(TALLAHASSEE, FL.) -- Mayor Dailey opened the recent city commissioners meeting, speaking against gun violence. In honor of Gun Violence Awareness Day(June 5), the commissioners welcomed the Wear Orange organization to speak to the audience.
The city commissioners will celebrate Gun Violence Awareness Day by having orange across the city hall, and urging as many as possible to show up to events wearing orange.
The mayor also delivered a proclamation celebrating the city’s public infrastructure team for National Public Works Week. The mayor praised the recent accomplishments of the team and announced May 17 as Public Infrastructure Day.
Photo Credit: Talgov / Mayor John Dailey
“By the authority vested in me as the mayor of the city of Tallahassee, do hereby recognize May 17 through May 23rd as National Public Works Week in Tallahassee and further encourage all citizens to recognize the contributions of public works professionals.”
The city attorney elaborated on restrictions the commissioners may face starting in 2027 due to Florida Senate Bill 1134.
The bill, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis this past April, places strict limits on what legislatures are able to promote as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion. City Attorney Amy Toman described the bill as ‘vague’ and noted the city has numerous programs that will be affected. Any elected official found speaking in violation of the bill may be removed from their position. The bill will additionally void any existing legislation, funding, or structure promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Photo Credit: https://go.boarddocs.com/fla/talgov/Board.nsf/Public
“We need to vote like we have never voted before.”
Commissioner Williams-Cox responded to the city attorney’s announcement with the hope that high voter turnout can prevent SB1134 from becoming law. Several civil rights organizations and leaders have pledged to fight the bill in court and to protect inclusive programs.
“The Free State of Florida” is how Commissioner Jeremy Matlow reacted to the bill. Commissioner Matlow noted how restrictive the bill is. An act as simple as a social media post with positive intentions can lead to an official's removal. He also noted the city will no longer be able to fund or speak in regard to anything related to gender, race, or identity.
“We need to fight back in the court system.”
The commissioners unanimously agreed to direct city staff to identify any city-run programs and policies potentially affected by SB 1134. In agreement with the commissioner's testimonies, the city manager and attorney agreed that both sides will work to combat the bill and its implementation.
The commissioners also voted to rename a street after late community figure Dr. Charles Evans.
The commissioners unanimously approved the name change. Commissioner Curtis Richardson and Dianne Williams-Cox had spoken on how impactful Dr. Charles Evans and his family had been to their lives as well as the community.
Dr. Evans and her companion animal gave a beautiful, thankful, and gracious speech for the honor.
The commissioners also voted to initiate the recruitment process for the city manager.
The current City Manager, Reese Goad, recently announced his retirement, sparking controversy for how the process will occur.
Mayor John Dailey is not seeking reelection, and Commissioner Jeremy Matlow is running for the vacant spot. The two have also disagreed on the proficiency of the city manager. Where the mayor has been supportive of Goad, commissioner Matlow has been increasingly critical.
Video Credit: City of Tallahassee
Before being prompted to return to the agenda by the mayor, Matlow went out of his way to claim Goad is corrupt, and linked his predecessor, Scott Maddox, who was federally prosecuted.
The discussion regarding the recruitment process quickly grew to a tense argument, with the mayor deeming Matlow out of order and ending his speaking time.
In an effort to regain his time Matlow proposed that the city manager forcibly and immediately resign, a motion which quickly failed 3-2.
The city commission has become noticeably combative, with Wednesday’s meeting being a prime example.
Photo Credit: City of Tallahassee
Several upcoming candidates have been on record discussing the poor relations, with tensions at all-time high.
If you have any questions or concerns, please comment, and email me at jason.f@lead4earth.org.
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