TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Remaining candidates in the running for Tallahassee Mayor and the City Commission Seat 3 sat for a forum at WFSU on Friday.
Tom Derzypolski and PJ Perez took time Friday morning to explain to voters what their goals are if chosen to be the next Seat 3 commissioner.
Data centers and Flock cameras have been one of the main concerns of residents all over Tallahassee.
Both candidates were able to find common ground on this issue and said that Tallahassee does not need either in the city.
Other questions ranged from how they would tackle high utility bills, affordable housing and crime rates.
As the general elections near, the candidates shared their motivation to win over the people of Tallahassee.
“I’m here to represent and serve you, the electorate,” Derzypolski said. “Much is said about political party affiliation. I think what Tallahassee is thirsty for is independent thought and leadership, and I look forward to bringing that to the city of Tallahassee.”
“As a government teacher, I got to say that the government, closer to the people, is the one best suited to go to make the most immediate and visual change, and I’m excited to bring this change to the community,” Perez said. “We can create affordable housing, and we can deliver on other needs of the community.”
Both candidates have different visions for the city, but acknowledge that they are still neighbors. They both agreed to reject negativity toward each other’s campaign, and to move forward with respect for one another.
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Current City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and former State Senator Loranne Ausley took time to explain why they are the best option to be Tallahassee’s next mayor.
The candidates disagreed on issues like the selling of the Capital City Country Club, the collaboration of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and Florida State University.
They were able to agree on banning data centers, keeping the fire department as one entity for the city and county and no Flock cameras.
With the elections less than 40 days away, the candidates dove into how they will continue to move forward with their campaigns.
“You’re not gonna see any negative attacks come from our campaign, not on your mailbox, not on TV,” Matlow said. “I don’toperate that way, but I do think we need a break from the politics of the past. Our city needs to represent everyday people; it needs to invest in neighborhoods who have been left behind.”
“I spent my whole life working with all walks of life, to move forward, trying to find common ground, and build partnerships,” Ausley said. “I’ve done that in the legislature, I’ve done that in provis?, and I’mgonna do that as mayor. We need to move forward in a positive direction, and I’m ready to do that.”
Neither candidate was shy about their thoughts on campaign advertisements being funded by Political Action Committees. While it has caused some discourse, they will remain focused on the needs of Tallahassee and the people.
The voter registration deadline for Tallahassee is Oct. 5.
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