A local media outlet recently addressed the partisanship of candidates running for local non-partisan races. With most local candidates registered as Democrats, this guide does little for voters who are looking for contrast among the candidates.
Given the current debate with the Democratic party over the role of candidates associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), TR took a look at the statements and actions by the local candidates and developed an ideology guide to Tallahassee’s city commission elections.
An ideology continuum helps explain policy differences related to how ideologies approach taxation, regulation, public safety and social welfare, and whether leaders prioritize state control or individual freedoms.
Ideology Guide to Tallahassee’s City Commission Elections
Democrat Socialists
For City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and city commission candidate seat 3 candidate Max Herrle the record is clear. Matlow has publicly embraced NYC Mayor Mamdani, a member of the DSA. In addition, Matlow’s view on law enforcement and his support of a police abolitionist is consistent with DSA views.
Max Herrle has declared his allegiance to the DSA during a political forum.
P.J Perez, like Dot Inman-Johnson, have been reluctant to answer questions from TR. However, Perez and Matlow had the same campaign manager, Kris Estanga – who falls into the Democratic Socialist category. Both Perez and Inman-Johnson are being supported by Matlow and Matlow’s aide Ryan Ray. And finally, Perez and Inman-Johnson policy positions are almost identical to Matlow’s platform.
Mayoral candidate, current city commissioner, Jeremy Matlow
City Commission Seat 3 candidate Max Herrle
City Commission Seat 3 candidate P.J. Perez
City Commission Seat 5 candidate Dot Inman-Johnson
Liberal Democrat
The candidates below provided answers to questions that were more in line with traditional liberal Democrats.
Mayoral candidate Loranne Ausley
City Commission Seat 5 candidate Tony Hill
City Commission Seat 3 candidate Darryl Alfred
City Commission Seat 3 candidate Talethia Edwards
Liberal-Moderate
The candidates below have provided answers related to economic growth during the campaign that move them from the Liberal category to the Liberal-Moderate category. In addition, Williams-Cox has a voting record related to law enforcement that supports this ideological assignment.
Mayoral candidate, Daryl Parks
City Commission Seat 5 candidate, current city commissioner, Dianne Williams-Cox
Moderate
All three candidates in this category have provided answers during the political forums related to economic growth and the 3-2 split that indicate that their governing beliefs are Moderate. Also, answers on law enforcement questions and tax policy indicate City Commission Seat 3 candidate Norm Roche leans more towards the Moderate-Conservative label than the other candidates in this category.
Mayoral candidate Michael Foust
City Commisssion Seat 3 candidate, Tom Derzypolski
City Commission Seat 3 candidate Norm Roche
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