TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – We\u2019re just over a month away from the November general election and several big-ticket local races are on the ballot across Florida and Georgia. <\/p>\n
In Tallahassee, two candidates are vying for Seat 3 on the City Commission after a close primary and run-off last month. <\/p>\n
Both Tom Derzypolski and P.J Perez shared their plans for the city during a debate on Tuesday. <\/p>\n
The debate lasted about an hour, but Derzypolski and Perez touched on several key issues that have drawn major concern over the past few months. <\/p>\n
First on that list: affordable housing in the capital city, where more than 35% of households spend 30% or more of their income on housing. <\/p>\n
If elected, Perez said one of his goals would be trimming local governments spending, specifically surplus property and executive salaries.<\/p>\n
Perez said that money can be put into programs like the Tallahassee lenders consortium.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can provide homeownership to individuals who need it the most, provide stability for those people. Freedom, stability, the ability to make choices,\u201d Perez said. <\/p>\n
On the topic of homeownership, both candidates agreed that Amendment 3 would not be good for the community. <\/p>\n
The constitutional amendment, if passed in November, would increase homestead tax exemption while also restricting how counties and municipalities spend property tax revenue. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think we need to retain control on a local level. This is a step too far,\u201d Derzypolski said.<\/p>\n
The two candidates both agreed on the need to invest into some of the city\u2019s overlooked communities, particularly those on the south end. <\/p>\n
Derzypolski said this should be more of a priority before the city moves forward with more urban development. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou go to certain parts of town, and everything\u2019s new. You go to other parts of town, and nothing has changed,\u201d Derzypolski said. <\/p>\n
One of the final topics was the controversy around the city\u2019s hiring of Karen Jumonville as Tallahassee\u2019s city manager, particularly the supermajority termination protection clause. <\/p>\n
Both candidates said this wasn\u2019t the right move for the city, but they had different views on addressing it the future. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re a constitutional government, and we have rules. Those rules are in place,\u201d Perez said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s is legally binding, but I would also seek counsel from staff to see if there\u2019s room here,\u201d Derzypolski said.<\/p>\n
October 5 is the last day to register to vote in Florid and Georgia. The last day to register for mail-in voting is October 22.<\/p>\n
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