSURANCE AND WE HAVE TOO MANY LIQUOR STORES.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER WHAT IS ONE KIND OF DEVELOPMENT WE HAVE TOO MUCH OF THEM WHAT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH OF?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I THINK WE HAVE TOO MANY SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES.

WE NEED URBAN INFILL AND MIDDLE HOUSES.

TRIPLEX'S AND DUPLEXES, SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES.

>> THIS NEXT SECTION IS GOING TO BE FOCUSED ON SOME OF THE STATE AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS THAT WE WILL BE SEEING COMING UP ON THE BALLOT.

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

32ND RESPONSES AND WE WILL START WITH MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I UNDERSTAND IT IS USED FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE.

TO RELEASE IT IS RECREATIONAL, IT WILL DO MY COMMUNITY IN THE CITY MORE HARM THAN GOOD.

I THINK IF THAT IS EVER TO HAPPEN, MY QUESTION IS HOW DO WE REGULATE SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE?

AND HOW DO WE CONTROL IT?

I BELIEVE IT WILL BE UNDER CONTROL.

WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MANAGE IT IN TIME ADVANTAGE -- >>.

>> Jacqueline Porter: I THINK THE WAR ON DRUGS FAILED.

I THINK IT WILL BE GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY IF IT PASSES AS FAR AS THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE BURDEN.

AND RACIAL BURDEN IS CONCERNED.

I THINK IT IS AN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY THAT HOPEFULLY MANY PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT FROM.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: WE ARE LIVE IN A CAPITALISTIC SOCIETY SOMEBODY IS SEEKING TO MAKE MONEY UP OFF OF THIS.

IT IS NOT ABOUT PEOPLE'S LEGAL LIBERTY AND FREEDOM.

IT IS WHO IS GOING TO MAKE THE MOST MONEY?

LET'S LOOK AT REGULATED.

BEFORE CAN SUPPORT SOMETHING LIKE THAT, HAVE TO BE OR LOOK AT THE REGULATION AND MAKE SURE IT IS A SAFE MEASURE.

I'LL ALSO WANT TO DECRIMINALIZE IT WITH LESS PENALTIES.

WE KNOW THERE ARE PEOPLE SITTING IN JAIL FOR MINOR OFFENSES RELATED TO MARIJUANA.

WE NEED TO LOOK AT THAT SPECIFICALLY AND NOT A FREE FOR ALL.

>> ON THE PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT THE SALARY OF EACH CITY COMMISSIONER WITH DOUBLE AND EQUAL THAT SET BY STATE LAW WHICH IS CURRENTLY ABOUT $96,000 A YEAR.

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

BEGINNING WITH COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I VOTED, NO.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: I HAVE A JOB BUT I WILL NOT SUPPORT IT RIGHT NOW.

THEIR REGULATIONS WOULD HAVE TO BE IN PLACE.

ARE THEY DOING OFFICE HOURS?

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

I KNOW THEY ARE WORKING BUT AT THE SAME TIME HOW DO WE ENSURE THAT OUR MONEY IS GOING TO BE BEST USED BY THAT?

THERE HAS TO BE OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERS AND THINGS OF THAT SORT BEFORE I CAN AGREE.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I WOULD CERTAINLY SAY, I RESPECT THE DECISION ON VOTERS.

IF THEY SAY, YES.

SO BE IT AND IF THEY SAY NO, SO BE IT.

AND I WOULD SAY NO.

>> IT WAS SUGGESTED BY THE TALLAHASSEE LAND COUNTY ON THE STATUS ON WOMEN AND GIRLS.

FLORIDIANS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY THIS NOVEMBER TO VOTE ON FLORIDA AMENDMENT FOUR TITLE AMENDMENT TO LIMIT GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE WITH ABORTION.

THE CITY COMMISSION HAS TAKEN VOTES ON THIS ISSUE PREVIOUSLY PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY YOU SUPPORT OR OPPOSE THIS AMENDMENT WITHIN 15 SECONDS BEGINNING WITH MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: I DID NOT SUPPORT THE OVERTURNING OF ROE VERSUS WADE.

I THINK THAT WAS SETTLED AND I THINK THE GOVERNMENT KEEPS OVERSTATING ITS BOUNDARIES IN REGARDS TO WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS.

AND I SUPPORT IT.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: AS A MAN HAVING HAD ANY CHILDREN, IT IS NOT OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO LEGISLATE A WOMAN'S BODY OR HEALTH CARE AND HOW SHE GOVERNS YOURSELF.

I WILL GOAL IS TO SUPPORT HER DECISION AND WHATEVER SHE CHOOSES BEST FOR HER.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: PUBLISHERS AND HAVE NO ROLE IN MEDICAL DISCUSSIONS THAT WOMEN AND FAMILY NEEDS.

I WILL BE VOTING, YES ON AMENDMENT NUMBER FOUR.

>> I HAVE A COUPLE OF COURSE - - QUICK QUESTIONS.

COMMISSIONER PORTER YOU WANT A MINORITY SIDE WITH COMMISSIONER MATT LOW.

IT WILL BE HARD TO MAKE AN IMPACT WITHOUT COMPROMISE WITH ALL OF THAT IN MIND, WOULD YOU CONSIDER THE BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT OF YOUR FIRST TERM THERE 30 SECONDS.

>> Jacqueline Porter: WE ARE NOT GOING TO WIN EVERY FIGHT.

WE UNDERSTAND THEM.

ONE OF MY BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS IS THE CONSTITUENT SERVICES THAT ARE PROVIDED WITH SO MANY OF OUR GREAT COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

I WAS REALLY PROUD TO SERVE MEADOWS HOME MOBILE HOME WHEN THEY RATES WERE TRIPLED OVERNIGHT.

WE WERE ABLE TO RAISE $30,000 TO MAKE SURE MANY OF THEM RECEIVED RELOCATION AND LEGAL SUPPORT.

THAT I AM VERY PROUD OF.

I AM PROUD OF SPEAKING WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE WHAT IS RIGHT NO MATTER IF I LOSE.

>> MR. FERGUSON YOU WAS IN THE LAST ELECTION CYCLE FOR COUNTY COMMISSION AND LOST TO MADDOX.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT THIS TIME AROUND?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I LEARNED HOW TO LOSE.

I HAVE LEARNED A LOT FROM THAT HAS GARNERED ME TO CONTINUE TO SERVE.

AND I WANT TO BE OF SERVICE.

I LEARNED A LOT FROM THAT AND YOU LEARNED FROM LOSING SO YOU ARE ABLE TO WIN.

>> PORTER YOUR WEBSITE STATES THE PEOPLE OF TALLAHASSEE HAS BEEN FOR CHANGE AND YOU SAY TALLAHASSEE NEED TO READ NEXT.

AS A NEW, WHAT KIND OF CONNECTIONS DO YOU HAVE AND HOW CAN YOU CAN SUCCEED WHERE OTHERS HAVE FAILED?

30 SECONDS.

>> Louis Dilbert: MY PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS TO DIVERSE AREAS OF THE COMMUNITY I THINK I HAVE GAINED DIFFERENT DYNAMICS OF OUR COMMUNITY.

I CAN TRULY SERVE IN A NONPARTISAN CAPACITY.

I AM A DEMOCRAT BUT I AM CONSERVATIVE FRIENDS WHO I HAVE HIGH RESPECT AND REGARD TWO.

I BELIEVE AND I WANT TO RECONNECT THE CITY NOT ONLY ECONOMICALLY BUT SOME OF THE BITTER DIVIDE THAT HAS BEEN CAUSED POLITICALLY AND BREAK THE DIVIDE OF OUR CURRENT CONDITION.

>> THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER PORTER AS AN INCUMBENT AND PROCEED TO BE PART OF WHAT SOME SEE AS A DYSFUNCTIONAL CITY COMMISSION, DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU BEAR ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BITTER SPLIT WITH THEIR COLLEAGUES?

30 SECONDS.

>> Jacqueline Porter: WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW WE WORK TOGETHER FOR YOU AND I TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THAT AND A LOT OF PEOPLE GIVE ME ADVICE THAT I SEEK ADVICE.

IF THERE WAS ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO TO MAKE IT BETTER, I CERTAINLY WOULD.

THAT BEING SAID, HOLDING EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE, ASKING DIFFICULT BECAUSE QUESTIONS THAT IS WHY THE VOTERS ELECTED ME TO THIS ROLE.

WE WERE NOT ELECTED TO BE FRIENDS WITH EACH OTHER.

WE WERE ELECTED TO WORK TOGETHER AND I REMAINED COMMITTED TO DOING SO.

RMA COMMITTED TO DO SO FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.

>> MR. FERGUSON .

[INDISCERNIBLE].

CAN YOU PROMISE VOTERS WHO BRING A SENSE OF INDEPENDENCE TO THE SEAT OR IS THERE NO WAY AROUND WITH ONE OF THE CAMPS IF YOU WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL?

30 SECONDS.

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I THINK I CAN WORK ALONG WITH ALL OF OUR COMMISSIONERS.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO IS TO WORK FOR OUR COMMUNITY NOT AGAINST OUR COMMUNITY AND NOT AGAINST OUR COLLEAGUES.

WE ARE THERE TO SERVE THE PURPOSE OF THE PEOPLE.

SO YES, I BELIEVE I AM AN INDEPENDENT THINKER.

I RUN MY OWN CAMPAIGN AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE.

I WILL CERTAINLY FROM MY OWN OFFICE AT CITY HALL WORK ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER COMMISSIONERS TO BRING STABILITY, HARMONY, RESPECT, AND THE KORAN.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. DILBERT SAME QUESTION.

>> Louis Dilbert: ARE THE ONLY CANDIDATE THAT DO NOT HAVE CURRENT COMMISSIONERS THAT ARE DIRECTLY BACKING ME.

THEY ARE TAKING POSITIONS ON PARTICULAR CANDIDATES.

I THINK THAT COMES FROM MY REPUTATION FOR BEING AN INDEPENDENT THINKER AND I MAKE DECISIONS WITHOUT OBLIGATION.

THAT IS WHY DID I HAVE A LOT OF THESE CORPORATE ENDORSEMENTS FROM THESE UNIONS AND PEOPLES OF SORT.

INDIVIDUALS WANT YOU TO ALIGN RATHER THAN THINK INDEPENDENTLY.

>> THANK YOU.

I APPRECIATE IT, THANK YOU.

>> WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE IN CITY HALL THE CLIMATE HERE.

FERGUSON WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU.

THIS IS 30 SECONDS.

MAYOR DALEY HAS LIMITED THE CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS HAVE BECOME A POLITICAL CIRCUS.

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

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: WE NEED TO HAVE ADULTS IN THE ROOM.

WE NEED TO HAVE A SENSE OF RESPECT FOR EVERYONE'S OPINION.

IT HAS BECOME A PROBLEM WHEN YOU HAVE PAID POLITICAL CONSULTANTS WHO COME IN THERE SIMPLY NOT AS CONCERNED CITIZENS BUT POLITICAL CONSULTANTS WHO HAVE BEEN SENT ON A MISSION.

I BELIEVE THIS CAUSES OUR CITY AND OAK ALL ACROSS THE STATE OF FLORIDA TO BE EMBARRASSED.

LET ME JUST BE HONEST.

FOR US TO BE THE CAPITAL CITY OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA WE NEED TO BE MORE RESPONSIBLE WITH OUR BEHAVIORS.

ASK COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION?

>> MAYOR DALEY HAS LIMITED THE CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS HAVE BECOME A POLITICAL CIRCUS.

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

>> Jacqueline Porter: I THINK OUR DIVIDE IS NOT BASED ON PARTISAN ARE IDEOLOGY, IT IS BASED ON WHO SUPPORTS THE STATUS QUO AND THINGS REMAIN THE SAME AND WANTS TO SEE CHANGE IN ACCOUNTABILITY AT CITY HALL?

WE CERTAINLY DISAGREE BUT IF YOU WATCH OUR MEETING, WE ARE NOT DISCUSSING POLICY.

IT IS TRYING TO GET THROUGH THE BASIC QUESTIONS TO SERVE OUR RESIDENTS.

I THINK THE MAYOR UNFORTUNATELY HAS NOT SET AN APPROPRIATE TONE.

HE HAS CUT ME OFF AT MEETINGS AND SPOKEN DISRESPECTFULLY TO THE PUBLIC AND IT NEEDS TO CHANGE AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: I SUPPORT THE MAYOR, I THINK HE NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB AT BRIDGING THE DIVIDE.

THAT IS THE JOB OF THE MAYOR, YOU BRING THE CITY TO -- TOGETHER.

BY TAKING STANCES WITH CERTAIN COLLEAGUES EACH PERSON TAKING A HARD-LINE STANCE AND NOT SWAYING, I THINK COMMISSIONER MATT LOWE HAS SWAYED TO MAKE IT A 4/1.

OTHER THAN THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ANYBODY MOVING.

IT IS HIS RESPONSIBILITY TO BRIDGE THE GAP AND CONTROL WHAT IS GOING ON.

>> THE LAST ELECTION CYCLE WAS ONE OF THE UGLIEST IN RECENT MEMORY.

WE SAW ELECTION WEBSITES AND POLITICAL OPERATIVES TRIED TO TOPPLE CANDIDATES.

WILL YOU DISAVOW SUCH EFFORTS RIGHT NOW UNTIL THOSE WHO WORK BEHIND-THE-SCENES TO STAND DOWN?

15 SECONDS COMMISSIONER PORTER WE WILL START WITH YOU.

>> Jacqueline Porter: I AM PROUD OF MY RECORD AND MY LOVE OF TALLAHASSEE AND MY VISION FOR TALLAHASSEE AND HOW MUCH WE CAN DO AND HOW MUCH BETTER WE CAN BE.

THAT IS THE KIND OF CAMPAIGN I'M RUNNING IN AND THAT IS THE WAY I WANT TO GOVERN AND LEAVE SO YOU CAN COUNT ON ME FOR THAT.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: MY CAMPAIGN IS FOCUSED ON WHAT I COULD DO FOR THE CITY AND WHAT MIKE COMPONENTS CANNOT DO.

I DO NOT HAVE ANYBODY DOING COMMERCIALS BEHIND THE SCENES.

I AM PROUD OF THE CAMPAIGN THAT I HAVE RUN.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: AS A PASTOR AND A MAN OF FAITH AN EXAMPLE AND ADVOCATE MY FIRST RESPONSE ABILITY IS TO UPHOLD INTEGRITY.

NO PERSONAL ATTACKS WILL COME FROM MY CAMP OR FOR ME.

WE DEAL WITH FACTS ONLY IN BONY -- >> CASSANDRA JACKSON WAS WIDELY RESPECTED IN THE LEGAL COMMUNITY, LAST YEAR SHE ANNOUNCED HER EARLY RESIGNATION AT THE SAME TIME TEXT MESSAGES CAME OUT FROM AN ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER DISPARAGING HER EXPERTISE IN DEVELOPMENT MATTERS.

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

WAS THIS HANDLED APPROPRIATELY?

45 SECONDS AND WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: IT WAS NOT HANDLED APPROPRIATELY.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT AS RESPONSIBLE ADULT, TO KEEP AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS SAFE AND SECURE AND SHARE OPINIONS.

THE TEXT MESSAGES SHOULD BE BANNED NO TEXTING.

I THINK WE SHOULD SIMPLY HAVE COMMUNICATION ON THE TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON.

I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE RESPECTED IN REGARDS TO THE PROFESSION.

>> THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: THE INCIDENT WAS SHAMEFUL, THE LEADERSHIP RESPONSE WAS SHAMEFUL.

THESE ARE THE PEOPLE LEADING OUR CITY.

THEY ARE AT THE HELM MAKING UPWARDS OF $200,000 AND WE CAN'T COUNT ON THEM TO STAND UP FOR BASIC DECENCY.

I WAS PROUD TO STAND WITH OUR CITY ATTORNEY AT THE TIME CASSANDRA JACKSON.

AND I BELIEVE SHE IS STILL OLD AND APOLOGY FROM THE CITY MANAGEMENT AND SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: BLACK WOMEN ARE ONE OF THE LEAST PROTECTED DEMOGRAPHICS.

PROFESSIONALLY MS. JACKSON WAS NOT PROTECTED AND NOT DEFENDED.

IF HAVE A RELATIONSHIP, I AM GOING TO DEFEND THEM EVEN THOUGH SOME PEOPLE MIGHT BE UPSET.

I DON'T THINK THE SITUATION WAS HANDLED APPROPRIATELY.

>> WHAT ACCOUNTABILITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THIS CASE?

IT SEEMS LIKE YOU'RE CRITICAL OF HOW IT WAS HANDLED.

MR. DILBERT?

ONE SENTENCE.

>> Louis Dilbert: I WOULD DO AN INVESTIGATION AND IT HAS HAVE TO ROLL, HAS HALF THE ROAD.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I WOULD'VE BROUGHT EVERYONE IN AND ISSUED AN APOLOGY AND MOVE FORWARD AS WE CONTINUE TO HEAL IN THE CITY.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: SIR NATALIE'S AND APOLOGY.

A PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR AND DISRESPECT IN THE PUBLIC WAS GIVEN A WINDOW OF INSIGHT INTO THE CULTURE AND ARE UPPER LEVEL CITY MANAGEMENT.

>> WHAT ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES WOULD YOU TAKE?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I THINK HE NEEDS TO BE FIRED, IT STARTS ON HOMELESSNESS.

HOW SHOULD OUR COMMUNITY HAVE AN AUTHORIZED CAMPING AND SLEEPING LAW THAT WILL TAKE EFFECT OCTOBER 1.

ARE WE END LEGAL RISK FROM BUSINESS OWNERS AND HOMEOWNERS?

ONE MINUTE RESPONSES.

>> Jacqueline Porter: I THINK WE'RE GOING TO SEE HOW IT AFFECTS OUR COMMUNITY IN THE LONG TERM.

IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT WE HAVE THE STATE TELLING US HOW TO RUN OUR BUSINESS AND NOT GIVING US THE SUPPORT THAT WE ACTUALLY NEED TO PROVIDE HOUSING.

IT IS GOING TO COST US MORE TO ENFORCE THIS.

THE IMPACT REMAINS TO BE SEEN.

IT IS CERTAINLY AN ISSUE THAT THE CITY NEEDS TO LEAN ON TO ADDRESS.

WE CAN'T HAVE PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE HOMES.

THAT IS NOT GOOD FOR THEM AND IT IS NOT GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.

>> MR. DILBERT?

>> Louis Dilbert: IF I WAS IN LEADERSHIP I WILL BE IN THE GOVERNOR'S FACE AND LEGISLATURES FACE CONSTANTLY ASKING THEM, WHAT NEXT?

IT IS SHAMEFUL HOW INDIVIDUALS DO NOT HAVE MANY OPTIONS AND PLACES TO GO.

SO GUESS WHAT, WE HAVE TO FIND SOMEWHERE FOR THEM TO GO.

SO THEY DO NOT DECIDE HIS AS A HOMELESS PERSON.

WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO IN REGARDS TO MAKING SURE THAT WE DEAL WITH OUR HOMELESS POPULATION SO AS A CITY OFFICIAL I WILL MAKE SURE THAT I'M IN THE FACE OF STATE LEGISLATURES IN THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND ASKED WHAT SUPPORT NOW THAT YOU PASS THIS LEGISLATION?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE HOMELESS POPULATION AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS.

AS A PASTOR WE DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO ASSIST WITH FOOD AND CLOTHING.

HOWEVER, WE HAVE TO CONTROL THE MIGRATION OF THE HOMELESS POPULATION COMING FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.

WE CAN'T BE -- BECOME SEATTLE OR SAN FRANCISCO.

WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT WE HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO CHANNEL AND WORK WITH OUR HOMELESS POPULATION TO GIVE THEM THE NECESSARY TOOLS THAT THEY NEED.

AND ALSO THE EDUCATION THEY NEED TO BECOME GAINFULLY EMPLOYED.

MOST OF THEM HAVE CHOSEN TO LIVE ON THE STREETS.

WE HAVE THE CONTROL THAT AND MAKE SURE WE PUT POLICIES IN PLACE TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS.

BECAUSE WE DO NOT KNOW WHO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE COME TO OUR TOWN.

WE MUST PROTECT OUR CHILDREN, ELDERLY, NEIGHBORHOODS AND OVERALL WE MUST PROTECT THE CITY TO ENSURE THAT THE CITY IS PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES.

PEOPLE ARE COMING IN THE CITY FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY TO GO TO SCHOOL.

WILL MAKE SURE THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE HERE THAT ARE SAFE.

>> THE FOLLOW-UP TO THE QUESTION, HOW IS THE CARNEY CENTER DOING ON MANAGING THE ON HOUSE POPULATION AND IS THERE ANYTHING WE SHOULD BE DOING DIFFERENTLY?

>> Louis Dilbert: THEY ARE DOING THE BEST THEY CAN WITH THE RESOURCES.

I HAVE A PROGRAM THAT WORKS TO TRY TO GET COLLEGE ACCESS FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS AND IT IS FREE FOR THEM.

THEY ARE BRINGING IN THE RESOURCES TO HELP THE INDIVIDUALS OUTSIDE OF JUST HOUSING THEM AND FEEDING THEM.

WE HAVE TO HAVE ANOTHER FACILITY.

I AM GOING TO GO TO THE FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS.

IF THEY OPEN UP ONE HOURS A WEEK TO FEED THE HOMELESS HOW MUCH IT WOULD SAVE FOR OUR HOMELESS POPULATION?

WE HAVE TO WORK WITH OUR COMMUNITY EVEN - - [INDISCERNIBLE].

AND EVENTUALLY OPEN UP ANOTHER FACILITY.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: I HAVE TO DISAGREE WITH MR. DILBERT AS FAR AS THE CHURCH IS NOT DOING ENOUGH.

WE HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES AND A LOT OF OUR CHURCHES.

WE HAVE A VARIETY OF THINGS MUCH COVER TO ENSURE THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE HAS GIVEN THE THINGS THEY ARE NEEDED.

THE CARNEY CENTER IS NOT A DOING A GOOD JOB BECAUSE THEY ARE UNDERFUNDED.

AND WE HAVE A MIGRATION MORE PEOPLE COMING FROM THE HOMELESS POPULATION COMING INTO TOWN.

THEY CAN ONLY HOW SO MANY PEOPLE AND SOME HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO GO INSIDE AND SOME WOULD RATHER LIVE ON THE STREETS AND BUILD CAMPS ON PENSACOLA STREET.

AND EVEN IN FACT BEHIND BUSINESSES AND ON TOP OF ROOFS OF BUSINESSES.

THESE ARE SITUATIONS WE MUST RECTIFY.

I'M NOT TRYING TO LOOK PAST OUR HOMELESS POPULATION, SIMPLY WANT TO HELP THEM.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: IS AN INCREDIBLE RESOURCES JUST LIKE THE NONPROFIT PROVIDERS AND STEP INTO THE SPACE AREA I THINK THE STATE OF HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS IS A FAILURE AT THE FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL.

THERE'S SO MUCH MORE THAT WE NEED TO BE DOING AND WE CAN DO TO ADDRESS THE HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING CRISIS.

>> SQUEEZING IN ONE QUICK QUESTION, HOW SHOULD THE CITY WORK TO RETAIN RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES BY MAKING TALLAHASSEE THE IDEAL PLACE FOR THEM TO START A FAMILY AND CAREER RATHER THAN OTHER CITIES?

30 SECONDS.

>> Louis Dilbert: YOU HAVE TO HAVE GOOD PAYING JOBS.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE ARTS DISTRICT AND ENTERTAINMENT THAT WILL KEEP THEM HERE.

AND ENTICE THEM TO STAY HERE AND CONTINUE TO MAKE IT AFFORDABLE TO LIVE HERE IS A RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATE.

>> MR. FERGUSON?

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: WE NEED MORE.

[INDISCERNIBLE] TO USE IN OUR MARKET FROM THE GREAT MINDS WE HAVE EDUCATED.

TALLAHASSEE IS A BEAUTIFUL CITY AND IT -- I THINK THE CITY WILL GROW RESPONSIBLY.

WE WILL SEE MORE ENTERTAINMENT, TO TALLAHASSEE BECAUSE WE HAVE GROWN.

SO CERTAINLY MORE TAGLINES AND MORE BUSINESSES THAT WILL COME TO TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

>> Jacqueline Porter: I AGREE WITH MY OPPONENTS.

AS ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO CAME TO TALLAHASSEE AND DECIDE TO STAY, THINK WE NEED TO BE LISTENING TO YOUNG LEADERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES WHO HAVE DECIDED TO STAY.

ONE THING I HEAR OVER AND OVER AGAIN OR PUBLIC TRANSIT.

PEOPLE WANT TO BE ABLE TO LIVE IN A CITY WITHOUT HAVING TO HAVE A CAR.

I THINK THAT IS ONE WAY WE CAN SET OURSELVES APART.

>> IT IS CLOSING TIME.

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS TO SPEAK DIRECTLY TO VOTERS.

YOU CAN MENTION YOUR WEBSITE AND MR. FERGUSON WE WANT TO START WITH YOU.

>> Rudy Ferguson, Sr.: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY.

I AM REALLY FERGUSON, HAVE BEEN A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY FOR A BETTER PART OF 40 YEARS.

IN THE SIXTH GENERATION FERGUSON IN THIS TOWN.

MY GRANDMOTHER AND MY FATHER MOTHER WORKED ON BEHALF OF ALL OF THE LESS FORTUNATE FROM MY TIME WITH THE URBAN LEAGUE AND MY TIME WITH THE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ALL OF OUR ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

I AM RUNNING FOR OFFICE ONLY BECAUSE IT IS TIME WE BRING STABILITY, RESPONSIBILITY AND TIME TO GET THE WORK DONE.

WE HAVE LONG POINTED FINGERS AND NOW IS THE TIME TO GET THE WORK DONE.

THIS IS A PARAMOUNT SITUATION YOU'RE WELCOME TO GO TO MY WEBSITE REALLY FERGUSON.COM.

I LOOK FORWARD TO BEING YOUR NEXT COMMISSIONER AND I WILL SERVE YOU WITH ALL INTEGRITY BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN SERVING WITH INTEGRITY.

THANK YOU.

>> COMMISSIONER PORTER?

CLOSING TIME.

>> Jacqueline Porter: I WANT TO BE A COMMISSION FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS BECAUSE I LOVE THIS COMMUNITY AND FIGHTING FOR PEOPLE'S VOICES IN CITY HALL.

THIS ELECTION YOU HAVE A CHOICE IF WE WANT CORPORATE POWER, IT HAS BEEN UNDER MY LIFE TO SERVE YOU AND I HOPE THAT YOU WILL TRUST ME FOR FOUR YEARS.

I WILL LISTEN TO YOU AND I WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, PLEASE JOIN US BY VOTING ON AUGUST 20.

YOU CAN VISIT JACK FOR TALLAHASSEE.com TO GET MORE INVOLVED.

>> MR. DILBERT TAKE US OUT.

>> Louis Dilbert: THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RUN TO GET YOUR VOTE.

TO PROVE MYSELF ACCORDINGLY, HAVE LIVED IN THIS COMMUNITY FOR 25 YEARS AND HAVE BEEN ENGAGED CITIZENS ALL 25 YEARS.

MY WIFE AND I HAVE CHOSEN TO STAY HERE AND CAN -- CONTINUE TO LIVE HERE.

I THINK IT COULD BE GREATER AND IT WILL BE GREATER IF YOU ELECTED ME AS YOUR NEXT CITY COMMISSION.

THERE'S WORK TO BE DONE AND I AM -- HAVE BOOTS ON THE GROUND.

I LOOK FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU TO THE CANDIDATES AND THE AUDIENCE FOR JOINING THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN THE SIN TALLAHASSEE.

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

THE RECORDED BROADCAST WILL BE THURSDAY, JUNE 27 AT 11:00 AM AT WFSU 88.9 FM.

TELEPHONE.

OUR NEXT LIVE STREAM WILL BE WITH THE TWO CANDIDATES FOR LEON COUNTY DISTRICT TWO.

YOU HAVE UNTIL JULY 22 TO REGISTER TO VOTE OR CHANGE YOUR PARTY FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION.

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON AUGUST 10 AND ELECTION DAY TAKES PLACE ON AUGUST 20.

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

WE HAVE A DOUBLE FEATURE TOMORROW BOTH SCHOOL BOARD RACES.

YOU CAN LOOK FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION SECTION OF THE TALLAHASSEE GROUND DEMOCRAT WITH INTERVIEWS OF ALL OF THE CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOTS WHICH WILL BE PRINTED AND INSERTED IN THE SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 PAPER.

HAVE AN