David O’Keefe, Leon County Commission candidate for District 5, finished ahead of his three opponents after the votes were tallied from Tuesday’s primary election with 27.4% of the vote.
O’Keefe will face Paula DeBoles-Johnson, who finished with 26.0% of the vote.
Candidates Dustin Rivest (23.9%) and Jay Revell (22.7%) finished 3rd and 4th, respectively.
Before the primary election, O’Keefe appeared on The Steve Stewart Show. Provided below is a summary of that interview. (Note: TR will publish an interview from Paula DeBoles-Johnson appearance on the show tomorrow)
David O’Keefe
O’Keefe, a resident of Tallahassee for 18 years, lives in Old Town with his wife, where he settled down after earning his business degree from Florida State University. O’Keefe worked as a CPA before deciding to run for county commissioner.
The candidate said he has enjoyed getting out in the community and talking with residents. However, O’Keefe noted he dislikes fundraising, though he understands it is necessary.
While out in the community, O’Keefe said the most common concerns residents discuss are the expansion of the city and development projects that come before the county commission.
Other matters that residents mention relate to affordable housing and homelessness issues facing Tallahassee.
Stewart asked O’Keefe how he would have voted on the Amazon project. “I’d be happy to vote for it if, ahead of time, before giving taxpayer money, we make sure we really take into account the impact of it on our community before we just approve it,” O’Keefe responded.
Regarding the Northeast Gateway project, O’Keefe said he would have supported the work as long as it goes through the proper protocols and “not skipping the line” of other projects and will bring more housing to the area.
O’Keefe also discussed the funding from Blueprint dollars for the FAMU and FSU stadiums. He said he did not support funds going to Doak Campbell Stadium.
“I am not in favor of giving taxpayer dollars to sports arenas and programs. I think we have priorities in our community that need help and need resources,” O’Keefe said. He added that he would like to have seen the funds for FAMU go to the businesses that operate around FAMU.
Stewart also asked O’Keefe’s opinion on expanding the urban service area that was recently passed on the south side of Tallahassee.
O’Keefe suggested that local governments should get out and discuss the subject with the citizens in the area, then vote according to the majority consensus.
“I am not no growth,” O’keefe said. “I am for smart growth. We need growth. We need affordable housing, and we cannot do that without increasing the supply of housing.”
Concerning crime and gun violence in Leon County, O’Keefe said that we don’t necessarily need more law enforcement driving around in cars. Instead, he believes law enforcement agents becoming more immersed in the community is more impactful, for example, a police officer “walking the beat and knowing your neighbors.”
O’Keefe says he is the best candidate for the commission seat as he is a trustworthy individual who understands finances and how to use resources effectively to tackle the crucial issues facing Leon County.
Leon County Commission Candidate David O’Keefe Headed to General Election in District 5 added by Lynsey Kirk on
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@ Matthew… you’ve scored another point for your candidate with me for responding. For the record, I agree with your candidates position on these handouts. I would have preferred that they were offered as low or no interest loans, not giveaways. Perhaps your candidate might consider that concept as a potential recommended change to the BP governance, should he be honored with a win this November.
Perhaps Mr. O’Keefe might consider expanding his thoughts on this on his website. And might I recommend he avoid any separation (or perception thereof) on the issue with respect to FSU/FAMU/TCC when responding to questions about it. Many of the local candidates railed only about the FSU handout… which indicates a propensity to support an unequal or selective application to the BP law/governance.
You can rest assured that I have and will attend as many candidate forums as possible, and I will reach out with questions and clarification requests. I am a resident of District 5 and an NPA Super-Voter as well. Again, kudos to you for responding to my questions on your candidate’s behalf.
on things he hasn’t** talked
Typo, sorry
He is a weasel. A progressive soft on crime weasel. He couldn’t answer my question.
Yes, I would tell it to his face. He is a weasel.
@Mr. Lyle
Sure thing. I do not believe there is a misprint — the response “I am not in favor of giving taxpayer dollars to sports arenas and programs” was to Steve’s question as to whether or not we supported giving away funds for any 3 sports projects. I feel he wrote it up right, and our answer on the radio show confirms what I am saying.
I don’t want to speak on Steve’s behalf, and he is more than welcome to chime in, but it is my perception that he emphasized FSU over FAMU/TCC in his paragraph because that seems to be the thing everyone is asking about. But, yes, David’s position on these issues remains cohesive. He rejects economic dollar giveaways for college sports, carte blanche. As I said, you can hear us get asked that question, and hear our response to it on the radio show.
Re the other policy question: I can’t speak for David on things he has talked about himself. I do know that he would like to answer it, so please reach out to him via email, or come to the next District 5 forum and ask away. I don’t plan on making comments on articles covering our race as I do recognize the thick skin part (and thank you for clarifying on that), but did want to respond to you on that one Blueprint issue, as I feel strongly about standing on our record. Thanks.
@ Matthew,
“I do not, however, appreciate you calling a good man a weasel behind a computer screen, nor commenting on his integrity and conviction based on something you are either misunderstanding or misrepresenting.”
I totally 100% agree with you!
@ Matthew… I appreciate the opportunity to clarify and/or seek clarification. Unless TR has a misprint, Mr. O’Keefe was asked about “both” the FAMU and FSU handouts, to wit:
~ O’Keefe also discussed the funding from Blueprint dollars for the FAMU and FSU stadiums. He said he did not support funds going to Doak Campbell Stadium.
Question: Presuming that Mr. O’Keefe adheres to the principle of equal application of the law/governance… why does Mr. O’Keefe flat-out disagree with the FSU handout, but finesse his opinion on the FAMU handout? Furthermore, what solution and/or changes to the Blue Print Governance does Mr. O’Keefe have in mind – and will put forward if elected – to assure that this practice is stopped going forward?
As for my other comment you reference… notwithstanding the necessity for thick skin when seeking public office, you’ll note the general reference to all candidates with the use of the word “they” – as has been my stance with all candidates regarding this particular matter.
That said; with respect to all candidates for public office, I have every intention of giving both Mr. O’Keefe and Ms. DeBoles-Johnson a deep researching, and a good and fair consideration when deciding where my vote shall go. However, you have scored a point for him with me… for the courage to post here and seek clarification. You’ll score another with a response to my request in-kind.
Hey Mr. Lyle. I’m a volunteer with David’s campaign. Think there might be a bit of confusion here. Not sure if that’s on our end or what, but I figured it was worth a response.
I’m reading the same excerpts from the interview that you are and am seeing that Steve accurately quoted our campaign’s position — that economic development dollars should not go to athletic programs, regardless of who is asking for it. Not really lining up to me where you found us specifically targeting any one giveaway. I appreciate the chance to clarify though!
I do not, however, appreciate you calling a good man a weasel behind a computer screen, nor commenting on his integrity and conviction based on something you are either misunderstanding or misrepresenting. Please feel free to listen to our whole interview with Steve on his radio show, where we had a great time having discussions about these very issues, which I am linking below (I am the guy on the couch!) Feel free to shoot us an email at david@davidforleon.com as well. Thanks and have a good rest of your week.
https://www.facebook.com/emailmattrogers/videos/432002215525324
@ Pat A… I read the same thing into his response. That concerns me… not to mention this total contradiction…
~ He said he did not support funds going to Doak Campbell Stadium.
followed by…
“I am not in favor of giving taxpayer dollars to sports arenas and programs.”
Once again, they whine ONLY about the FSU handout, and dance around or completely ignore the FAMU handout. This shows me he’s pandering to racial voter demographics. I’m not interested in weasels… I favor conviction and honesty.
He is weak on crime.
Your headline is very misleading. He’s in a RUNOFF because he couldn’t win. Your partisanship is showing.